WATER SUPPLY PLANNING AND SIMULATION SOFTWARE PACKAGE-REALM

Abstract

REALM (REsource ALlocation Model) is a generalised computer simulation package thatmodels harvesting and bulk distribution of water resources within a water supply system. Awide range of operating rules can be modelled either directly or indirectly by exploiting theattributes of node and carrier types that are used to configure the system. It uses a fastnetwork linear programming algorithm to optimise the water allocation within the networkduring each simulation time step, in accordance with user-defined operating rules.REALM has strong water allocation capabi Iities but with limited water quality features.Nevertheless, these water quality-modelling capabilities are sufficient to model the waterquality issues experienced in most urban water supply and irrigation systems. REALM hasbeen developed and enhanced in response to user requirements and feedback from theusers, and therefore has developed into a comprehensive tool for water supply planning andmanagement. It has been used to model the planning and management of sustainable watersystems, and environmental now requirements. This paper describes the main features ofREALM so that the potential users will have an appreciation of its capabilities. It alsodescribes a case study dealing with main features.