The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has created and maintains a database of the amount of surface water available for allocation for most of the waters of the state. The database is used to evaluate applications for new uses of surface water. Water availability is the amount of water that can be appropriated from a given point on a given stream for new out-of-stream consumptive uses. It is obtained by subtracting existing in-stream water rights and out-of-stream consumptive uses from the natural stream flow.
Surface Water Information Modeling System (SWIMS) Development
OWRD is developing the Surface Water Information Modeling System (SWIMS) to update the current water availability modeling framework known as the (Surface) Water Availability Reporting System, or WARS.
SWIMS will calculate water availability and summarize streamflow and water use for watersheds across the state. Information from this new system is expected to be available in January 2030.
SWIMS will utilize remote sensing technology as a more modern approach to quantify water use. The information produced by SWIMS will reflect streamflow conditions from 1991 to 2020.
To further inform model development, OWRD’s stream gage network is being expanded with 10 new gages to collect additional data. Additionally, historical streamflow records are being published to provide quality information needed to accurately calculate water supply.
Development of the SWIMS model will be informed through hydrologic investigations, including data analysis and literature review, and consultation with subject matter experts through formation of a technical advisory group (TAG).
The TAG consists of state and regional experts in data science, hydrologic modeling, and watershed analysis. They will provide feedback to inform model development and establish support for a scientifically defensible product.
For more information about this project, please contact:
Ryan Andrews, Project Manager
971-301-1495