Ecosystems Research Division 

Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) 

The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program. (WASP7), an enhancement of the original WASP (Di Toro et al., 1983; Connolly and

Winfield, 1984; Ambrose, R.B. et al., 1988). This model helps users interpret and predict water quality responses to natural 

phenomena and manmade pollution for various pollution management decisions. WASP is a dynamic compartment-modeling program 

for aquatic systems, including both the water column and the underlying benthos. WASP allows the user to investigate 1, 2, and 3 

dimensional systems, and a variety of pollutant types. The state variables for the given modules are given in the table below. The time 

varying processes of advection, dispersion, point and diffuse mass loading and boundary exchange are represented in the model. 

WASP also can be linked with hydrodynamic and sediment transport models that can provide flows, depths velocities, temperature,

salinity and sediment fluxes. 

WASP has been used to examine eutrophication of Tampa Bay, FL; phosphorus loading to Lake Okeechobee, FL; eutrophication of 

the Neuse River Estuary, NC; eutrophication Coosa River and Reservoirs, AL; PCB pollution of the Great Lakes, eutrophication of the 

Potomac Estuary, kepone pollution of the James River Estuary, volatile organic pollution of the Delaware Estuary, and heavy metal 

pollution of the Deep River, North Carolina, mercury in the Savannah River, GA. 

WASP Preprocessor 

The data preprocessor allows for the rapid development of input datasets. The ability to bring data into the model is as simple as cut 

and paste or queried from a database. The preprocessor provides detailed descriptions of all model parameters and kinetic constants. 

When linking WASP with hydrodynamic models it is as simple as pointing to the hydrodynamic linkage file. 

z Import time series from WRDB, Spreadsheet, Text Files 

z Automatically import hydrodynamic model interface information 

z Multi-session capable 

z Run time diagnosis 

Post Processor 

The Post-Processor (MOVEM) provides an efficient method for reviewing model predictions and comparing them with field data for calibration. MOVEM has the ability to display 

results from all of the WASP models as well as others. MOVEM allows the modeler to displays the results in two graphical formats: 

1. Spatial Grid . a two dimensional rendition of the model network is displayed in a window where the model network is color shaded based upon the predicted concentration. 

2. x/y Plots -- generates an x/y line plot of predicted and/or observed model results in a window. 

There is no limit on the number of x/y plots, spatial grids or even model result files the user can utilize in a session. Separate windows are created for each spatial grid or x/y plot 

created by the user. 

 

You are here: EPA Home Athens WWQTSC html Watershed/Water Quality Technical Support Center WASP Page, US EPA 

WWQTCS Info 

z WWQTCS Home 

z Technical Support 

z Tools

{ Watershed Models

{ Basins 

{ LSPC 

{ WAMView 

{ SWMM 

{ WARMF 

{ Water Quality Models

{ WASP 

{ QUAL2K 

{ Aquatox 

{ EPD-RIV1 

{ Hydrodynamic Models

{ EFDC 

{ EPD-RIV1 

{ Database 

z Training 

WASP Model Information 

Current Version 7.41 

Release Date June 7, 2010 

Operating System Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP 

Intended Audience Environmental Engineers/Scientists, Regulatory Agencies 

Key Words aquatic biology, assessment, compliance, discharge, environmental 

effects, hydrology, metals, NPS related, NPDES, point source(s), 

surface water, test/analysis, TMDL related

Media Surface Water

Pollutant Types Conventional Pollutants (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Dissolved Oxygen, 

BOD, Sediment Oxygen Demand, Algae, Periphyton), Organic 

Chemicals, Metals, Mercury, Pathogens, Temperature

File Download Information 

File Type/Priority Filename/Format/Size File Description 

Install/Required SETUP_WASP7_41.exe -- 

Self Extracting Zip File

17.2 MB 

This file contains the WASP Model including the 

data preprocessor, the kinetic models, graphical 

post processor, and model documentation. User is 

encouraged to download the example input files.

This file also contains example input files to test 

model installation. The purpose of these files is for 

the user to acquaint themselves with the model and 

test execution. They do not represent a calibrated 

real world example.

Optional WASP 7.x Course This page contains the materials used during EPA 

Sponsored WASP Workshops. It includes Power 

http://www.epa.gov/athens/wwqtsc/html/wasp.html

Watershed/Water Quality Technical Support Center WASP Page, US EPA | Ecosystems ... Page 1 of 2

http://www.epa.gov/athens/wwqtsc/html/wasp.html 7/16/2010
WCMS 

Last updated on Monday, June 14, 2010 

ERD Home | NERL Home | ORD Home 

Point presentations used for lectures, TMDL 

example datasets, utility programs and other 

materials.

Optional WASP Fact Sheet -- (PDF, 

2 pp., 666 KB, about PDF)

This file contains a Fact Sheet about the WASP 

Modeling System in PDF Format.

Share

Watershed/Water Quality Technical Support Center WASP Page, US EPA | Ecosystems ... Page 2 of 2

http://www.epa.gov/athens/wwqtsc/html/wasp.html 7/16/2010