Alternative Futures Modeling to Predict Water Availability in the Treasure Valley, Idaho

The Project

Using an integrative, agent-based modeling approach, we are exploring how the twin stresses of climate change and increased population will influence water use and availability for the Treasure Valley into the Future. With down-scaled climate change projections and anticipated population growth, we are conducting simulations of hydrological processes governing water behavior through the year 2100. The model explicitly integrated both physical processes (like evaporation and precipitation) with human influences like irrigation and policies dictating water allocation and land use. This effort will produce plausible scenarios of water use and availability and enable stakeholders to make the better decisions now to prepare for the future.

The Team

Shawn Benner, Boise State University

Other Collaborators:
Bangshuai Han, Ball State University

Funding Sources