New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University

Department of Civil Engineering

CE 498-503 Water Resources Systems Analysis and Planning– Spring 2025

 INSTRUCTOR:      Dr. Eusebio Ingol Blanco

Office: Hernandez Hall, Room 246

Email: eingol@nmsu.edu

 LECTURES:          Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00 pm- 4:45 pm, Hernandez Hall, Room 109

 OFFICE HOURS:   Friday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, or by making an appointment.

 WEB PAGE:          Online material for this course can be found at the NMSU Canvas. http://canvas.nmsu.edu

DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce the student to the planning, design, and operation of water resources systems using mathematical optimization methods and simulation models. The student will acquire skills to apply economic engineering principles, linear and non-linear programming techniques, and evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to solve complex water allocation problems.

PREREQUISITE:   

CE 382 (co-requisite), or consent of the instructor

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND ACADEMIC/LEARNING GOALS:

Specific outcomes of instruction:

The primary objective of this course is to provide the students with an introduction to the planning, design, and operation of water resources systems using mathematical optimization methods and models. Specifically, to: (1) Provide a basic engineering economic analysis for water resources infrastructure planning and management; (2) develop a deep understanding of the optimization modeling for solving several water resources problems; (3) Develop methods for multi-purpose river basin planning.          

 Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, a student will be able to:

• Recognize and describe the planning and water resources management components.
• Apply the fundamentals of engineering economics for water resources infrastructure.
• Develop optimization methods for solving various water allocation problems.
• Understand the advantages and limitations of various modeling methods and algorithms.
• Communicate effectively through written reports, oral presentations, and discussions.

 TEXTBOOK:           

• Loucks, Daniel P. and Eelco van Beek. (2017). Water Resources Systems Planning and Management: An Introduction to Methods, Models and Applications. Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., USA and Delft Hydraulics, Delft, UNESCO, 2017. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-44234-1, or

https://ecommons.cornell.edu/items/25c3fcaa-eabd-4a02-a55c-c3674ef7f51a

 ADDITIONAL REFERENCE MATERIAL:                               

• Clinton Sheppard. (2019). Genetic Algorithms with Python.
• McKinney, D.C. CE385D-WRPM Course Materials. Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering. The University of Texas at Austin, USA.
• Nandalal, K. D. W. and Bogardi, J.J. (2007). Dynamic Programming Based Operation of Reservoirs: Applicability and Limits, International Hydrology Series
• Rosenthal, Richard.E. (2012). A GAMS Tutorial. GAMS Development Corporation, Washington, DC, USA. https://www.gams.com/47/docs/UG_Tutorial.html

https://www.gams.com/latest/docs/UG_Tutorial.html

• Watkins, David W. (2013). Water Resources Systems Analysis through Case Studies: Data and Models for Decision Making, Environmental and Water Resources Institute American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

 MAIN TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

• Planning and management of water resources: institutional objectives and constraints; evaluating design and management alternatives; water resource systems modeling: its role in Planning and Management.
• Economic analysis: engineering and microeconomic analysis in water resources infrastructure planning; cost-benefit analysis; cost alternatives.
• Optimization methods, linear and nonlinear programming, solution methods, and applications to water resources infrastructure planning and management.
• GAMS for water resources optimization.
• Stochastic optimization
• Optimization using genetic algorithms.
• Multiple Use Water Resources System. Multi-objective problem

 ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is mandatory.

GRADING POLICY:

Grade components will be weighted as follows: 

• Exam 1: 20%
• Exam 2: 20%
• Homework Assignments: 25%
• Final project: 25%
• Participation and reflection: 10%

   Grade ranges will be assigned as follows:      

• A+ 96 - 100%
• A 93 - 95%
• A-    89 - 92%
• B+    86 – 88%
• B    82 - 85%
• B-    79 - 81%
• C+    76 – 78%
• C    70 – 75%
• C-      67 - 69%
• D+    64 – 66%
• D      58 – 63%
• D-    55 – 58%
• F    < 55% 

EXAMEN POLICY:

• Exams will be closed books and closed notes.
• Exams will include problems and theoretical questions.
• A formula sheet may be provided in each exam.
• Calculators may be used on the exam, but the student must provide them.
• Computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones are not allowed during the exam period.
• No make-up exams except for medical illness or other comparable emergencies will be given. 

HOMEWORK POLICY:

Assignments must be submitted on the date published through Canvas before 11:59 pm on the due date. Students can work together to understand problems and help each other but the real work should be the students alone. Assignments submitted late will be penalized 20% per day late. Once an assignment has been graded and returned, no further assignments will be accepted for. Homework will be graded according to the procedure applied, the results, and the clarity of the report. 

PROJECT ASSIGNMENT:

The objective.

The objectives of the final project are:

• To explore an aspect related to Water Resources Systems Analysis and modeling in depth.
• To provide experience in the formulation, execution, and presentation of a research project.
• To produce a project that is available on the World Wide Web.

During the semester, each student will work as a team on a water resources system analysis and modeling project, allowing them to explore a topic in depth in this field of study. Each team will make two classroom presentations: one on progress and one on the final project. They will also deliver a final report. 

Some aspects to consider for the projects:

• The instructor and the students will form teams.
• Teams will then work on several tasks leading up to the final project.
• The teams will prepare their final project and presentations and upload them on the Canvas course. 

Project presentation:

• The progress and final project will be presented in the classroom, 15 minutes using Power point.
• The final project presentation should include an introduction, the problem solved, methods used, results, the example of running your model, and conclusions. You need to be able to explain, how did you solve the problem? what did you learn? what could be done to improve your project? 

Project grading:

Your project will be graded based on your presentation, and report considering the introduction, method used, results, analysis, and conclusions. Also, consider your computer codes. A rubric will be used for this end. 

Final project report:

The final project delivery must include the presentation, report, and computer code files. 

ACTIVE LEARNING COMPONENTS.

This course emphasizes active engagement through problem-solving sessions, modeling, and group projects. Active participation in these activities will account for 10% of your final grade (participation and reflection).

Some parts of the course will involve group work, class discussions, and modeling activities, making active participation essential for achieving the learning objectives. Students are expected to engage meaningfully and contribute regularly during each session. Attendance is a fundamental requirement to ensure full participation and collaboration. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings before class and come prepared for discussion. All readings or their links will be available on the course website and textbook.

Interactive Problem-Solving Sessions

• Students will work in small groups to solve simplified water allocation problems using techniques discussed in class.

Simulation modeling

• Hands-on sessions to develop simple simulation models for water distribution systems.

Term project - Collaborative (End of Semester)

• Students apply optimization techniques and simulation models to design a water allocation system for a real river basin. This term project includes the proposal, midterm presentation (progress), final presentation, and final report. 

MISCELLANEOUS COURSE INFORMATION:

Class Attendance and Participation

Class attendance is expected according to the University and College of Engineering policy. Likewise, students are expected to participate in class discussions. 

Academic Misconduct

The Student Code of Conduct is available in the NMSU Student Handbook online at http://studenthandbook.nmsu.edu/ and academic misconduct is explained at http://studenthandbook.nmsu.edu/student-code-of-conduct/academic-misconduct/.

Academic misconduct includes cheating or assisting others in cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized possession of exams.  

The College of Engineering at NMSU has a “2 strikes and you’re out” policy for academic misconduct meaning that a student will be suspended after two academic misconduct cases.  Suspension means being out of university for one year.  A strike can count from academic misconduct occurring in any college. (see https://engr.nmsu.edu/Academics/). 

Plagiarism is using another person's work without acknowledgment, making it appear to be one's own. Intentional and unintentional instances of plagiarism are considered instances of academic misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action such as failure on the assignment, failure of the course, or dismissal from the university. The NMSU Library has more information and help on how to avoid plagiarism at http://lib.nmsu.edu/plagiarism/. 

Cheating in exams automatically results in an “F” grade for the class. Cheating in homework will result in 0 points for the assignment for all students involved. 

Cell phones should be turned off or set to silent mode and no texting is permitted during lectures.  If there is an emergency, you may excuse yourself from the classroom.  Cell phones shall be turned off and placed out of reach for exams. 

 Make-up Work

No make-up work will be accepted without the instructor's prior consent. The student should keep up with homework and reading assignments throughout the semester. Remember that if you do your homework and practice you will have no problems on the exams and will succeed in the course.

 Religious Observances and Authorized Absences

NMSU values diversity and the university supports cultural and religious inclusion. If your participation in cultural or religious celebrations (e.g., religious holidays, spiritual celebrations) conflicts with a particular class session, please notify me in writing in advance so that you will be excused from class for such celebrations. Students who make satisfactory progress in their classes will be excused from classes when representing New Mexico State University at a university-sponsored event (e.g., ASNMSU President represents NMSU at legislative sessions, student-athletes competing in NMSU scheduled athletic events or education field trips and conferences).

Please note that authorized absences do not excuse the student from class responsibilities. The sponsoring department will provide the instructor with prior written notice of the authorized absence. 

DISCRIMINATION AND DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION:

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover issues relating to disability and accommodations. If a student has questions or needs accommodation in the classroom (all medical information is treated confidentially), contact: 

Aaron Salas

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) - Corbett Center, Rm. 244

Phone: 646-6840 E-mail: sas@nmsu.edu

Website: http://sas.nmsu.edu

 NMSU Discrimination Policy

NMSU policy prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, and protected veterans’ status. Furthermore, Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and retaliation.

For more information on discrimination issues, Title IX, or NMSU’s complaint process, contact:

 Laura Castille, Executive Director

Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) - O’Loughlin House

Phone: (575) 646-3635 E-mail: equity@nmsu.edu

Website: http://equity.nmsu.edu

 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS:

Additional regulations & policies may be found in the catalog regulation section   https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/nmsu/regulations-policies/; catalog college of engineering section https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/nmsu/engineering/; and catalog college of engineering department section https://catalogs.nmsu.edu/nmsu/engineering/civil-engineering/#text/.  The latest online catalog information from these sections, in addition to this syllabus, serves as your contract with the College of Engineering.

Tentative Course Schedule:

This course schedule is subject to changes. Any change to the schedule will be reported in advance and posted on the Canvas course.