1. What is Water Balance Calculation?

The Water Balance Calculation estimates the net water availability by accounting for precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff. It provides a fundamental assessment of water resources in a given area or system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the water balance equation:

Where:

• \( Precipitation \) — Total precipitation input (mm)
• \( Evapotranspiration \) — Combined evaporation and transpiration loss (mm)
• \( Runoff \) — Surface and subsurface runoff (mm)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the fundamental water cycle components to determine the net water balance in a system.

3. Importance of Water Balance Calculation

Details: Accurate water balance calculation is crucial for water resource management, agricultural planning, hydrological studies, and environmental monitoring.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff values in mm. All values must be valid (non-negative numbers).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a positive water balance indicate?
A: A positive balance indicates water surplus, meaning more water is entering the system than leaving it.

Q2: What does a negative water balance indicate?
A: A negative balance indicates water deficit, meaning more water is leaving the system than entering it.

Q3: What time period should these measurements cover?
A: The calculations are typically done for specific time periods (daily, monthly, or annually) depending on the application.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes accurate measurement of all components and doesn't account for water storage changes in the system.

Q5: How is this calculation used in practice?
A: It's used in agriculture for irrigation planning, in hydrology for watershed management, and in climate studies for water resource assessment.