Question 1

What does the Water Evaluation Platform (WEP) do?

Accepted Answer

The Water Evaluation Platform (WEP) is an online platform designed to support better water planning on
farms. It helps users simulate dam and catchment performance, optimise water storage, and assess options to
improve water supply reliability. Whether you’re planning a new dam, upgrading an existing one, or comparing
options for water security, WEP gives you the data to guide your choices.
You can use WEP to:
Simulate how existing or planned dams perform under different climate and demand scenarios
Design roaded catchments to reliably meet on-farm or community water needs
Evaluate the value of sealing leaky dams or installing evaporation covers
Compare the long-term costs and benefits of different dam and catchment decisions to find the most
cost-effective solution.

Question 2

What are the benefits of creating a WEP account, and how do I start simulating with one?

Accepted Answer

Creating a free WEP account allows you to save simulations, access advanced optimisation features, and
revisit or adjust your work later. Once logged in, head to the dashboard, use the guided setup to enter your
farm/dam’s details, and start your first simulation. Help guides and video tutorials are available within the
platform to support you step-by-step.

Question 3

Can I use WEP without creating an account?

Accepted Answer

You can start running simulations straight away. Visit the platform, choose a simulation tool, and begin
exploring how different dam and catchment scenarios perform. To access advanced features and certain areas
of the platform will require an account.

Question 4

Who can access the Platform?

Accepted Answer

The Platform is open to everyone. Whether you’re a farmer, agronomist, consultant, or researcher, you can use
the tool. No specialist software or background is required.

Question 5

Is there a cost to use WEP?

Accepted Answer

No, WEP is completely free to use. It has been developed as part of the WaterSmart Dams project, funded by
the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the WA Government’s Agriculture Climate Resilience
Fund, with support from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Grower Group
Alliance.

Question 6

Can I access WEP offline or on mobile devices?

Accepted Answer

The Platform is an online platform and requires an internet connection to function. It is designed to be
responsive and works on most modern desktop and mobile browsers, allowing access from smartphones and
tablets.

Question 7

Are there any recommended browsers or system requirements?

Accepted Answer

The Platform works best on current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. An internet connection is
required

Question 8

What data sources is the tool drawing from to generate responses?

Accepted Answer

The Platform uses trusted, real-world datasets and scientifically validated methods to simulate dam and
catchment performance. Key data sources include:
Catchment runoff and dam performance data from 12 long-term monitoring and demonstration sites
across the south-west agricultural region of Western Australia
Daily climate data – including rainfall, temperature, and evaporation – sourced from the Scientific
Information for Landowners (SILO) climate database
A research report “Options for Farm Water Supply in a Volatile, Drying Climate” by Ross Kingwell and Anne
Bennett, incorporating climate models, agricultural water use data, and detailed economic evaluations
of farm water supply options and their costs.

Question 9

How detailed can the scenarios be?

Accepted Answer

You can customise scenarios by adjusting dam sizes, catchment surface types, evaporation treatments, and
water demand profiles. This flexibility allows you to create tailored models that reflect your farm’s specific
conditions and water management goals.

Question 10

What kinds of water supply scenarios can I model?

Accepted Answer

The Platform allows you to simulate a variety of scenarios including different dam sizes, catchment designs,
rainfall patterns, evaporation rates, and water demand levels. You can explore the impacts of climate
variability, drought periods, and different farm management strategies to improve water security

Question 11

Can I model future climate impacts on water supply?

Accepted Answer

Not at the moment. However, you can explore how dam and catchments performed in historical wet and
dry years.

Question 12

Does the WEP account for evaporation losses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, WEP includes detailed simulations of evaporation losses from dam surfaces based on local climate
data derived from the SILO product The platform also allows users to model the effectiveness of
evaporation reduction strategies, such as installing covers, to improve water retention and optimise dam
performance under varying climate conditions

Question 13

Where can I access my completed simulation results?

Accepted Answer

Your results will be available within your account. Navigate to the relevant project section under the
'Settings' > 'Account' to review the outcomes and insights generated. You must have a WEP account to
save simulations. If you don’t create an account, your simulations will not be stored on the platform.

Question 14

Can I share my simulation results with others?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your saved simulations are private and secure when using your Water Evaluation Platform account. You
can choose to download images or share specific simulations with other users. To share a simulation, the
recipient must also have a Water Evaluation Platform account.
Shared simulations can be accessed by the recipient by navigating to Settings > Account, where they will
appear under “Simulations shared with you.”

Question 15

Long-running simulation results

Accepted Answer

For long-running simulations and optimisations, you’ll get an email notifying you when the results are ready to
view in your account.

Question 16

How will my information be kept, shared, and/or used?

Accepted Answer

When you create a WEP account, we collect your name, email, and optionally your organisation to enable
saving and revisiting your simulations. Your information is stored securely, never shared with other users, and is
not used for research without your explicit permission. Simulation data and personal details remain private and
will only be made public if you choose to share them. We do not disclose your information except when
required by law or to provide support. You can also use WEP anonymously, but an account is needed to save
and compare simulations.
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is committed to managing personal information legally and
responsibly, and in accordance with its privacy framework www.uwa.edu.au/privacy

Question 17

What should I do if I’ve forgotten my password?

Accepted Answer

If you've forgotten your password, go to Settings > Login > Forgot password. Enter the email address
associated with your account and follow the prompts to reset your password.

Question 18

What should I do if I encounter errors or bugs?

Accepted Answer

If you experience any errors or bugs while using the platform, please report them to cwss@uwa.edu.au.
Your feedback helps us identify issues and improve the platform’s performance.

WaterSmart Dams

Making Dams Work Again

Water Evaluation Platform

WaterSmart Dams Project

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