The Water Apportionment Accord Tool was developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Government of Pakistan under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
CSIRO Australia, funded by the Australian Government and the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), developed this Tool for the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), WAPDA, and Provincial Irrigation Departments. The WAA Tool is a computer-based system designed to quickly and efficiently forecast river flows at rim stations and assist in advance seasonal planning.
The Tool captures the complete 10-day seasonal allocation processes as defined by key river operators. It provides a consistent representation of rules, offering a more robust and efficient solution than existing manual methods. Importantly, it is based on the principles outlined in the Water Apportionment Accord (1991).
Pakistan manages the world’s largest contiguous irrigation system, the Indus Basin Irrigation System (IBIS), which faces challenges from population growth and climate change. The WAA Tool helps IRSA, WAPDA, and Provincial Irrigation Departments distribute water resources transparently and consistently, supporting national water, energy, and food security.
The Tool assists in forecasting inflows, balancing reservoirs, and managing shortages across provinces. With multiple methods for simulation and comparison, it enhances transparency and decision-making in water allocation. On 8th December 2020, the Tool was formally handed over to IRSA, WAPDA, and Provincial Departments, marking a significant step forward from manual water distribution practices.