Managing Water Resources: Methods and Tools for a Systems Approach

Water resources management is increasingly interdisciplinary and must take into account complex socio-economic factors and environmental variables. This volume describes the ‘system approach’ and its application to contemporary water resources management, focusing on three main sets of tools: simulation, optimization and multi-objective analysis. This approach is presented in the context of sustainable planning and development under conditions of uncertainty. There are two particular features of Managing Water Resources : its introduction of system dynamic simulation as a tool for integrated modelling and its coverage of the use of fuzzy sets for incorporating objective and subjective uncertainties. The book combines theory and practical examples, and includes programs and exercises on an accompanying CD-ROM. It contains both an advanced text for students of water resources and civil or environmental engineering and a practical guide for professionals.