Calibrating Client Expectations: You Think Models Are Hard

Many modelers who work as consulting hydrogeologists, especially those who work for multi-disciplinary firms, have the seemingly insurmountable task of managing the expectations of the client when it comes to groundwater and contaminant transport modeling.  On one hand we hear quotes such as “how can a model cost that much” and “how could it possibly take that long to finish.”  On the other hand we hear “I thought your model told me the plume would reach the stream in two years. It’s only been 20 months.” Of course the modeling work plans, conceptual models, presentations, conference calls, net meetings, and reports would have all included lengthy discussions about the assumptions used, the sensitivity of different parameters, and the inherent uncertainty in the modeling results. None of that matters when the client sees a concentration contour of 5 ppb on that colorful figure and then compares it to the laboratory report that says it should have been 14.6 ppb.  This presentation will present multiple case studies where models took on a “life of their own” and those that were useful and valuable because of clearly defined expectations and systematic approaches.