Groundwater management under conflicting criteria : a

Abstract

The problem of managing a groundwater resource under the influence of three conflicting objectives is examined using a southern Arizona example. A constraint approach relying on independent, single-objective models with incomparable constraints sets and standard linear programming techniques is developed to formulate a set of feasible alternative management policies. A final operating policy is defined using the satisficing method and the dominance method. Both methods result in the identification of a good policy which represents a compromise between the specified objectives. The key decision variables defined by the policies are pumping rates for 17 wells over a two year design period. Basin hydrology is incorporated in the management models with the response function method. Procedures for treating non-linear boundary conditions, including river leakage and evapotranspiration, and non-steady state initial conditions are presented as they apply to response function calculations. Response functions are used in the management models to constrain drawdown and velocity field components within the basin and thereby ensure development of reasonable management policies.