Swiss participation in an Austrian guideline on numerical modelling – looking back on a successful collaboration

In November 2020, TK CONSULT AG was invited by the Austrian Water and Waste Management Association (ÖWAV) to join the working group on "Groundwater Modelling." The group’s goal was to develop the new ÖWAV Guideline 222 named "Numerical Modelling of Porous Aquifers", which was published in February 2025.

The guideline provides a structured overview of the key steps involved in building numerical groundwater models. It introduces standardized terminology and offers a practical foundation for using numerical models for planning and assessment. The document is aimed at:

• professionals who develop or apply groundwater models,
• project owners (tenderees) during tendering, contracting, supervision, and acceptance,
• authorities and experts responsible for evaluation and review.

The ÖWAV Guideline 222 can be ordered or downloaded (for a fee) via the ÖWAV website: ÖWAV Guideline 222.

In March 2025, the guideline was officially presented at a technical seminar in Vienna. Michael Ballmer from TK CONSULT AG, who contributed to the content of the guideline, gave a presentation on the Aussermontafon groundwater model - a project previously featured in two of our news posts (News Post January 2024 and News Post December 2021).

In the presentation, Michael highlighted the model’s practical value for the State of Vorarlberg, demonstrating how it was used to support questions related to drinking and utility water use, as well as the analysis of observed low groundwater levels.

We are proud to have contributed our expertise to this important regulatory document and to have helped promote the use of numerical groundwater models to a broader professional audience.

About the ÖWAV: Founded in 1909, the Austrian Water and Waste Management Association represents the country’s water and waste management sector. As a non-profit association, the ÖWAV promotes sustainable development goals on both national and international levels. Key activities include the development of practical technical guidelines, training and education programs, and public outreach.