Watershed Models for Stormwater Management: A Review for Better Selection and Application

Abstract

Many watershed models are available today and those are diverse with various complexities, strengths, and weaknesses. The objective is to review available watershed models for stormwater management and provide useful information and understanding of those for the end users, particularly the managers, so that an informed decision in selecting a model suitable for an application can be derived. Twenty one watershed models simulating storm event runoff including sediment and chemicals were reviewed and evaluated resulting in the development of four matrices: (1) model summaries, (2) model complexities, (3) relative accuracies, and (4) ease of model use. Emphasis was placed on theoretical bases, sophistication levels, and relative accuracies. The evaluations documented in the matrices are informative and useful to the managers, however, should be considered qualitative and only used in preliminary screening.