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Abstract: Watershed models have been used as management tools for an ever increasing array of water resource issues such as source water protection and non-point source pollution management. This paper outlines a strategy that has been adopted for the evaluation and improvement of watershed models. The strategy involves model calibration for annual, seasonal, monthly, and daily flows, and includes careful consideration of the rapid and slow response components for each flow variable. This evaluation step clarifies how well or poorly a model captures the most significant hydrologic processes and flow paths in the watershed for the time period under consideration. It also helps to flag algorithms requiring modification for reliable use of the model. An example implementation of the strategy is presented and discussed.