Define the hypothetical case
Consider a town drawing water from a river pool, with an off-river raw-water storage and a treatment plant. This is an illustrative study structure, not a model of a named town or a claim of verified project results.
Construct the baseline
- Represent river inflows, extraction rules, storage geometry and daily demand.
- Set usable storage relative to pump intake and minimum operating levels.
- Include evaporation and other material losses using documented assumptions.
- Run dry sequences and record the timing, duration and volume of shortfalls.
Compare interventions fairly
Test demand reduction, altered operating rules, additional usable storage and alternative sources using consistent inflows and initial conditions. Include the lead time and dependencies of emergency supply. Report both customer supply outcomes and downstream or environmental consequences.
Decision-ready outputs
- A water balance and assumptions register.
- Shortfall frequency, duration and severity by scenario.
- Trigger conditions and the time available to implement each response.
- A record of community, Aboriginal and environmental considerations.
Follow the water security guide and Source profile for supporting concepts.
Sources & further reading
- Western Regional Water Strategy ↗NSW Government · 2022 strategy; living overview
External source · Checked 24 September 2026 - Source: integrated water resource modelling ↗eWater Toolkit · Living technical overview
External source · Checked 24 September 2026 - Best Practice Modelling Guidelines ↗eWater · 2011
External source · Checked 24 September 2026
Source findings are distinguished from editorial interpretation. Apply current local criteria and project evidence when making engineering decisions.