Browsing Technical and Special Reports by Issue Date
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Nail, F.M. (Texas Water Resources Institute, January 1966)[more][less]
Abstract: This study involves four of the twelve major river basins of the state of Texas and is essentially a proposal to divert water from the Red River into the Trinity, Neches and Sabine River Basins. When first considered, it appears to be a rather unusual plan. It proposes to take water from the Red River at Lake Texoma, which is often of poor quality and in some areas of the basin scarce, and transport this water into a portion of the state that has an apparent abundance. There are, however, numerous advantages to this plan. First, a dependable supply of water Is made available to the upper reaches of the receiving basins without the cost of reservoir construction. It also creates a potential for peak period hydroelectric power generation and supplies the lower portion of the basins with an increased water supply which can be put to beneficial use. This may involve water quality control of municipal and industrial pollution, control of salt water intrusion, or redistribution. In an age of grandiose water supply schemes, e.g., the California Water Plan 2 and the preliminary Texas Water Plan,3 the cost of this proposal is very reasonable. Some of the disadvantages of this proposal are discussed briefly in the following paragraph. The Red River is an interstate stream; consequently, division of its waters among the states included in the basin must be by compact. Compact Commissioners representing the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, with a chairman representing the Federal Government, have been negotiating a Red River Compact. Most of the details have been worked out and the draft of this agreement is being reviewed by federal and state agencies. The Red River Compact will then need approval by the legislatures of each of the states and by the Congress before it will become effective. Until final arrangements have been made concerning the allocation of water, the proposed diversion cannot legally be made. Since the quality of the Red River water has been poor much of the time, the Corps of Engineers has begun work to alleviate the natural salt pollution. The states concerned have agreed to aid the Federal Government by close control of manmade pollutants. The quality of the Red River water is dependent upon these control programs. Finally, the development of this plan would require revision of the master plans for the specific basins because a number of existing reservoirs would be affected. If for no other reason, this study and the evolved proposal have been valuable as a training program for use of the many recently developed water resources planning techniques. In order to insure a sense of direction, it seems apropos to present a brief outline of the study procedure. Chapter II, entitled, "The Economic Development and Potential for the Red, Trinity, Neches and Sabine River Basins," is a general discussion of the economic factors as they are related to demand for water in each basin. In addition to a statewide outlook, a separate discussion for each basin is presented which includes future population projections. In closing this chapter, a table of the anticipated municipal and industrial water requirements is presented. Careful consideration of the information in this chapter is necessary for any type of water resources planning. The largest section in this study is Chapter III, "The Water Resources of the Neches and Red River Basins." A comprehensive investigation of the water resources of all the basins in the proposal would have been desirable; however, the work required would have approached development of a master plan for a major portion of the state of Texas Detailed examination and research of the donating basin and for a single receiving basin was considered adequate for the objectives of this study. The specific subtopics which were discussed are too numerous to list here and are available in the Table of Contents section. Chapter IV, "The Proposed Physical Plan," contains a description of the diversion facilities required to transfer excess surface water from Lake Texoma in the Red River basin to the three recipient basins. Chapter V, "Summary and Conclusions," contains a restatement of some of the major features of the proposal and suggestions for further research.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94845 Files in this item: 1
tr2.pdf (1.635Mb) -
Hudlow, M.D. (Texas Water Resources Institute, May 1966)[more][less]
Abstract: The report by the Committee on Surface Water Hydrology of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) (2) has pointed out that one of the areas in hydrology lacking adequate research is the investigation of runoff from small areas. As indicated by Meier (22, p. 55) and Barnes (4, p. 55), more work is needed for establishing lag time versus basin characteristics relationships Meier also stated that a method should be perfected for fitting unit hydrograph data to mathematical functions in order that computers can be used to generate synthetic unit hydrographs. This study has considered all three of these related areas.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94846 Files in this item: 1
tr3.pdf (1.660Mb) -
McBrayer, M.A. (Texas Water Resources Institute, July 1966)[more][less]
Abstract: Twenty-two shallow, reversed, seismic refraction profiles were conducted in the Brazos River floodplain to test the feasibility of using seismic methods to provide hydrogeologic information in this province. The specific objectives were to map the total and saturated thickness of the alluvial deposits and to outline gravel lenses within the alluvium. It was found that the water table was the only interface at which the acoustical properties of the deposits above and below changed sufficiently to be mapped by seismic methods. The alluvial deposits above the water transmitted compressional waves at an average velocity just greater than the velocity of sound in air. The saturated alluvial deposits transmitted seismic waves at an average velocity of slightly greater than the velocity of sound in water. The saturated alluvial deposits and the bedrock appear to have a continuous increase in velocity with depth rather than a significant change in acoustical characteristics. The seismic measurements in themselves could not delineate gravel lenses within the alluvium. However, the zones of greater permeability were indicated on the resulting contour map of the water table by the areas of gentle gradients. Zones of greater permeability in the alluvial deposits are probably gravel lenses.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94847 Files in this item: 1
tr4.pdf (1.540Mb) -
Clark, W.J. (Texas Water Resources Institute, November 1966)[more][less]
Abstract: This report is the result of a growing concern about the rate at which development of the water resources of Texas is outstripping biological and ecological knowledge of the aquatic environments concerned. Most Texas streams are already much modified by present impoundments, diversions, and pollution. The magnitude of proposed future development is evidenced by planning proposals published in 1961 by the Texas Board of Water Engineers (1) and in 1966 by its successor agency, the Texas Water Development Board (2). Although municipal, industrial, and agricultural water requirements currently have a preeminent role in planning water development, recreational considerations are becoming increasingly important. Factors which influence the quality and quantity of the aquatic biota have a profound effect on recreational potential, as well as on water quality aspects of other water uses. Thus far water resource development in Texas has proceeded with little information available on possible biological effects, and only general predictions can be made based on experience elsewhere. If data are going to be available which will enable effective consideration of biological problems to be made in the planning stages of water development projects, there must be sizable increases in the quantity and quality of aquatic research. The taxonomy and distribution of fresh water fishes in Texas are well known, but ecological data are scarce. Our knowledge of the taxonomy, distribution and ecology of other aquatic organisms in Texas is rudimentary. Baseline information giving data on stream populations prior to development modification is meager, in contrast to the abundant physical and chemical data provided by the United States Geological Survey, the Texas Water Development Board and other agencies. Additional research is still needed on many physical and chemical problems, however. The compilation contained herein has two objectives: (1) to be of assistance to those already working in the fields covered and (2) to provide a status report which may encourage and perhaps make easier the entry of new researchers into these fields. Primary emphasis has been placed on compiling the bibliographic material and on the personnel roster. The data on state and federal agencies and on courses offered at colleges and universities became available in the course of the investigation and has been included primarily to assist those new to the field in becoming oriented.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94848 Files in this item: 1
tr5.pdf (3.399Mb) -
Wixson, B.G. (Texas Water Resources Institute, December 1966)[more][less]
Abstract: Clean fresh water is the most precious natural resource available to mankind. People must have water for personal, municipal, industrial and recreational use. At the present time, most of the available fresh water in the United States is used in some way or another, treated and returned to streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs for reuse. Terrain, geographic location, climate and economics dictate that most of our usable fresh water be retained in lakes and reservoirs. This type of water storage allows for the greatest loss of water by evaporation. The increasing demand for municipal, industrial and recreational fresh water has set in motion a vast impoundment program in the United States that will accelerate water evaporation control measures in the immediate future. According to Smerdon,l water loss by evaporation in the United States actually exceeds by over 1O times the total amount of water needed for municipal and Industrial usage. In the United States alone, five billion acre-feet of water falls as precipitation each year. Of this amount over 3.5 billion gallons of water is returned to the atmosphere by evaporation or transpiration. Americans are now consuming 355 billion gallons of water per day and this amount is expected to increase to 6OO billion gallons per day by 198O. Home use of water represents less than 1O% of the national consumption. Nearly half of the water is used for irrigation and the remaining 4O% is used by industry. Water conservation is a necessity in arid states that have scant rainfall and high evaporation losses. Eaton 3 reported that approximately 11.5 million acre-feet of water is lost due to evaporation each year in our eleven western states. Scientists and engineers have considered many physical and chemical methods in an attempt to reduce water evaporation losses from lakes and reservoirs. One OT the new and most promising techniques is the application of a thin chemical film on the surface of the water to retard evaporation. An array of evaporation reduction chemicals has been utilized on reservoirs and lakes in different manners by Mansfield,4 Cruse and Harbeck,5 Timblin, Florey and Garstha,6 and Meinke and Waldrip 7 to suppress evaporation and conserve water. One of the most promising of the current evaporation retardant chemicals is a blend of hexadecanol and octadecanol (Durham and McArthur).8 These longchain fatty alcohols form a monomolecular film on the water surface that is self-healing at wind speeds of up to eight miles per hour (Gilby and Heymann) 9 and is capable of reducing water evaporation by 30 to 50% under ideal conditions. According to Ludzack and Ettinger,10 and Chang, et al. 1l the monolayer is biodegradable and can be assimilated by bacteria in the water as food. According to Wiltzius, 12 hexadecanol and octadecanol are nontoxic and do not present a health hazard in potable water. However, research indicates that monolayers change some of the physical and chemical characteristics in the treated aquatic environments. A monolayer will calm the water surface and form a slight diffusion barrier to the transfer of gases into and out of the water environment. The film will also decrease the surface tension of the water surface by 50% or more from a normal 60 to 72 dynes per centimeter to less than 4O dynes per centimeter. Furthermore, the film causes a slight temperature increase in the water immediately below the film. All of these factors may significantly affect the ecology of ponds, lakes and reservoirs. While field studies have shown hexadecanol and octadecanol films to be successful in suppressing water evaporation, the ecological studies of such treated water have not been adequate. A comparative evaluation of the biologic effects due to complete coverage of water by an evaporation retardant monolayer has not been possible under field conditions. The day-to-day environmental conditions of rapid temperature changes, wind, dust, rain, light fluctuations and other unpredictable factors do not allow a realistic evaluation of the ecological changes that may be caused by a continuous water-saving film. The small laboratory ecosystem has long been a fundamental tool in the development of comparative ecology. These systems have also been called microcosms by Odum and Hoskins 13 and laboratory microecosystems by Beyers. These small ecosystems may be used to study changes in water quality and population characteristics under controlled conditions obtained only in the laboratory. With the microcosm, one does not experience the complexity, environmental variation, difficulty of replication, and handicap of sheer size presented by natural ecosystems. However, unnatural environmental conditions must be recognized when small laboratory ecosystems are used. Laboratory studies in experimental microcosms can not duplicate the complex ecosystem present in lakes and reservoirs. An intensive literature survey has revealed no prior attempt to evaluate the ecological impact of a continuously applied evaporation reduction film on a laboratory experimental microcosm. The objectives of this research have been to evaluate, under laboratory controlled conditions, the ecological changes caused by the continuous application of a hexadecanol and octadecanol evaporation-suppression film on experimental ecosystems. The effects of a monolayer on algal populations will provide information not currently available.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94849 Files in this item: 1
tr6.pdf (1.933Mb) -
Cook, John Henry (Texas Water Resources Institute, May 1967)[more][less]
Abstract: This study involves four of the twelve major river basins of the state of Texas and is essentially a proposal to divert water from the Red River into the trinity, Neches and Sabine River Basins. When first considered, it appears to be a rather unusual plan. It proposes to take water from the Red River at Lake Texoma, which is often of poor quality and in some areas of the basin scarce and transport this water into a portion of the state that has an apparent abundance.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94844 Files in this item: 1
tr1.pdf (1.743Mb) -
Pearson, J.E. (Texas Water Resources Institute, August 1967)[more][less]
Abstract: Using two established reservoir projects, an economic simulation model for reservoir development was constructed. The two comparative areas used for the model development are both reservoirs in central Texas and were constructed during approximately the same time period. The simulation model divides reservoir development into three stages--Construction, Fill-Up and Post Fill-Up. For each of the stages economic variables were chosen which reflected economic activity attributable to the reservoir. Inputs of construction money, operations and maintenance, recreation and investments were related to each respective stage and then used to determine the economic impact of the reservoir on the local area economy. A synthetic index based on economic inputs other than those used for the model was developed utilizing a control area. The index served as guideline to the mathematical development of the model and as a measure of the predictive accuracy of the model. A recreational survey was conducted at average recreational expenditures and develop the Post Fill-Up Stage of the model. Overall recreational attendance was projected, and to this figure experience ratios of the survey were applied. After the simulation model was developed and applied to two established reservoir projects, it was utilized to generate prediction data for the primary study area. Checks were made on reliability of the data since the primary area is only in the second stage of development. The project data, the results, and recommendations of the study are published as Technical Report No. 8 of the Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M University. Copies of the report have been sent to all persons cooperating and furnishing data for the study.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94851 Files in this item: 1
tr8.pdf (6.273Mb) -
Hudlow, M.D. (Texas Water Resources Institute, August 1967)[more][less]
Abstract: Techniques for streamflow forecasting are developed and tested for the Little Washita River in Oklahoma. The basic input for streamflow forecasts is rainfall. the rainfall amounts may be obtained from several sources; however, this study is concerned with the possibility of utilizing weather radar and probabilistic simulation to obtain the rainfall input. Also, the feasibility of a radar, raingage combination is examined. It is shown that quantitative estimates of runoff can be made from measurements taken with weather radar. In addition, accurate estimates of lag time can be made from radar observations. For a storm which is unevenly distributed over the watershed, it is demonstrated that a better estimation of lag time may be made from radar measurements than from measurements obtained from a sparse rain-gage network (1 gage/110 mi2). A technique for hydrograph synthesis which utllizes the Pearson type III function is developed. The use of the Pearson function for hydrograph synthesis constitutes a valuable tool for streamflow forecasting. Since this method of hydrograph synthesis is adaptable to the digital computer, the "time factor," which is so important for river forecasts, can be shortened. A stochastic model (which incorporates a sixth-order Markov chain) for rainfall-runoff simulation is developed. Monte Carlo techniques are coupled with the stochastic model to yield frequency histograms of hydrograph-peak discharges and corresponding lag times. A model such as the one developed in this study could be coupled with radar observations to provide a probabilistic forecast of streamflow-shortly after rainfall commencement.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94850 Files in this item: 1
tr7.pdf (2.256Mb) -
Runnels, R.C. (Texas Water Resources Institute, December 1967)[more][less]
Abstract: In this paper the results of an investigation are presented that are concerned with the feasibility of employing a weather radar to make precise measurements of the properties of a precipitating cloud. A schematic cloud is proposed as a model for interpreting the interaction of the radar energy with the cloud. Point values of the liquid-water concentration are estimated from measurements of the received power. The measurements were made under conditions which minimized errors arising from attenuation of the radar signal and a radar beam which is not completely filled with raindrops. A continuity equation for liquid-water concentration is developed. The vertical speeds at the core of convective clouds are related to the spatial and temporal variations of the liquid-water content by means of this equation. The version of the continuity equation developed in this study represents an improvement over forms used previously. The new version accounts for the downward development of a radar echo at speeds faster than the fall speed of raindrops. This echo development is caused by the coalescence mechanism. An error analysis is performed and it indicates that the percentage error of the measurements of the liquid-water concentration may be as much as 102.4%. The fractional error of the vertical speeds is + 1391.4% which results from the compounding of the experimental errors of the terms in the continuity equations. To check the estimated magnitudes of the experimental errors a case study was performed. The echoes of 23 convective clouds were studied and 695 observations of liquid-water concentration were obtained. The observed magnitudes indicate that these estimates are of the correct order. The values of vertical speeds also indicate that the estimated error of this quantityis indeed large. Possible methods for reducing the experimental errors are considered. This examination indicates that reasonably accurate measurements of liquid-water concentration can be made if high experimental standards are maintained. The use of calibrating instruments which are very accurate together with good experimental control may permit a reduction of the percentage error to less than 2O%. However, this study indicates that attempts to measure vertical speeds accurately by use of the continuity equation may not be too successful.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94852 Files in this item: 1
tr10.pdf (2.181Mb) -
Barfield, B. J. (Texas Water Resources Institute, January 1968)[more][less]
Abstract: The structure of turbulence has been shown to affect the sediment carrying capability of streams. Due to the random nature of turbulence, sediment movement was analyzed as a stochastic process. Starting with the Langevin equation modified for a turbulent medium, a partial differential equation was developed as a mathematical model which describes the change in sediment concentration with time and space for two dimensional open channel flow with isotropic turbulence. The input parameters to the partial differential equation were the particle fall velocity and the turbulent diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient used was the product of the mean square velocity and the Eulerian time scale of turbulence. A 4O ft. recirculating research flume was used for the experimental investigations. The RMS velocity and Eulerian time scale profiles were determined by use of a hot-film anemometer and a random signal correlator. The effect of rainfall on the RMS velocities and time scale profiles was observed. Sediment concentration profiles were measured by withdrawing samples from the flow and were compared with values predicted by the derived mathematical model.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94853 Files in this item: 1
tr11.pdf (1.865Mb) -
Canion, R. L.; Trock, W. L. (Texas Water Resources Institute, May 1968)[more][less]
Abstract: In this report the results of a study of the use of input-output analysis to evaluate the economic impact of water resources development are presented. Blackburn Crossing reservoir on the Upper Neches river was the subject development) and the Leontief system of input-output accounts is the basic tool of the analysis. In previous research, unrelated to water resources development, Carter and Martin developed the idea of using a matrix of primary resource coefficients to determine resource requirements necessary to sustain a given level of final demand and with it, total economic output.. By specifying the relationship between resource requirements and output, total resource requirements can be computed given either final demand or total output. In this study the possibility of inverting the process and determining final demand or total output, given the level of primary resources, was investigated. Data for the period 1952 were assembled to build the basic inputoutput model of the economic activity, of the watershed. The functional relationship of water as a resource and total output was then determined and the model was employed to forecast the impact on the watershed of an increase in the supply of water. A check on the forecast was provided by data assembled for the 1958 period which were descriptive of total output following an enlargement of Blackburn Crossing reservoir which yielded increased water supplies. The results of the forecasting activity were sufficient to conclude that the analytical tool employed along with the water use-output relationship is useful in estimating impact of water developments. Problems encountered can be resolved so that the accuracy of the technique is acceptable.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94854 Files in this item: 1
tr12.pdf (1.931Mb) -
Wilke, O.C. (Texas Water Resources Institute, July 1968)[more][less]
Abstract: Equations of motion describing flow in irrigation furrows are derived and presented in characteristic form. Predicted flow profiles obtained from approximate numerical solutions of the equations of motion did not compare well with measured flow profiles. An estimate of furrow hydraulic roughness was obtained from field data. A procedure for determining infiltration rates from measurements of surface flow volume and irrigation stream advance is proposed for the case for which the cumulative infiltration is described by the KostiakovLewis equation. Numerical solutions of the steady-state form of the flow equations were used to prepare design curves providing estimates of cutback flow rates for preventing tailwater losses. Sample problems illustrate how these reduced rates of application can be utilized to design furrow irrigation distribution systems to obtain improved irrigation efficiencies and subsurface water distribution patterns.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94855 Files in this item: 1
tr13.pdf (1.407Mb) -
Machemehl, J. L. (Texas Water Resources Institute, September 1968)[more][less]
Abstract: Studies were conducted in a closed system recirculating research flume to evaluate the relative effects of high intensity rainfall on von Karman's universal constant and the sediment transport capacity of shallow flow The tests in this study were conducted at flow depths of 0.3 ft and less, with discharges less than 0.5 cfs. The point velocities in the flow were determined with a Pace CD-25 pressure transducer and an inclined manometer connected in parallel to a Pitot-static tube of the standard Prandtl design. Regression analyses were performed on the velocity data to determine the best fit dimensionless velocity curve on semilogarithmic paper. Von Karman's universal constant was then evaluated from the slope of the regression line. Point sediment samples were siphoned from the flow with a stainless steel-pipette sediment sampler. Sediment concentrations were found with a filtering technique. Sediment samples were taken with and without rainfall to evaluate the relative effect of the rainfall on the transport capacity of shallow flow.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94856 Files in this item: 1
tr14.pdf (2.435Mb) -
Eihle, W. O.; Powers, R. J.; Clark, R.A. (Texas Water Resources Institute, December 1968)[more][less]
Abstract: The hydrometeorologist is often confronted with the problem of determination of precipitable water in the atmosphere based on surface dewpoints and the assumption of a saturated atmosphere with a pseudoadiabatic lapse rate. Tables have been prepared previously in the English system (Hydrometeorological Section, 1951)o The application of these tables to meteorological data which is collected in the Metric system requires numerous unnecessary conversions which can lead to errors. The following tables have been prepared to facilitate these computations in the Metric system. Because of the computational technique employed, temperatures aloft for selected heights in degrees Celsius were obtained also. These data often prove useful in the computation of snowmelt over mountainous basins where the temperatures range considerably with elevation. Additionally, information on atmospheric pressure in millibars for selected heights was obtained. Thermodynamic considerations in the computational scheme are discussed below.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94858 Files in this item: 1
tr16.pdf (807.0Kb) -
Hann, R. W. (Texas Water Resources Institute, February 1969)[more][less]
Abstract: This report summarizes the results of the research project, Development of Optimization - Systems Analysis Techniques for Texas Water Resources. Several analytical models which were obtained and modified for use in evaluating water resource problems are described. A method for evaluating the optimum blend of water from two or more reservoirs to meet several concurent quality criteria is presented. The special importance of estuarine analysis methods relating to water quality is outlined and two models are presented one for a steady state dispersion of wastes in partially mixed estuaries and the other an optimization xcheme using linear systems analysis to determine the optimum waste loads into an estuarine system under a variety of constraints. Interbasin transfer of water is examined and one plan evaluated to demonstrate teh use of analytical models for streamflow evaluation, field determination and reservoir simulation. The use of a Leontif input-output model to predict economic growth asa function of resource use is developed and an example presented using the area affected by the Blackburn Crossing Reservoir in East Central Texas.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94859 Files in this item: 1
tr17.pdf (1.112Mb) -
Davis, W. B.; Reynolds, T. D. (Texas Water Resources Institute, February 1969)[more][less]
Abstract: This project presents results on a laboratory and field investigation of some of the biological and physical effects as a result of the use of a 1:1 mixture of hexadecanol and octadecanol. Laboratory investigations were concerned with changes in pH, hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, surface clarity, oxygen diffusion, diurnal oxygen, chlorophyll, bacterial counts, some unicellular algae, some filamentous algae, waterweeds (Anacharis) and fish (Gambusia affins and Fundalus notatus). Field and laboratory investigations were also concerned with the derivation and experimental validation of an expression to give the dissolved oxygen concentration during the critical night period for a small lake or pond treated with a 1:1 mixture of hexadecanol and octadecanol.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94860 Files in this item: 1
tr18.pdf (1.668Mb) -
Clark, R.A. (Texas Water Resources Institute, February 1969)[more][less]
Abstract: This project has consisted of two distinct phases: (1) equipment modification and installation with associated collection and (2) analyses of data plus development of hydrologic techniques. Errors inherent in the utilization of radar as a hydrologic sensor are discussed. It is shown that errors in the measurement of in-cloud liquid water content can be as much as 100 per cent. Similar results will be obtained in the measurement of rainfall rates by weather radar. It is demonstrated that radar can be used quite effectively in the synthesis of hydrographs. In particular, the feasibility of using radar in streamflow forecasting has been tested for the Little Washita River in Oklahoma. The results were very encouraging. Techniques for hydrograph synthesis are discussed. These have been combined with a stochastic model (which incorporates a sixth-order Markov chain) for rainfall-runoff simulation. The proposed model has been tested thoroughly and appears to hold promise as a forecasting tool. A study was made of Hurricane Beulah which produced extremely heavy precipitation in south Texas and fostered an unprecedented number of tornadoes. The injection of dry air into the area northeast of the parent cyclone was apparently responsible for the extreme instability and development of a large number of tornadoes in that region.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94857 Files in this item: 1
tr15.pdf (2.411Mb) -
Pearson, J. E.; Heideman, K. E. (Texas Water Resources Institute, August 1969)[more][less]
Abstract: An established economic simulation model for reservoir development was applied to ten reservoir projects throughout Texas. The model as a predictor of economic impact was given a difficult test because of the diversity of geographic, economic, and social characteristics surrounding the reservoirs. Additional difficulty was provided because the reservoirs were in different development stages--Construction, Fill-up, and Post Fill-Up. The simulation model was developed in a previous research effort on two central Texas reservoir areas--Belton Reservoir and Whitney Reservoir--and these areas were retained in the study for check purposes. A third reservoir area--Somerville Reservoir--for which earlier predictions were made was observed for differences between model predictions and actual development. A synthetic (or "business activity") index was developed for measuring accuracy of the model in the thirteen reservoir areas. Initial applications pointed out weaknesses in recreation projection and total impact calculations. Only partial success with an early application of the model to all reservoir areas necessitated a detailed analysis of all internal model relationships. Revisions were incorporated by using primary data from on-site observations at each area and secondary data from various sources. A reapplication of the model showed the revisions had increased the accuracy for all but two reservoir areas. The revised simulation model provided a systematic and relatively accurate tool for measuring and projecting economic impact surrounding a developing reservoir area. The project data, the results and recommendations of the study are published as Technical Report No. 20 of the Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M University. Copies of the report have been sent to all persons cooperating and furnishing data for the study.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94862 Files in this item: 1
tr20.pdf (3.939Mb) -
Trock, W. L.; Schmer, F. A. (Texas Water Resources Institute, August 1969)[more][less]
Abstract: The State of Texas has been actively developing a State Water Plan which is to become a basic guide for water development in Texas through the year 2020. The availability of water to agriculture in the future and its effect on the Texas economy is of utmost importance to Texans. Potential agricultural resource requirements are dependent on numerous and diverse factors. Some of these factors are known and measurable such as the water needs of growing plants. Other factors are unknown and remain subject to conjecture. Future agricultural price and production control programs are unknown and can only be hypothesized. These factors and others are important to water requirements of agriculture and must be dealt with by measurement or estimation. This research was initiated to develop meaningful projections of agricultural water requirements which would be useful in planning for water resource development. Five different models of agricultural resource requirements and production were analyzed. Each model contains: (1) restrictions on production and marketing of products, (2) assumptions relative to resource availability and use, and (3) estimates of output with the specified use of resources. These models illustrate to the water resource planner the potential of Texas agriculture to produce food and fiber as well as the effects of various restrictions on production. These restrictions include some factors which cannot be controlled, such as market limitations. The models include various assumptions concerning water supply for agriculture and the effects of these assumptions are evident in the results of the analysis. The results of these models present to the water resource planner the effect on Texas agriculture of alternative allocations of water to agriculture. The procedures and computer programs developed can evaluate for the planner an infinite number of alternatives. Comparison of alternative availability of water to agriculture provides a basis for evaluation of the economic benefit from the allocation of water to agriculture.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94864 Files in this item: 1
tr22.pdf (1.721Mb) -
Trock, W. L.; Casbeer, T. J. (Texas Water Resources Institute, September 1969)[more][less]
Abstract: Despite numerous studies of and plans for the use of land and water resources of the lower Rio Grande Valley for efficient agricultural production, development has lagged and the production potential has not been realized. Institutional factors--political, legal, economic and cultural--have often been obstacles to the construction of needed water facilities and good management of lands in irrigation. Change in some of these institutions and the introduction of new, more appropriate institutional arrangements can facilitate land and water development and use so that greater efficiency in productive operations is achieved. A very important legal institution is the water right, yet there has existed considerable confusion about rights in the Valley Water rights need to be clarified as to origin, extent and legality. Certainty in this right is necessary to optimum levels of development of irrigation. This can be accomplished by completion of court action which has proceeded through this decade. To achieve efficiency in water use, rights should be made negotiable. Some trading or leasing of rights is practiced now on an informal basis. A change or clarification of water law to permit purchase and sale of rights would facilitate exchange so that water would be used in higher value uses. To achieve better management of water in irrigation, it is recommended that rehabilitation of irrigation systems be continued on an accelerated basis. This would include reconstruction of many canals and ditches to include concrete linings, construction of storage areas off the river where feasible, and certainly installation of water meters at points of delivery to users. To provide for more orderly and efficient planning for and further development of irrigation systems, it is recommended that some consolidation of special districts be accomplished. It seems possible that a single master district might be a logical goal for the many irrigation districts. Drainage problems could be attacked by a single or small number of irrigation districts that would take on this responsibility, or one or more special drainage districts could be organized for this purpose. These and other recommendations are the product of this study.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/94863 Files in this item: 1
tr21.pdf (3.840Mb)
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