Water management calculations are needed in the course of water rights proceedings, in order to estimate the amount of groundwater discharged into streams and rivers, in regard to questions on mine water management and as input variables for mathematical groundwater modelling.

Thanks to its many years of work in this field DMT has comprehensive experience in a range of Central European climatic regions and habitats.

Calculations for groundwater recharge, differentiated by areas and regions, are carried out with efficient GIS software – the GWnew programme developed by DMT and based on ArcInfo/ArcGIS. As a rule we use the “Messer Method” (1997), that being based in turn on the method invented by Schroeder and Wyrwich (1990).

The water management equation is used as the basis for calculations. Maps are produced and digitised. Gradations according to the scheme devised by Messer are inserted to depict fundamental parameters such as soil type, water table, land use, degree of sealing, surface gradients, climate zones and precipitation.

To calculate the water management variables quickly and economically, ArcInfo and ArcGIS are used to prepare polygon overlays for the requisite parameters.