Alternate: Applications of the Integrated Surface Water & Groundwater Model StormWise Across the United States

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the applications and bene-fits of the StormWise (previously called ICPR4) hydrologic and hydraulic model software. This software originates in Florida but is continuously used nation-wide for stormwater planning and design projects, including in Texas. The software includes the option for integrated 1D or 2D sur-face water hydraulics in combination with a 2D groundwater framework. An overview of the soft-ware will be provided, along with multiple stormwater-related projects, including stormwater master planning and green infrastructure siting, coastal compound flooding, long-term climate assessments, and continuous hydroperiod assessments of wetland restorations. In this presentation we will argue in support of a dynamic 2D groundwater component for certain stormwater ap-plications, such as looking at compound flooding in coastal communities (as sea-levels rise, so do groundwater) and long-term continuous simulations including evapotranspiration. Our presentation will begin with an overview of stormwater and H&H modeling, including more commonly used software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, and InfoWorks ICM, including integrated or coupled models and how they can account for groundwater. Challenges will be identified with these software, especially within the nexus of industry trends. Projects that call for continuous simulations, long-term climate analysis, wetland restoration and green stormwater infrastructure design all have clear benefits with knowing how the groundwater and surface water will change over time and due to a proposed project. Finally, we will provide project examples that success-fully utilized the software and offer benefits and challenges. Benefits: This presentation will provide a unique, yet highly relevant, overview of a software's capabilities to both Texas-based and national stormwater professionals. As our profession advances, the tools we use to analyze and alleviate stormwater and flooding problems are constantly evolving. 2D surface water modeling is becoming a more common and readily available option, but inclusion of 2D groundwater hydraulics is still relatively new and underutilized. The goal of the presentation is to provide project examples of how a 2D surface water - groundwater model can improve our understanding of stormwater management. The audience should walk away from this presentation with a solid foundation of integrated surface water & groundwater modeling and be able to identify projects and stormwater management issues that could benefit from this type of advanced analysis. Status of Completion: The presentation will provide an overview of an existing software and will then provide project examples to highlight the applications where it provides the most benefits. Many of the example projects are completed, but some are on-going at the time of this abstract. Project are wide ranging in both location and authority, including state water management districts, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the National Resource Conservation Service, and multiple counties and municipalities. Conclusion: Advanced forms of H&H modeling, such as integrated surface water & groundwater models, have clear benefits to improve certain stormwater management projects and problems. This presentation intends to shed light on the software and provide tools and examples for the audience.