Calibration of HSPF Using Active Ground Water Storage

The Hydrologic Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF) is a comprehensive surface water simulation model frequently applied in the modeling of rainfall-runoff relationships. HSPF can be used to analyze the quantity and quality of streamflow, reservoir system operations, ground water development and protection, surface water and ground water conjunctive use management, water distribution systems, water use, and a range of water resources management activities. However, in order to improve the assessment of these activities in shallow ground water settings, the model needs to be reliably calibrated for ground water contribution. Little guidance is provided in the literature concerning the manner of this contribution. In fact, the most common calibration of HSPF uses subjective parameter fitting and focuses on the attainment of statistical goodness of fit of runoff fluxes and water levels, ignoring ground water components. The goal of this research was to develop a new method for calibrating HSPF using observed water table records. In this study, HSPF was applied on a small mining area in west-central Florida and calibrated by comparing active ground water storage to well elevation records in grassed land and forested land covers. The study showed that improved calibration of the model can be achieved if active ground water storage (AGWS) and well records are compared for timing and magnitude of fluctuations.