Integrated Hydrologic Model | Tampa Bay Water

The Integrated Hydrologic Model


The Integrated Hydrologic Model (IHM) is a sophisticated and powerful computer tool. It estimates how an action in one part of the area’s natural stream or aquifer system affects other parts of the system.

The IHM is used to study surface water and groundwater. Surface water includes streams, lakes, and wetlands. Groundwater includes the shallow aquifer, deep aquifer, and springs. IHM is especially helpful in areas where the shallow aquifer (groundwater-table) is close to land surface.  This single computer model addresses all of the details of:

  • Rainfall
  • Evaporation from the land and from lakes
  • Transpiration from plants
  • Stream flows and spring flows
  • Surface water and groundwater conditions
  • Infiltration of water from land surface into the groundwater system
  • Water migration through the aquifer
  • Land type and land development features
  • Water pumping from wells
  • Water captured from rivers

The IHM is used by Tampa Bay Water to help water managers and water utility operators:

  • Decide how to use existing water supply facilities
  • Evaluate potential new water supply sources
  • Study and design special projects like lake or wetland restoration

For example, the IHM helps water managers and regulators estimate how changes in rainfall amounts or groundwater pumping affect streamflow amounts or water levels in lakes.

IHM was prepared through a detailed scientific calibration process. The model is a collaborative effort with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Visit the IHM web site

The Integrated Northern Tampa Bay Model

The Integrated Northern Tampa Bay (INTB) model is a calibrated model application of the IHM code. The INTB model covers 4,000 sqmi of the Tampa Bay region. The calibration and verification periods include 10 and 8 years, respectively, of widely varying rainfall and pumping conditions. The Tampa Bay region includes large areas dominated by near-surface water table and high density water bodies. The INTB model has provided broad decision support for a hydrologic system which displays dynamic hydrologic interaction among uplands, water bodies, and the groundwater system. Development and calibration of the INTB model was a joint effort of Tampa Bay Water and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.