Overview

Source is a water quality and quantity modelling framework that supports decision making and a whole-of-catchment modelling approach. Output from the model allows catchment (watershed) managers and their stakeholder communities to develop targets, prioritise programs and measure the effectiveness of a broad range of activities.

The software provides a framework for modelling the amounts of waterand contaminants flowing though a catchment and into major rivers, wetlands, lakes, or estuaries. Source integrates an array of models, data and knowledge that can be used to simulate how climate and catchment variables (rainfall, evaporation, land use, vegetation) affect runoff, sediment and contaminants. The output can be used to offer clear scenarios and options for making improvements in a catchment.

Source allows users to answer a range of management questions, such as where to place on-ground works to maximise water quality. It can predict the flow and constituent loads at any location in any catchment over time. Scenarios can include actual or planned changes in land use, land management, climate variability and climate change. For example, Source can be used to understand issues such as:

• quantity and quality of rainfall-driven runoff and groundwater reaching streams in the catchment under present conditions

• alterations made to quantity and quality of runoff by climate variability, different land uses, or riverbank restoration – now, or in the future

• optimal locations for on-ground work to maximise water quality improvement

• impacts of bushfire, flood, drought, construction activity or water extractions on the quality of receiving waters

• the effect of land use change on water quality and quantity into receiving waters.

Benefits

• Build tailored models for considering a range of catchment scenarios.

• Explore the volumes and quality of rainfall-driven runoff and groundwater.

• Predict the impact of climate change, land use or management changes on the volume and quality of runoff entering streams.

• Optimise investment and direct management action to improve water quality.

• Explore the volumes and quality of rainfall-driven runoff and groundwaterplug in your existing models such as rainfall run-off or water quality models.

• Understand the impact of bushfire, flood or drought on receiving waters.

• Consider the impact of land use change on water quality and quantityextend the model as needs change.

• Plug in your existing models such as rainfall run-off or water quality models.

How Source works for catchments

Source is highly flexible and is able to create an overall integrated model that is tailored to the problem. Constructing a model for a particular catchment management situation involves selecting appropriate component models and linking them in the software.

The model is based on the following building blocks:

• Sub-catchments: The sub-catchment is the basic spatial unit, which is then divided into hydrological response units (or functional units) based on a common response or behaviour such as land use. Within each functional unit, three models can be assigned: a rainfall-runoff model, a constituent generation model and a filter model.

• Nodes: Nodes represent sub-catchment outlet, stream confluences or other places of interest such as stream gauges or dam walls. Nodes are connected by links, forming a representation of the stream network.

• Links: Links represent the river reaches. Within each link, a selection of models can be applied to: 
  - route or delay the movement of water along the link
  - modify the contaminant loads due to processes occurring within the links, such as decay of a particular constituent over time.

Source features a wide range of data pre-processing and analysis functions that allows users to create and compare multiple scenarios, assess the consequences, and report on the findings.

The contribution of a particular constituent on areas of the catchment can be viewed, and various visualisation methods used to show uncertainty including bar charts, line graphs, tables and maps such as rasters or polygons.

Case studies

eWater researchers are working with partners as they refine the tools and user interface on the basis of real world simulations. This process enhances local understanding of the capability of eWater tools in the operating environment. Click on the button below to view some of the case studies available.

Case studies

Licensing & Pricing

Please note that these licences are only able to be used on the computer where the licence is first activated. The licence can only be transferred to another computer by contacting the eWater Support Centre.

Notes:

• Prices subject to change

• Discounts apply at the time of purchase and are not cumulative if additional licences are purchased at a later date

• Prices are for Australian market only. Please contact eWater for international prices on support@ewater.com.au
  or +61 1300-5-WATER (1300 592 837)

• Premium support and maintenance is compulsory for all first-year purchases.

• If you are an eWater CRC partner, please contact us on 1300-5-WATER to access this product.

Licence Agreement

View a copy of the End User Licence Agreement (EULA) for Source Catchments.

Please be aware of the following before you use Source Catchments

System Requirements: Source Catchments will not work on all computer operating systems please check the Systems Requirements button for more information.

System Requirements

Effective use of Source Catchments requires a level of modelling and water science experience. The following is an excerpt from the End User Licence Agreement (EULA) to note.

Technical limitations and disclaimer: The Software is a conceptual design tool and should be used by the End User only as an aid to decision-making.  The Software does not incorporate all aspects of catchment management that decision-makers must consider. Factors such as land and soil characteristics, ecological requirements, amenity, passive recreation, and land use also influence catchment modelling.  Hydraulic analysis, indicators of ecosystem health, and the integration of urban water management considerations are omitted from the model.

When installing Source Catchments you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions of the EULA to activate the product. eWater assumes you have read and understood and accepted  the terms and conditions of the EULA through that process. A copy of the EULA is provided above for reference.

Click on the button below to review the Source Catchments release notes.

Release notes

Support

For support enquiries phone 1300-5-WATER or email support@ewater.com.au

Standard support, which is free, is provided to you once you sign up and download Source Catchments. Premium support is charged and provides direct access to the eWater telephone support desk. Support offering details are provided below.

To find out more or access Source Catchments support, click on the button below.

Source Catchments support