Inter-basin Water Transfer System Research Articles

Multi-scenario optimization model for operation of inter-basin water transfer-supply systems considering cost–benefit relationships

Abstract The optimized operation of an inter-basin water transfer system is a widely used approach to achieving optimized regional water resource allocation. The costs of water transfers vary considerably, depending on the composition of the water source, the target audience and the route and distance of the transfer. This study proposes a multi-scenario optimization model for the operation of inter-basin water transfer-supply systems that balances the cost–benefit relationships. A two-objective optimization model is first established including minimizing the sum of squared water supply deficits and the cost of water transfers. Three water transfer scenarios are developed for different cost–benefit relationships. Based on these scenarios, the established optimization model is further converted into a single-objective optimization model to avoid the direct calculation of complex water transfer costs. The model is finally solved to obtain water transfer schemes. The proposed model is applied to the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China. The results show that with a contracted diversion of 60% of the Yangtze River, the reliability of the water supply is 78.2% and the water shortage index is 2.8%, which is a compromise between balancing the water shortage index and the volume and cost of water transfer.

Optimal operation of inter basin water transfer under the form of water sources interconnection with connected tunnel

Study regionReservoir system on the Han River and Wei River basins, China. Study focusInterbasin water transfer (IBWT) projects are an important means for solving uneven water resource distribution. The water supply efficiency of IBWT is affected by the original project conditions and runoff. Therefore, this study proposes a new form of IBWT, which is called interbasin water transfer with connected tunnel (IBWTWCT), for solving this problem, and the synchronous-asynchronous encounter (SAE) probability of rich-poor runoff is calculated in order to reveal the process of operation and the function of the connected tunnel. New hydrological insights(1) Regarding giving full play to the runoff characteristics and existing engineering regulation performance, IBWTWCT possesses obvious advantages over typical interbasin water transfer (TIBWT), the annual average water transfer increases by 105 million m³ , and it basically fulfills total water demand. (2) The connected tunnel can fully exploit the multi-year regulation performance of the reservoir, reservoir water level drop reaching the maximum of 5.86 % in February during a dry year. (3) The SAE probability of rich-poor runoff significantly impacts the interbasin water transfer project, and the connected tunnel provides a maximum of 209 million m3 water supply for reservoirs in IBWTWCT, while also improving the operational process of the entire system. This research is not limited to improving the comprehensive benefit of the project and could be extended to other interbasin water transfer systems of similar structures.

Hydrology and water quality shape macroinvertebrate patterns and facilitate non-native species dispersals in an inter-basin water transfer system

Understanding biotic assemblage variations resulting from water diversions and other pressures is critical for aquatic ecosystem conservation, but hampered by limited research. Mechanisms driving macroinvertebrate assemblages were determined across five lakes along China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project, an over 900-km water transfer system connecting four river basins. We assessed macroinvertebrate patterns from 59 sites in relation to water quality, climatic, spatial, and hydrologic factors. Macroinvertebrate density, biomass, and species richness increased from upriver to downriver lakes, and were higher during the water transfer period than in the non-water transfer period. Non-native species including Nephtys sp., Paranthura japonica, Potamillacf acuminata, Capitekkidae spp. and Novaculina chinensis, were distributed along the entire study system, some become dominant in upriver lakes. High species turnover occurred in two upriver lakes. Hydrology and water quality are critical factors in shaping these macroinvertebrate patterns. Hydrological disturbance by water transfer boosted macroinvertebrate abundance during the water transfer period while facilitated non-native species dispersals and increased biotic homogenization. This study indicates the need for: 1) an effective ecosystem monitoring system; 2) unified system management standards; 3) external pollution controls; and 4) limiting the dispersal of non-native species.

Hydrology and Water Quality Shape Macroinvertebrate Patterns and Facilitate Non-Native Species Dispersals in an Inter-Basin Water Transfer System

Hydrology and Water Quality Shape Macroinvertebrate Patterns and Facilitate Non-Native Species Dispersals in an Inter-Basin Water Transfer System

Management of water supply systems from interbasin transfers: case study in the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT This paper develops a discharge allocation model for public water supply for a set of communities, considering available and planned reservoirs and interbasin transfer projects. Reservoir operation rules were defined for maximum water withdrawals in function of the storage volume over a period of 45 years, and then the discharges to be transported from the different sources to 18 locations were defined, minimizing the costs. Generalized Reduced Gradient and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms were used in the optimization processes. The model was applied in the Agreste region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazilian semiarid. This region has the worst water balance in the entire country and three interbasin water transfer systems are under construction. Due to the interconnection among the systems, it will be possible to supply the communities from one or another source. The results showed that the optimized operation of the reservoirs can minimize water transfer and costs.

Research on the Dispatching Rules of Inter-Basin Water Transfer Projects Based on the Two-Dimensional Scheduling Diagram

Inter-basin water transfer projects play an important role in allocating water resources that vary both in temporal and spatial scale while supporting regional development. In the practical operation of inter-basin water transfer projects, high water level and less inflow runoff would result in water supply destruction, while low water level and more inflow runoff would cause abandoned water. How to play the compensation roles of hydrological characteristics and storage capacities of multi-reservoirs to maximize the utilization efficiency of water resources, the key is to select the basis for the decision-making of starting water transfer process. In this paper, we selected the “Datong-Huangshui” water transfer project as the research subject, analyzed the composition of the inter-basin water transfer system, and constructed a dispatching rule extraction model including water transfer rules, water diversion rules, and water supply rules. Then the NSGA-II was used to solve the multi-objective optimization model to obtain the Pareto frontier solution set of the dispatching rules. Finally, the optimal operation scheme was determined and discussed according to the scheduling scheme decision model. The model itself was based on the gray target model and prospect theory. We found that: (1) The optimal target frontier obtained by the two-dimensional scheduling diagram and the hedging rules for water supply was closer to the theoretical optimal frontier of the multi-objective problem. This result indicated that the two-dimensional scheduling diagram and the hedging rules for water supply could better guide the water diversion operation of inter-basin water transfer projects. (2) Based on the multi-objective optimal operation schemes set, the OPT scheme obtained by the scheduling scheme decision model using gray target model and prospect theory could generate 359 million Kwh. At the same time, it could guarantee 90% of municipal and industrial water supply and 85% of agricultural water supply.

Modelling Water Quality Improvements in a South Korean Inter-Basin Water Transfer System

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using constructed wetlands for non-point source pollution reduction. The effect of constructed wetlands in reducing suspended solids (SS) was analyzed using an integrated modeling system of watershed model (HSPF), reservoir model (CE-QUAL-W2), and stream model (EFDC) to investigate the behavior and accumulation of the pollution sources based on 2017 water quality data. The constructed wetlands significantly reduced the SS concentration by approximately 30%, and the other in-lake management practices (e.g., artificial floating islands and sedimentation basins) contributed an additional decrease of approximately 7%. Selective withdrawal decreased in the average SS concentration in the influents by ~10%; however, the effluents passing through the constructed wetlands showed only a slight difference of 1.9% in the average SS concentration. In order to meet the water quality standards, it was necessary to combine the constructed wetlands, in-lake water quality management, and selective withdrawal practices. Hence, it was determined that the model proposed herein is useful for estimating the quantitative effects of water quality management practices such as constructed wetlands, which provided practical guidelines for the application of further water quality management policies.

Developing a framework for water right allocation in inter-basin water transfer systems under uncertainty: The Solakan–Rafsanjan water transfer experience

Abstract In this article, a methodology is presented for water allocation to demands in new inter-basin water transfer projects. In this methodology, by proposing some criteria such as universality, equity, enforceability, adaptivity, and exclusivity, a new scheme is developed in order to determine the share of water users. For taking the available water uncertainty into account, the concept of conditional value at risk (CVaR) is used, in which the goal is to minimize an indicator of loss in low flow conditions. Also, in order to estimate the relative weights of criteria, a novel method is introduced. This method is founded on two essential information aggregation operators, namely, hybrid weighted averaging (HWA) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA). The significant property of this method is that the weighting process is done by considering the relative weights of experts and the viewpoint of the analyzer jointly. The results of the CVaR-based model are compared with those obtained from a long-term water allocation optimization model with monthly time steps. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated using available data from the Solakan–Rafsanjan water transfer project.

Multi-objective optimal water supply scheduling model for an inter-basin water transfer system: the South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Route Project, China

Abstract Inter-basin water diversion reallocates water resources by changing their spatio-temporal distribution characteristics between basins. This can effectively relieve water supply and demand conflicts in regions with water resource reserves shortages. However, building inter-basin water diversion projects obviously reduces the inflow from upstream, leading to increasingly conspicuous conflicts between water diversion outside a basin and water utilization inside the basin. To relieve this conflict and explore the optimal scheme of water resource allocation across river basins, this paper chooses the Middle Route Project of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project on the Hanjiang River as a case study. A water supply scheduling model of Danjiangkou Reservoir is built using an integrated inter-basin diversion draw water reservoir regulation (IDR) model to balance multiple conflicting water demands. In the IDR model there are two types of objective sets: aggregate indicators and process matching degree functions. Moreover, six evaluation indexes are selected to analyze the water resource allocation effect of the optimal scheme. The simulation results indicate that the proposed IDR model in this paper is practicable and efficient for water resource allocation across river basins.

A Novel Optimization Method for Multi-Reservoir Operation Policy Derivation in Complex Inter-Basin Water Transfer System

Joint operation of multiple reservoir system in inter-basin water transfer-supply project is a complex problem because of the complicated structure and cooperated operation policy. The combination of high-dimensional, multi-peak and multiple constraints makes it incredibly difficult to obtain the optimal rule curves for multi-reservoir operation. In view of this, we constructed a joint optimization operation model, considering both water supply and transfer, and proposed the concept of “shape constraints”. To obtain the solution of this high-dimensional optimization model, a novel progressive optimum seeking method, namely Progressive Reservoir Algorithm-Particle Swarm Optimization (PRA-PSO), is presented based on the nature of progressive optimization algorithm (POA) and standard particle swarm optimization (PSO). The water transfer project in northeast China, consisting of three routes eight reservoirs, is selected as a case study. The results show that (1) PRA-PSO is yielding much more promising results when compared with other optimization techniques; (2) shape constraints would narrow the scope of feasible solution area but increase the convergence of algorithm; (3) because of the strong interaction between water transfer and water supply action, the progressive setting of PRA-PSO should be in accordance with the order of reservoir water transfer. The case study indicates the novel optimization method could effectively increase the chance of jumping out of local optimal points, thereby searching for better solutions.

Simulation and Optimization of Multi-Reservoir Operation in Inter-Basin Water Transfer System

Inter-basin water transfer projects are usually considered as one of the most effective facilities to balance the non-uniform temporal and spatial distribution of water resources and water demands by diverting water from surplus to deficient area. However, the operation of these projects are always daunting, especially for projects with multi-donor reservoirs but only one recipient reservoir. In this study, a set of water transfer rule curves are firstly proposed to determine when, where and how much water should be diverted from each donor reservoir. In addition, a simulation-optimization model with the objective to minimize both water shortage risk and vulnerability is established to derive the optimal operation rule curves. Following that, the new transfer rules are applied to provide guidelines for the operation of a water transfer-supply project with two donor reservoirs in central China. The effects of water diversion on each reservoir are evaluated under different scenarios including no diversion, diversion from the donor reservoir with relatively sufficient water, diversion from the donor reservoir with relatively limited water, and diversion from both donor reservoirs. The results show the advantages of improving the performance of whole water diversion system and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.

A Quantity-Quality Model for Inter-basin Water Transfer System Using Game Theoretic and Virtual Water Approaches

A new approach is developed based on cooperative games and virtual water concept for quantity-quality assessment of water transfer projects. It is argued that a water transfer project can be executed to satisfy both economic and environmental objectives and needs. In fact, the proposed model evaluate economic, equity, and environment criteria in order to lead to sustainable development. First, an optimization model with economic objective is developed based on virtual water concept that maximizes the net benefit of the inter-basin water transfer. Then, to meet water quality requirements, the impact of decreasing the flow in a sending basin is estimated by using a virtual water quality concept and Nash Equilibrium. Finally, to achieve equity and to retrieve sufficient incentives for water users, cooperative game theory approaches are utilized for the reallocation of net benefits. Effectiveness of the proposed methodology has been examined by applying it to a large scale case study of an inter-basin water transfer in central part of Iran, from the Solakan to the Rafsanjan basins. The results reveal that the proposed methodology could be used as an effective tool for sustainable development in the inter-basin water allocation management with resolving confliction aim with the physical and environmental constraints by considering virtual water concept. In addition, by using cooperative game theory, the net benefit of the project has been realized to be twice the initial allocation.

Evaluating the Relative Power of Water Users in Inter-Basin Water Transfer Systems

One of the challenging issues in designing and operation of inter-basin water transfer systems is quantifying the relative power of water users. In this paper, a comprehensive set of criteria including regional gross income, water efficiency, presence of alternative water resources, self-sufficiency, existence of agricultural and industrial infrastructures, receiving political support of the government and parliament, and preference-based power is proposed to determine the power of water users in a quantitative way. Then, some well-known Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods, namely Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Analytical Network Process (ANP), Evidential Reasoning (ER), Method for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Situation (TOPSIS) and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE II), are utilized to evaluate the power of water users in inter-basin water allocation systems. In this paper, the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance are applied to compare the ranking outputs resulting from different MCDM methods. At last, the proposed approach is applied to a large-scale case study of water transfer from the Karoon River basin to the Rafsanjan plain in the central part of Iran.

An Automated Negotiation Protocol Based On Game Theory

With the goal of meeting one-to-many negotiation mechanism in the process of inter-basin water transfer, according to features of all interest subjects in analysis of inter-basin water transfer, a one-to-many synchronous bidding negotiation model based on bidding rules of game theory is structured, which analyzes and negotiates the functions, code of conduct and information expression of each subject. In order to optimize overall interests and individual interests, and a series of parameters in the negotiation, the paper propose various rules corresponding to the negotiation model so that the efficiency of each interest subject and fair distribution of negotiation proceeds can be safeguarded in the inter-basin water transfer system.

A stochastic model for optimal operation of inter-basin water allocation systems: a case study

This paper presents a new methodology for optimal operation of inter-basin water transfer systems by conjunctive use of surface water resources in water donor basin and groundwater resources in water receiving basin. To incorporate the streamflow uncertainty, an integrated stochastic dynamic programming (ISDP) model is developed. In the ISDP, the monthly inflow to the reservoir in the water donor basin, the water storage of the reservoir, and the water storage of the aquifer in the water receiving basin are considered as state variables. A water allocation optimization model is embedded in the main structure of ISDP and a new ensemble streamflow prediction model based on K-nearest-neighbourhood algorithm is also developed and linked to the ISDP. By using a new reoptimization process, the ISDP model provides monthly policies for water allocation to users in water donor and receiving basins. As water users can form a coalition to increase their benefits, several solution concepts in cooperative game theory, namely Nash–Harsanyi, Shapley, Nucleolus, Weak Nucleolus, Proportional Nucleolus, Separable Costs Remaining Benefits (SCRBs) and Minimum Costs Remaining Savings are utilized to determine the profit of each water user. In the last step, stakeholders make negotiation over these solution concepts using the Fallback bargaining theory to reach a unanimous agreement on the final distribution of the total benefit. The methodology is applied to an inter-basin water transfer project and the results show that the Shapley and SCRB solutions concepts can provide better distributions for the total benefit and the total benefit of water users is increased by a factor of 1.6 when they participate in a grand coalition.

A Fuzzy Variable Least Core Game for Inter-basin Water Resources Allocation Under Uncertainty

In this paper, a new solution concept, called Fuzzy Variable Least Core (FVLC), is developed for fuzzy cooperative games. The FVLC is able to incorporate fuzzy input variables and result in fuzzy benefit shares of players participating in a coalition. This solution concept is used for water and benefit allocation to water users in inter-basin water transfer systems considering the uncertainties associated with their benefit coefficients. In the proposed water allocation methodology, an Integrated Stochastic Dynamic Programming (ISDP) model is developed to obtain the water rights of players and economic water allocation policies. In the next step, the total net fuzzy benefit of the system is reallocated to water users in an equitable and rational way using a FVLC-based model. In this model, a new algorithm is proposed for converting a multilateral cooperative game with fuzzy variables to some fuzzy bilateral cooperative games, which are solved using the FLVC solution concept. The applicability and efficiency of the proposed methodology is examined by applying it to a large scale inter-basin water transfer project in Iran.

The first occurrence of Cobitis paludica (de Buen, 1930) in the Segura River Basin (SE Iberian Peninsula)

The aim of the present report is to describe the establishment of viable populations of Cobitis paludica (de Buen, 1930) in the Segura River Basin. We found two isolated populations: one located in the upper part of the Segura River and the mouth of its tributary, the Zumeta River, and another in the Mundo River, between the Talave and Camarillas reservoirs. We hypothesised that the introduction of this species may be attributable to the deliberate or accidental introduction by anglers or fish translocation from the Tajo-Segura interbasin water transfer system. C. paludica is a threatened endemic fish species from the Iberian Peninsula, and it exhibits sharply declining populations. Therefore, further investigation is needed to assess the genetic origin of the populations reported in this report and to monitor the population trends to determine the population status and the appropriate management plan in the Segura River Basin.

Incorporating Economic and Political Considerations in Inter-Basin Water Allocations: A Case Study

When an inter-basin water transfer is expected among basins with some level of unfriendliness or hostility, ignoring political considerations, which are generally not integrated in economic investigations, can impede an integrated and efficient management. In this paper, a new economic-political methodology is proposed for the optimal and efficient allocation of water resources among water users in inter-basin water transfer systems. The proposed framework quantifies both the economic payoffs using an “n-person real fuzzy cooperative game”, and the political formation prospect of any coalition, using a Modified Political Accounting System (MPAS). The proposed economic-political methodology is applied to a large scale inter-basin water allocation problem including water donor and receiving basins struggling with water scarcity. The results show how including political considerations in the study may provide a more satisfactory solution compared to the just cost-effective water allocations.

A Negotiation-Based Multi-Objective, Multi-Party Decision-Making Model for Inter-Basin Water Transfer Scheme Optimization

The planning and management decisions often involve multiple objectives and multiple parties with conflicting interests due to the complexity of inter-basin water transfer systems. In this paper, the objectives, the groups involved and the corresponding conflicting interests that characterize water transfer decisions are analyzed. A multi-party, multi-objective decision/bargaining model based on the “satisfaction principle” is developed for inter-basin water transfer system decision-making. In order to obtain an ideal multi-party decision, bargaining is first broken down into two stages, and then decision alternatives are chosen using fuzzy pattern recognition. This model is simple, and it is more adaptable for solving practical multi-objective and multi-party decision problems. Finally, an inter-basin water transfer scheme optimization example is demonstrated by using the developed model.

An Interval Parameter Model for Cooperative Inter-Basin Water Resources Allocation Considering the Water Quality Issues

In this paper, a new methodology based on interval optimization and game theory is developed for optimal operation of an inter-basin water transfer system considering efficiency, equity and sustainability criteria. A linear version of the agricultural water production function is proposed and used for incorporating deficit irrigation. The interval programming and cooperative game theory are utilized for equitable reallocation of benefits to water users in both water donor and receiving basins. To assess the sustainability of water allocation policies, water quality and environmental flow in the donor basin and groundwater table drawdown in the receiving basin are taken into consideration. The effectiveness of this methodology is examined by applying it to a large scale case study of water transfer from the Karoon river basin in south-west to the Rafsanjan plain in the central part of Iran.