Final DSM2 Extension for the California Aqueduct, South Bay Aqueduct, and Delta-Mendota Canal Phase 2 Analysis Prepared for State Water Contractors and Department of Water Resources’ Municipal Water Quality Investigation Program June 2008 2485 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 600 Sacramento, CA9 5833 Final DSM2 Extension for the California Aqueduct, South Bay Aqueduct, and Delta-Mendota Canal Phase 2 Analysis Submitted to State Water Contractors and Department of Water Resources’ Municipal Water Quality Investigation Program June 2008 Contents Section Page Abbreviations and Acronyms .......................................................................................................... v 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 1-1 Background .......................................................................................................................... 1-1 Purpose of Phase 2 work .................................................................................................... 1-2 2. Task 1: Tracer Tests for Determination of Travel Time....................................................... 2-1 Approach .............................................................................................................................. 2-1 Summary of Task 1 Results................................................................................................ 2-2 3. Task 2: Analysis of San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay............................................. 3-1 Approach .............................................................................................................................. 3-1 Summary of Task 2 Results................................................................................................ 3-2 4. Task 3: Planning Simulation Mode ......................................................................................... 4-1 Approach .............................................................................................................................. 4-1 Summary of Task 3 Results................................................................................................ 4-2 5. Task 4: Forecast Mode Implementation Plan......................................................................... 5-1 Review of Current Forecasting Activities ........................................................................ 5-1 Summary of Implementation Plan.................................................................................... 5-1 Limitations of Forecasting Model ..................................................................................... 5-7 6. Conclusions and Recommendations........................................................................................ 6-1 Task 1 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................... 6-1 Task 2 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................... 6-1 Task 3 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................... 6-2 Task 4 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................... 6-2 Appendices A Task 1 Technical Memorandum B Task 2 Technical Memorandum C Task 3 Technical Memorandum D Task 4 Technical Memorandum E DSM2 Model Schematic F SWP Maps SAC/347381/081680011 (DSM2_EXT_P2_FINAL_REPORT.DOC) iii Abbreviations and Acronyms Aqueduct California Aqueduct CDEC California Data Exchange Center cfs cubic feet per second CVO CVP Operations Office CVP Central Valley Project DMC Delta-Mendota Canal DSM2 Delta Salinity Model 2 DSM2 Aqueduct Model DSM2 California Aqueduct Extension Model DSS data storage system EC electrical conductivity IEP Interagency Ecological Program MWQI Municipal Water Quality Investigation RMS root mean square RTDF real-time data and forecasting SWP State Water Project SWP OCO DWR SWP Operations Control Office TDS total dissolved solids SAC/347381/081680011 (DSM2_EXT_P2_FINAL_REPORT.DOC) v SECTION 1 Introduction In view of their increased reliance on the State Water Project (SWP), the State Water Contractors realize the importance of developing water quality planning and forecasting simulation capabilities for the California Aqueduct (Aqueduct). This report summarizes the work conducted under the Phase 2 analysis of the Delta Simulation Model 2 (DSM2) Extension for the California Aqueduct, South Bay Aqueduct, and Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) systems. This report contains a brief review of work conducted under Phase 1 and summaries for each of the four tasks conducted under Phase 2. The individual technical memorandums prepared for each of the four Phase 2 tasks are included in Appendices A through D. A schematic of the DSM2 California Aqueduct Extension Model (DSM2 Aqueduct Model) is included as Appendix E. Maps of the overall SWP and detailed maps of relevant divisions are provided as Appendix F. The Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Municipal Water Quality Investigation (MWQI) program is interested in developing the capability to do real-time data and forecasting (RTDF) of short- and long-term water quality. The objective is to develop water quality planning and forecasting simulation capabilities, which are currently only available for the Delta. Possible future applications of this model could also include DMC recirculation studies, where this model would be connected with the Delta and San Joaquin DSM2 modules. Background The Phase 1 model was constructed and calibrated for flow and water quality for a 3-year period (January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2003).1 The model includes the main branch of the Aqueduct, the East Branch through Silverwood Lake, the West Branch through Pyramid Lake, the South Bay Aqueduct through the Santa Clara Tank, and the DMC to the Mendota Pool. The Coastal Branch is treated as a diversion in the model; it is not specifically modeled. The model performs well for a wide range of expected flows and salinity conditions. Calibration showed acceptable reproduction of flows, water surface elevations, and salinity transport. The difficulties with calibration are predominantly associated with the quality of the supporting data used for the boundary conditions, the lack of data for stormwater and other episodic inflows to the system, and the representation of San Luis Reservoir as a completely mixed water body. The Phase 1 report included several recommendations for further improvement and application of the DSM2 Extension for the California Aqueduct. 1 CH2M HILL. 2005. DSM2 Extension for the California Aqueduct, South Bay Aqueduct, and Delta-Mendota Canal. Sacramento, CA. June. SAC/347381/081680011 (DSM2_EXT_P2_FINAL_REPORT.DOC) 1-1 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Purpose of Phase 2 work The second phase of development and analysis with the DSM2 Aqueduct Model included four tasks developed upon the results and recommendations of the Phase 1 analysis. The purpose of Phase 2 was to investigate ways to improve the DSM2 Aqueduct Model developed in Phase 1 and then extend the usefulness of the tool through development of a planning mode and a forecasting mode application. These four tasks were conducted in Phase 2: • Task 1: Tracer tests for determination of travel time • Task 2: Analysis of San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay • Task 3: Development of planning simulation mode • Task 4: Development of forecast mode implementation plan The following four sections of this report provide an overview of each Phase 2 task that includes a general discussion of the approach and a summary of results. 1-2 SAC/347381/081680011 (DSM2_EXT_P2_FINAL_REPORT.DOC) SECTION 2 Task 1: Tracer Tests for Determination of Travel Time This task investigated the travel time of a numerical tracer slug through the system for 10 specific flow conditions expected to represent the full range of possible flow conditions in the California Aqueduct. The model developed under Phase I of this project was used to complete this task. The purpose was to determine the travel time through the aqueduct for the full range of operational flows for use in water quality planning and/or emergency response coordination. Approach The calibrated Phase 1 DSM2 Aqueduct Model was used to estimate travel times of a numerical tracer slug through the aqueduct system. Historical flow records at various locations along the aqueduct were analyzed to determine appropriate flows for use in the tracer simulations. Two sets of five model runs were made representing the full range in expected flow conditions through the system; the first set was based on flows through Dos Amigos Pumping Plant, and the second set was based on flows through Banks Pumping Plant. Together, the 10 simulations identify the travel time from the Banks Pumping Plant to the terminal reservoirs. Results of the model simulations were presented in tabular and graphical format. Summary tables indicate the travel time to each major system component (check structures, reservoirs, and pumping plants). Travel time through the aqueduct system is primarily a function of flow rate, considering the constant-volume method in which the system is operated. Channel flow rates depend on the pumping flows and the channel diversions. Flow rates at Banks Pumping Plant and Dos Amigos Pumping Plant are the primary controlling influences for the majority of the system. The filling and release operations of San Luis Reservoir