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Management and operation of a multiple-objective multisource water supply system from the point of view of the conjunctive use of water sources is a very complex problem whose solution is not just obtained using analytical models but also through a negotiation process among stakeholders and in which Public Bodies have a main role. For these reasons, this problem has been addressed using conservative approaches based on simulation models or simulation–linear optimization models parameterized using few parameters which, in general, are already covered by existing generalized modelling tools using a longer or shorter trial and error process. However, these conservative approaches have drawbacks and constraints when dealing with certain complexities of water supply systems (i.e.: non-linearity, uncertainty or stochastic nature) that may prevent them of finding an optimal solution. This paper identifies and tests suitable simulation-optimization approaches found in existing generalized modeling tools for optimizing operating rules of multisource water supply systems in terms of system guarantee and resulting operating costs. The main purpose is to find out whether these approaches are already covering the decision support needs of managers, Public Bodies or other stakeholders involved in the operation of these systems, or ‘ad-hoc’ tools may be needed.

Peer Reviewed