Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP)

• WASP Preprocessor
• Post Processor
• WASP Model Information
• File Download Information
• Contact
• Upcoming Workshop

The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) is an enhancement of the original WASP (Di Toro et al., 1983; Connolly and Winfield, 1984; Ambrose, R.B. et al., 1988). This model helps users interpret and predict water quality responses to natural phenomena and manmade pollution for various pollution management decisions. WASP is a dynamic compartment-modeling program for aquatic systems, including both the water column and the underlying benthos.

WASP allows the user to investigate 1, 2, and 3 dimensional systems, and a variety of pollutant types. The state variables for the given modules are given in the table below. The time varying processes of advection, dispersion, point and diffuse mass loading and boundary exchange are represented in the model. WASP also can be linked with hydrodynamic and sediment transport models that can provide flows, depths velocities, temperature, salinity and sediment fluxes. This release of WASP contains the inclusion of the sediment diagenesis model linked to the Advanced Eutrophication sub model, which predicted sediment oxygen demand and nutrient fluxes from the underlying sediments.

• eutrophication of Tampa Bay, FL;
• phosphorus loading to Lake Okeechobee, FL;
• eutrophication of the Neuse River Estuary, NC;
• eutrophication Coosa River and Reservoirs, AL;
• PCB pollution of the Great Lakes;
• eutrophication of the Potomac Estuary;
• kepone pollution of the James River Estuary;
• volatile organic pollution of the Delaware Estuary; 
• heavy metal pollution of the Deep River, North Carolina; and
• mercury in the Savannah River, GA.

WASP Preprocessor

The data preprocessor allows for the rapid development of input datasets. The ability to bring data into the model is as simple as cut and paste or queried from a database. The preprocessor provides detailed descriptions of all model parameters and kinetic constants. When linking WASP with hydrodynamic models it is as simple as pointing to the hydrodynamic linkage file.

• Import time series from WRDB, Spreadsheet, Text Files
• Automatically import hydrodynamic model interface information
• Multi-session capable
• Run time diagnosis

Post Processor

The Post-Processor (WRDB) provides an efficient method for reviewing model predictions and comparing them with field data for calibration. WRDB has the ability to display results from all of the WASP models as well as others. WRDB allows the modeler to displays the results in two graphical formats:

1. Spatial Grid . a two dimensional rendition of the model network is displayed in a window where the model network is color shaded based upon the predicted concentration.
2. x/y Plots -- generates an x/y line plot of predicted and/or observed model results in a window.

There is no limit on the number of x/y plots, spatial grids or even model result files the user can utilize in a session. Separate windows are created for each spatial grid or x/y plot created by the user.

WASP Model Information

File Download Information

Contact information

Please contact Chris Knightes (Knightes.Chris@epa.gov) with questions or comments on WASP.

Upcoming Workshop

October 28 - November 1, 2024

US EPA Region 4 and the National Water Modeling Workgroup will sponsor a 5-day workshop on water quality principles/modeling using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP). We are planning for approximately 40 people for this in-person only class at the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center in Atlanta, GA.

Please contact Catherine York (York.Catherine@epa.gov) for registration details.