Abstract/Summary

The water balance provides a framework through which to study the interactions between the elements of the hydrologic cycle. This paper presents a simple model for evaluating the components of the urban water balance based on standard climate data and easily obtained parameters to describe the site. The time scale can be varied from 1 day to at least 1 year depending on the availability of appropriate input data and the form of the evapotranspiration submodel chosen. The evapotranspiration model proposed is of the combination type with modifications to allow for application to the suburban environment. An important methodological concept throughout the model is the recognition that a suburban area can be subdivided into three discrete surface types for hydroclimate purposes (impervious, pervious unirrigated, and pervious irrigated). Presented in this paper is an outline of the model, sensitivity analyses, and information for its implementation.