Multi-objective optimization for sustainable groundwater resource management in a semiarid catchment

Groundwater is an important water resource and its management is vital for integrated water resources development in semiarid catchments. The River Sh iyang catchment in the semiarid area of northwestern China was studied to d etermine a sustainable multi-objective management plan of water resources. A multi-objective optimization model was developed which incorporated water supplies, groundwater quality, ecology, constraints. A calibrated groundwa ter flow model was supplemented by grey simulation of groundwater quality, thus providing two lines of evidence to use in the multi-objective water ma nagement. The response matrix method was used to link the groundwater simul ation models and the optimization model. Multi-phase linear programming was used to minimize and compromise the objectives for the multi-period, conju nctive water use optimization management plan was able to meet ecological, overall water deficit within the catchment.