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What is this?
Decide how much water to store and how much to release from reservoirs, balancing supply security, flood capacity, hydropower, and downstream environmental needs.
When does it happen?
Ongoing. Critical during transitions between wet and dry seasons, before expected storms, and during prolonged droughts.
What data is used?
Reservoir levels and inflow rates, weather forecasts, downstream demand, environmental flow requirements, flood storage rules.
What decision is made?
“Store water for later or release it now? How much flood capacity to maintain?”
What action follows?
Adjust outlet valves and spillway gates; coordinate with downstream users and environmental agencies.
Related decision patterns
Proven strategies for handling this scenario:
Reservoir optimisation
Reservoir operators must balance competing needs: storing water for dry periods, maintaining flood capacity, and releasing enough to keep rivers healthy.
Case studies
Real-world examples of this use case in practice: