🧪 What is WASP?

The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) is a dynamic compartment-modeling tool developed and maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It helps simulate and predict water quality responses to both natural phenomena and human-induced pollution.

🌊 Key Features

  • Modeling Dimensions: Supports 1D, 2D, and 3D aquatic systems.

  • Pollutant Types: Handles conventional pollutants (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, dissolved oxygen), organic chemicals, metals, mercury, pathogens, and temperature.

  • Linked Models: Can integrate with hydrodynamic and sediment transport models for enhanced realism.

  • Modules:

  • Advanced Eutrophication: Includes sediment diagenesis to simulate oxygen demand and nutrient fluxes.

  • Toxic Chemical Dynamics: Models fate and transport of contaminants like PCBs and heavy metals.

🛠️ Applications

  • TMDL Development: Widely used for Total Maximum Daily Load assessments.

  • Environmental Impact Studies: Applied to major U.S. estuaries and rivers, including: Delaware River/Estuary, Tampa Bay, FL, Lake Okeechobee, FL, Neuse River Estuary, NC, Potomac Estuary, MD Savannah River, GA

📊 Tools & Interfaces

  • Preprocessor: Simplifies data input via spreadsheets or databases.
  • Post-Processor (WRDB): Visualizes model predictions with spatial grids and x/y plots for calibration and analysis.

🧑‍🔬 Intended Users

  • Environmental engineers and scientists
  • Regulatory agencies
  • Researchers in water quality and aquatic systems

📥 Availability

  • Current Version: WASP 8.50
  • Supported OS: Windows 7+, Mac OSX, Linux (Ubuntu)
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🛠️ Integration & Flexibility

  • WASP is modular and can link with hydrodynamic models like EFDC for 2D/3D flow simulation.
  • QUAL2K uses Excel-based input and is easier to set up but limited to steady-state conditions.
  • CE-QUAL-W2 is ideal for vertically stratified systems and has faster run times for long simulations.
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🧩 Use Case Scenarios

  • WASP: Ideal for modeling eutrophication, toxicant fate, and sediment interactions in complex systems.
  • QUAL2K: Great for regulatory snapshots or TMDL development in small rivers.
  • CE-QUAL-W2: Best for long/narrow reservoirs with vertical gradients and seasonal dynamics.