Water-balance modelling of the Leschenault catchment

Research and analysis
Water Science Technical Series report WST 10 - Information on developing and calibrating a model capable of simulating the water-balance in the Leschenault catchment for current conditions
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This modelling project was aimed at quantifying monthly flows for the major rivers located in the Leschenault catchment for the period 1998 to 2007.

A new model was developed based on work by Zhang et al. (2005), who developed a simple monthly water-balance model driven by rainfall and potential evaporation. The model developed for the Leschenault catchment incorporated the modified drainage on the coastal plain and irrigation supply in the summer months. Zhang’s model was modified to include additional parameters, which account for deep-rooted vegetation and transpiration from the groundwater store.

The flow model has provided the basis for nutrient modelling work in 2009, which involved scenario based modelling of land use changes, improved riparian vegetation management and climate change.

Please download the document below.