SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS OF URBAN WATER-SUPPLY AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Systems techniques offer civil engineers new tools for the analysis an d synthesis of systemic issues, and they could be used more effectivel y in the urban growth and infrastructure arena This paper discusses th ree versions of systems techniques and compares their concepts with th ose of other planning processes. Through a retrospective view of a sys tems dynamics modeling project, the paper shows how quantitative analy sis can be applied tb an urban water supply system, and discusses how other systems techniques are used in the decision process. The paper a rgues that comprehensive models could provide better decision informat ion and inspire greater public confidence in the decision process, but they cannot eliminate uncertainty and conflict, nor can they replace the planning processes with public involvement that have evolved along side systems technologies; However, systems and model techniques can e nable civil engineers to provide more leadership by fathoming the comp lexity of issues and explaining options more clearly during the decisi on process.