Interactive computer graphics-based multiobjective decision-making for regional groundwater management

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive set of procedures by which decision-makers can select a single strategy from a set of alternative strategies. Application of these procedures in developing a regional conjunctive water management strategy for an important rice producing area in Arkansas, U.S.A., is described. The importance of interactive decision-making and efficient presentation of information through interactive graphics and computations is also demonstrated. The optimization model considers two different objectives: minimization of the total cost of water use (including opportunity cost due to the loss in agricultural production caused by non-availability of water); and maximization of total withdrawal (pumping) from the aquifer. Application of the surrogate worth tradeoff method together with interactive computer graphics display of relevant information is presented as part of the procedures for selecting a regional sustained groundwater withdrawal strategy.