Reservoir Operations & Water Allocation Model: New York City Delaware River Basin Reservoirs

Abstract

The New York City (NYC) reservoirs in the Delaware River Basin are essential sources for goods and services, such as drinking water supply, recreation, power generation, and a host of ecosystem services. The reservoirs are located at the headwaters of the Delaware River, which supply water to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. However, the river is vulnerable to water shortages under changing climate conditions and needs to be managed wisely. This study developed a hydrologic model within the Stella modeling software for the NYC reservoirs to determine how historical reservoir management policies perform at meeting water demands in the basin and out-of-basin. The model provides information to better understand the interconnected effects of demands from water use sectors under different climate conditions, and to help addressing water shortages under water-stressed conditions. The model simulates reservoir releases based on inflows to reservoirs, water demand by sectors and historical reservoir management policies. The model predictions were compared with historical data to assure that the model was operating in the designed manner. The impact of this study extends directly to decision makers for water resources management, and stakeholders who rely on water resources in the basin.