CALSIM II Benchmark Studies 

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Version 1 (May 17th, 2002) 
As used for SWP Delivery Capability Report

Version 2 (September 30th, 2002)

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region (Reclamation) have jointly released CALSIM II Benchmark Studies of the State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP). CALSIM is a general water resources planning software developed by DWR.  CALSIM II, developed through a collaborative effort by DWR and Reclamation, represents a comprehensive simulation of the SWP and CVP.

Upon completion of the development of CALSIM II, sample studies were released for review and comment in September 2001.  Technical reviews were conducted and refinements made to the sample studies.  A preliminary version of a benchmark study was released for review and comment in December 2001.  This included a 2001 Level of Hydrology Benchmark Study (using Contra Costa Water District’s G-model for flow-salinity relationships in the Delta).  Technical reviews have continued and additional refinements have been made throughout the last year.

The technical reviews and refinements have been conducted by the Benchmark Study Team (BST) under the direction of the CALFED/DWR/USBR Technical Coordination Team (TCT), DWR and Reclamation management.  The TCT was formed early in 2001 to coordinate the efforts of various programs in the development of CALSIM II analyses of the water management options identified in the CALFED Record of Decision.  The BST was formed following the release of the sample studies in September 2001.

 This release includes study reports and input datasets for: Version 1 (May 17, 2002) and Version 2 (September 30, 2002) of the 2001 and 2020 Level of Hydrology Benchmark Studies (using DWR’s Artificial Neural Network model for flow-salinity relationships in the Delta).  The documentation includes a Benchmark Studies Assumptions document, which presents the assumptions used in the studies.

The assumptions in the Benchmark Studies and the limitations of the CALSIM II model must be thoroughly understood before undertaking a CALSIM II analysis.  In determining the suitability of this Benchmark Study for a particular analysis, the user should incorporate engineering judgment, review the study reports, and consider consulting with the TCT before proceeding.  Technical review and refinement of the benchmark studies will continue.  Public comments, information regarding upcoming public workshops and additional information requests should be directed to the TCT, DWR or Reclamation planning departments (contact information follows).  A description of planned improvements that are being pursued by the BST has been included in this release. Four areas to note in the planned improvements are: 1) CVP/SWP Forecasting and Allocation procedures; 2) CVPIA 3406(b)(2) operations; 3) Environmental Water Account operations; and 4) Delta flow-salinity relationships.

 CALSIM II provides a reasonable planning level simulation of existing project operations, recognizing that the operating environment and regulatory requirements for the projects are in a constant state of transition and change.  Since CALSIM II is not a detailed operations model, it does not capture many of the complexities of forecasted and actual operations of project facilities.  In determining the suitability of these studies to a particular analysis, the user should consult all documentation that accompanies this release and the TCT and BST as appropriate.

For additional information, please contact:
Lloyd Peterson, Mid Pacific Region Bureau of Reclamation at:  lpeterson@mp.usbr.gov
                                                                                                          (916) 978-5075
Sushil Arora, California Department of Water Resources at:      sushil@water.ca.gov 
                                                                                                          ( 916) 653-7921