diff --git a/wntr/__init__.py b/wntr/__init__.py
index 8cf7f325..00796dbf 100644
--- a/wntr/__init__.py
+++ b/wntr/__init__.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from wntr import utils
 from wntr import msx
 
-__version__ = '1.3.0'
+__version__ = '1.3.1rc'
 
 __copyright__ = """Copyright 2023 National Technology & Engineering 
 Solutions of Sandia, LLC (NTESS). Under the terms of Contract DE-NA0003525