Evaluating Alternatives for Capacity Expansion: Ensuring Reliable Water for the Portland, Oregon, Area

by Richard Palmer,
David Parkinson,
Sumaya Haddadin,
Dennis Kessler,
Lorna Stickel,
Joseph Dovorak,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: WRPMD'99: Preparing for the 21st Century

Abstract:

(No paper) The Portland Water Bureau is currently evaluating its water supply expansion alternatives. Like many water bureaus responsible for supplying water to both in-city customers and outlying suburbs, it faces rapidly increasing regional demands in the future. Water supply challenges include expanding water supply sources, maintaining water quality, meeting new environmental flows, and expanding and enhancing its water transmission system. This paper describes computer simulation models used to evaluate alternatives to meet Portland's water supply challenges. The process used to generate broad alternatives with stakeholder input is first described. Next, the incorporation of these alternatives into a simulation model is discussed. Alternatives include changes in current system operation, expansion of current reservoir storage, additional water treatment, expansion of groundwater, and the construction of a major new dam. The model uses historic streamflows, demand forecasts and alternative system configurations to determine the reliability and potential impacts of the identified supply source alternatives. Finally, an optimization model is used to time system transmission expansion to cost-effectively deliver the new sources of water to meet expanding water demands. Water Bureau staff are using the results from this model to identify the most promising alternatives for public review.

Subject Headings: Water supply | Water supply systems | Water quality | Optimization models | Water resources | Simulation models | Computer models | Oregon | United States

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