Model My Watershed™

Model My Watershed (NSF DRL #0929763) is an innovative and intuitive web-based hydrologic model that uses real GIS data and an authentic, professional-grade model to illustrate the impact of current land use on local hydrology. It allows users to change local conditions to see how best-management practices decrease runoff.

Although these applications are now only available for portions of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware, we plan to expand the application nationwide.

We are in the process of expanding the capacity of this application by integrating new models such as flood and storm-surge modeling, drought and crop modeling and geologic hazard modeling. These models will assist citizens and professionals to evaluate environmental risks and plan responses to those potential risks.

Watch this space for future developments! 

Project Goals

• Model My Watershed will use the complexity of environmental science to engage and excite students about the diverse STEM careers that are necessary to study and address environmental issues.
• Students will use existing scientific data in an authentic, hydrologic modeling toolset to predict how environmental changes to the ecosystem affect the hydrologic cycle in their local watersheds.
• Students will modify underlying environmental conditions and model algorithms, and modify their watershed by drawing new surfaces or structures on the landscape.
• Using a collaborative web-based communication platform, students will be able to network with other students and schools to pose questions or challenges and communicate their findings.

The model is currently under development and testing with students and teachers and continues to be modified on an ongoing basis. We have three applications that are in various stages of refinement, including:

Simple Water Balance Simulator (Generic Model)

The Model My Watershed simple water balance simulator is an interactive model that shows you how changes in the amount of rainfall, the surfaces on which the rain falls, and the texture of the soil change where the water goes. 

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Show My Watershed

The Show My Watershed module allows you to predict the water budget under different rainfall amounts based on existing land-cover conditions.You can then compare it to the EPA standard for stormwater management on a given site (pre-Columbian conditions). 

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View detailed scenarios

Don’t have a login ID? You still have access to the application by logging in as a guest.  If you are a teacher and would like a login ID, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Modify My Watershed™

Modify My Watershed allows you to make changes to the underlying environmental conditions and model parameters, implement best management practices and calculate the impact of the changes from an economic, social, ecosystem and water quality perspective.

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Currently in private testing
To request a login, please email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Real-Time Data Portal

The Real-Time Data Portal displays streaming, downloadable hydrologic and weather data from government agencies and scientists working in the watershed. Currently showing data for the Christina River Basin in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware, we plan to expand the application nationwide.