Abstract

Watershed Assessment Model (WAM). Applications in Florida
Track: Water Resources
Authors: Del Bottcher

The Watershed Assessment Model (WAM) is a GIS based model that simulates the complex hydrology and water quality responses within a catchment based on detailed watershed characterization data. WAM was first developed in the 1980's to take advantage of the spatial datasets that were just coming available. Today, WAM is a fully integrated ArcMap application where watershed characterization data can be easily imported, edited and simulation results easily review via the ArcMap interface. The conceptual design of WAM, its ArcMap interface and data structure, and recent applications in Florida will be presented. The presented model applications will focus on the recent use of the model and how useful it has been for assessing alternative abatement strategies for restoring the water quality entering Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Everglades. WAM has been used to simulate approximately one third of Florida for various water quality assessments including the establishment of several TMDLs.