1. What is the Water Balance Equation?

The Water Balance Equation calculates the yield of catchment by summing the natural flow volume and the volume of return flow. It provides a fundamental approach to understanding water availability in a catchment area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Water Balance Equation:

Where:

• \( Y \) — Yield of Catchment (m³/s)
• \( RN \) — Natural Flow Volume (m³/s)
• \( Vr \) — Volume of Return Flow (m³/s)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the total water yield by considering both natural flow and return flow from various uses.

3. Importance of Yield Calculation

Details: Accurate yield estimation is crucial for water resource management, planning irrigation systems, domestic water supply, and industrial water use.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter natural flow volume and volume of return flow in m³/s. All values must be valid (non-negative).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Natural Flow Volume?
A: Natural Flow Volume is the quantity of water that would have flowed in a river past a particular point in a particular period without human influence.

Q2: What constitutes Return Flow?
A: Return Flow includes water from irrigation, domestic water supply, and industrial use that returns to the catchment.

Q3: Why is water balance important?
A: Water balance helps in understanding the availability and distribution of water resources, essential for sustainable management.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The equation assumes accurate measurement of inputs and may not account for all hydrological variables like evaporation and infiltration.

Q5: How often should yield be calculated?
A: Yield should be calculated periodically to account for seasonal variations and changes in water use patterns.