Framework of a Decision Support System for Basin-Scale Sustainable Water Supply and Demand Management

Abstract

In this paper, framework of a decision support system (DSS) for sustainable water resources management in basin-scale is presented. In development of this DSS, focus is on connecting hydrologic, environmental, and economic analysis tools and decision support methods by combining the DPSIR (Driving force, Pressure, State, Impact and Response) approach with multi-criteria analysis methods. The proposed framework can help in involving decision makers and stakeholders in the decision making process using a conceptual framework and procedure. Specific challenges of economic, technical, and political uncertainties in water resources management in developing countries have been discussed in the paper and are also considered in the development of the DSS framework. Different modules of the DSS including the “Database Management”, “Model-Base Management”, and “Multi-Criteria Analysis Module” have been also presented and their relations with the DPSIR approach are discussed in details. ELECTRE III method has been used in the Multi-Criteria Analysis Module and results of a case study are also presented in the paper.