Zhuping Sheng (Texas AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, Texas A&M University, El Paso, Texas), Phillip King (Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico), Ricardo Marmolejo (Texas AgriLife Research Center at El Paso, Texas A&M University, El Paso, Texas), and Shalamu Abudu (Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico)

Abstract: In this paper, the authors present a numerical model for simulation of surface water flow in the irrigation network, including the Rio Grande, canals and laterals and drains in the Paso del Norte region using the RiverWare. A conceptual layout was first established to simply the irrigation system in the region.
     The model development in the region has been evolved from a monthly time step flood planning model into a daily time step water operations planning model. Diversion and reach objects in the RiverWare are then used to represent hydrologic processes. Groundwater objects were used to simulated surface water and groundwater interaction in Rincon and Mesilla Valley. Rule sets was developed to representing flow split and supplemental groundwater pumping the El Paso lower valley. Different water operations scenarios can be simulated to further explore Best Management Practices for surface water delivery, especially under low flow conditions. It is anticipated modeling results can provide guidelines for irrigation districts to better manage its water delivery and conjunctively use both surface and groundwater resources as well as treated waste water in the region.