TVA'S Use of Computers in Water Resource Management

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is currently making significant use of computers and associated models for decision support in managing and operating their large system of reservoirs and power facilities. Current uses include assistance in daily operation of the reservoir system, in which computers are used to collect data and execute essential operational programs. This system has allowed collection and processing of a broader scope and greater quantity of data, increased accuracy and accessibility to data, reduced tedious manual computations, and has provided more rapid evaluation of a large number of operational alternatives, all at reasonable cost. This results in a better information base for decision making, more rapid response to system changes, and better operational control. A key factor in the success of the implementation of the computer support system has been the close working relationship between the system developers and the operational staff. A number of computer models are also employed for operational planning, hydrodynamic modeling of rivers and reservoirs, water quality evaluation, and hydropower system optimization.