Modeling the environment

A computer model is a representation of some part of the environment that helps us understand and predict potential changes. Weather forecasting, for example, relies on computer models.

We develop these mathematical tools to represent water systems, like a river or Puget Sound. They help us understand what factors contribute to problems in these waters and plan a course of action to manage the relevant factors.

Tools & resources for modeling

We use several tools, some developed by us and some developed by others. Each tool needs to be customized for a certain body of water. Many of these tools are used to identify sources of pollution in water quality improvement plans, or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies. Several of our tools are used all over the world.

Models and tools for water quality improvement links to many tools used in modeling TMDL water-cleanup plans. Also, you can download the models.

Modeling projects and tools

Computer models applied to Puget Sound help us understand if a water cleanup plan is needed. These tools allow us to predict what Puget Sound might look like without the effects of different factors.

Salish Sea model describes a tool for studying dissolved oxygen levels in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.
Focus on: Water Quality Modeling in Puget Sound is a publication that describes the models being used in Puget Sound.
Salish Sea model publications include reports about modeling.

Models and tools for water quality improvement contains links to software and spreadsheet tools used in our freshwater modeling projects.
Tieton River and Lower Naches Temperature Study, 2004 and 2015 describes QUAL2Kw predictive temperature models developed by scientists in our Central Region Office.
Tekoa Wastewater Treatment Plant Dissolved Oxygen, pH, and Nutrients Receiving Water Study describes temperature (rTemp) and dissolved oxygen/pH (RMA) models developed by scientists in our Eastern Region Office.
Quality Assurance Project Plan: Puget Sound Spatially Referenced Regression on Watershed Attributes (SPARROW) is a collaborative plan between us and the United States Geological Survey to develop watershed nitrogen and phosphorus loading estimates for waters draining to the Salish Sea.

Spreadsheet Models for Determining the Influence of Land Applications of Fertilizer on Underlying Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations can be used to quantitatively predict the impact of residual or excess farm-field soil nitrate or mass balance residual on the concentration of nitrate in underlying shallow groundwater. The spreadsheet itself is included as an appendix in the publication summary webpage for this report.

Contact information

Cristiana Figueroa-Kaminsky
Modeling & TMDL Manager
c.figueroa-kaminsky@ecy.wa.gov
360-764-9936