Developing Artificial Neural Networks to Represent Salinity Intrusions in the Delta

Impacts of 1 ft and 2ft sea level rise on Delta operations and salinity increases at export locations are quantified in this memo. California Department of Water Resources (DWR) uses many numerical models to study the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta operations. Delta Simulation Model (DSM2) was used to calculate the salinity at some key locations in the Delta and to train Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for each of the sea level rise scenarios. ANNs generated here are flow salinity relationships that calculate electrical conductivity (EC) at a given location using Delta boundary flows. CalSim II (Central Valley Project and State Water Project operation model) was used to determine the extra cost of water to mitigate the sea level rise. In this study current operation rules specified in State Water Resources Control Board's (SWRCB) Water Right Decision 1641 (D 1641) were assumed unchanged.