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I I I I I I I :1 I I I I , I I I I I I I 3.0 BASIN-WIDE HYDROLOGIC MODEL 3.1 INTRODUCTION Water availability in the Study Area was evaluated using a computerized model of the area's water resources and the existing water rights which affect usage of these resources. The geographic size of the basin, the complexity of Colorado water law, and the large number of existing water rights in the basin (approximately 5000 absolute decrees for consumptive use) made the use of a computer-based tool, or model, essential. The model was developed to meet the following general objectives: 1) to simulate the historical hydrology of the basin, 2) to administer basin water rights in accordance with Colorado water law, and 3) to represent the operation of existing water development facilities in the basin. The model identifies areas of major water shortages under alternative development assumptions and predicts future development that can be undertaken without impacting existing absolute water rights. The model can be utilized to identify geographical areas, legal considerations, and institutional issues to be evaluated in greater detail in future phases of the study, if undertaken. The remainder of this chapter discusses the development of the model, the simplifying assumptions made, and the limitations of the model. 3.2 MODEL DESCRIPTION The basin model was developed using a network optimization model ing system. This type of modeling system uses sophisticated mathematical relationships to allocate water in accordance with the seniority of the water rights modeled. The result is that the model operates more efficiently than models based on simple accounting methods. In the model, the basin is characterized as an interconnected network of reference 1 i nes call ed 1 inks 3-1