The performance of WEAP model in hydrologic simulation of Aland watershed

Utilizing hydrological models allows for the correct and sustainable planning of water resources management. In this research, with the aim of simulating the flow of the Aland watershed (located in the Aras river basin) as a watershed under the influence of human activities, the WEAP model was developed, calibrated and validated. For this purpose, an 11-year statistical period (2001 to 2011) was used to calibrate and a five-year period (2011 to 2016) was used to validate the model. The model simulation results at the basin outlet showed statistical indices of the coefficient of determination and Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) were 0.96 and 0.85, in the calibration period, respectively, and during the validation period there were 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. These results indicate the good performance of the WEAP model in simulating hydrologic behavior, including rainfall-runoff, base flow, groundwater and other components of the water balance of the Aland watershed. In this research, the simulation results of drinking water supply scenario from the Agh Chay Dam indicate a reduction in groundwater level drop and an increase in the volume of aquifer at an annual rate of 5.4 million cubic meters.