Multi-objective decision making for basin water allocation

Due to the significant role of water use in socio-economic development, competition for a larger share in water allocation is intense among stakeholders in watersheds. In this paper, three optimization models are developed to explore the optimal allocation of water among users, thus to resolve water conflicts in watersheds. The first model is a linear programming model. The objective function of this model maximizes the basins' revenue. The second model is a multi-objective optimization model. The objective functions of this model maximize the marginal value of water for stakeholders when environmental water supply is a constraint in the model. The third model is also a multi-objective programming model. Three objective functions; maximizing a basin revenue, minimizing the environmental water shortages, and minimizing water transfer from upstream area to downstream region are considered. These models are applied to the Sefidrud Basin, a watershed with eight administrative provinces, each considered as a stakeholder for the modelling. The formulations of three water allocation models are presented and the results of their implementation are compared. (cont.)