Crop water use module The main function of the Crop water use module is to calculate the water usage per crop between two specified dates for all the planted crops on a scheme based on the plant date, the area planted and the crop water use curve.  The crop yield (ton/ha) can be captured at the end of a growing season which is used to calculate the total yield (ton) and the yield in (g/m³).  A summary of water used for a specified period can easily be generated per crop type.  All the crop water use information can easily be linked to a geographic information system (GIS) via ODBC and the Land ID field in the crop water use module. Measured data module The measured data module is used to capture date and time data into the WAS database. The data can be from graphs, electronic loggers, measuring plate readings, dam levels or meter readings.  Integrated into this module are discharge tables that are used to convert water levels to discharges and vice versa. Data can also be imported electronically into the WAS database. This module is also used to capture inflows and outflows for river systems and to generate discharges for stations that are linked to an indicator site.  Volumes can easily be calculated between dates and converted to meter readings if necessary.  Measure station data also integrates with the user defined water reports and the disposal report in the WAS program.  All readings and discharges can be represented graphically with user-defined date and time ranges. Report module The report module includes an extensive range of water and financial reports.  Water balance sheets, distribution sheets, disposal reports and various other operated defined reports can be generated. Accounts module This module links with the administration and water order modules and administers all water accounts for an irrigation scheme or water management office.  The water accounts module is a full debit system, from which monthly reports can be printed, including invoices on pre-printed stationery, reconciliation reports, age analysis and audit trail reports. Water release module  This module links with the water order module and calculates water releases for the main canal or river and all its branches and tributaries allowing for lag times and any water losses and accruals.  A schematic layout of the total canal network or river system is captured with detail such as the cross-sectional properties, positioning of sluices or pumps, canal or river slope, structures and canal or river capacities.  Discharges are converted to the corresponding measuring plate readings where needed.  Water distribution sheets and water loss analysis reports can be printed for canal or river systems. 1.5  Special features ●  Data capturing screens are consistent and easy to use   ●  WAS combines water management, water distribution and an accounting system ●  The Firebird database is robust and easy to maintain ●  The data handling capacity is only limited to the size of the hard drive ●  WAS can be used in a multi-user environment ●  Extensive error checking capabilities for data capturing are standard ●  Where possible data or results are represented graphically ●  WAS was developed for users, by users ●  Additional features are included as part of an ongoing development, installation and training programme 1.6  User requirements WAS requires at least a 486-PC running Windows 95/98/NT/XP/Vista.  At least 512Mb RAM must be available to run the program, but 1024 MB is recommended. WAS is written in Delphi and uses Firebird (SQL-based) as the underlying database.  Firebird is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that provides rapid transaction processing and data sharing in a single- or multi-user environment.