Watershed management problems areusually quite diverse, and involve a wide range ofbiological, geological, chemical, and physical processeswith complex human, social, and economic contexts. Theworking note seeks to show that computer modeling allows usto better organize, test, and refine our thinking aboutwatershed management problems and potential solutions.Typically, the flow of water leads modeling to be organizedinto the following areas: (i) precipitation and climatemodels; (ii) precipitation-runoff models; (iii) stream andaquifer models; (iv) infrastructure operations models; (v)economic, agronomic, social, environmental demand andperformance models; and (vi) decision-making models.Selecting the right model to apply to specific problemsrequires that several factors be considered along with theobjectives for modeling in the context of the field decisionproblem. Key factors include understandability, developmentand application time, resources required, transferabilityand maintenance. Good modeling is common-sense andunderstanding reduced to calculation for the purposes ofgaining insights into a real problem. Modeling should aiddiscussions, help thinking and provide insights to problemswhere individuals and interests struggle to understand theproblem and struggle to work together to address a problem.To aid model development and the interpretation andcommunication of modeling and model results and insights,simplicity is a great virtue. While complex problemssometimes require complex models, shedding of unneededcomplexity is important. Local and in-house expertise ispreferred when developing and applying watershed modelsbecause of better familiarity with the problems assessed.Model integration is a growing trend but requires as muchexpertise and resources as development of any single model component.
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