A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions

Effective management of water resources is critical to addressing challenges related to declining water quality and quantity, particularly in regions with limited resources. This study evaluates management strategies for the Dehgolan Plain, Iran, using the WEAP model and a multi-criteria decision-ma...

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Main Authors: Shadi Fathi, Jamil Bahrami, Saeed Momeni, Mirali Seyedrezaei, Reza Javidi Sabbaghian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Prof. Ata Amini 2025-02-01
Series:Advances in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
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Online Access:https://www.aceesjr.com/article_212919_5c149552fc96c946963af3e41d80e3cf.pdf
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author Shadi Fathi
Jamil Bahrami
Saeed Momeni
Mirali Seyedrezaei
Reza Javidi Sabbaghian
author_facet Shadi Fathi
Jamil Bahrami
Saeed Momeni
Mirali Seyedrezaei
Reza Javidi Sabbaghian
author_sort Shadi Fathi
collection DOAJ
description Effective management of water resources is critical to addressing challenges related to declining water quality and quantity, particularly in regions with limited resources. This study evaluates management strategies for the Dehgolan Plain, Iran, using the WEAP model and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework. Various management scenarios based on a balancing approach were implemented, including maintaining the current situation, improving irrigation patterns and efficiency, wastewater reuse, and applying artificial recharge. Key indicators related to water resources and consumption were introduced and evaluated based on the model’s outputs and expert opinions. Finally, TOPSIS, as a multi-alternative decision-making tool, was utilized to identify the best scenario among four introduced scenarios and twelve critical indicators. The results indicate that improving irrigation patterns and efficiency (Scenario 2) is the most effective strategy, increasing the aquifer volume by approximately 100 MCM and significantly reducing groundwater dependency. Wastewater reuse and artificial recharge also contributed to aquifer restoration, with wastewater reuse increasing the aquifer volume by 47 MCM and artificial recharge raising storage capacity to approximately 191 MCM. These findings offer a framework for effective water management practices in similar regions and highlight the need for integrated approaches that align with sustainable development objectives without compromising environmental integrity.
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spelling doaj-art-107413f68a2740319ae82d21e5afabda2025-08-20T02:38:59ZengProf. Ata AminiAdvances in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science3060-67802025-02-0121102210.22034/acees.2025.484672.1011212919A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal SolutionsShadi Fathi0Jamil Bahrami1Saeed Momeni2Mirali Seyedrezaei3Reza Javidi Sabbaghian4Department of Civil Engineering, School of The Environment, Coventry University, Coventry, United KingdomDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, IranDepartment of civil engineering and Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Khavaran Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, IranDepartment of Economics and Business, Colorado school of Mines, Golden, CO, USADepartment of Water Resources Management, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, IranEffective management of water resources is critical to addressing challenges related to declining water quality and quantity, particularly in regions with limited resources. This study evaluates management strategies for the Dehgolan Plain, Iran, using the WEAP model and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework. Various management scenarios based on a balancing approach were implemented, including maintaining the current situation, improving irrigation patterns and efficiency, wastewater reuse, and applying artificial recharge. Key indicators related to water resources and consumption were introduced and evaluated based on the model’s outputs and expert opinions. Finally, TOPSIS, as a multi-alternative decision-making tool, was utilized to identify the best scenario among four introduced scenarios and twelve critical indicators. The results indicate that improving irrigation patterns and efficiency (Scenario 2) is the most effective strategy, increasing the aquifer volume by approximately 100 MCM and significantly reducing groundwater dependency. Wastewater reuse and artificial recharge also contributed to aquifer restoration, with wastewater reuse increasing the aquifer volume by 47 MCM and artificial recharge raising storage capacity to approximately 191 MCM. These findings offer a framework for effective water management practices in similar regions and highlight the need for integrated approaches that align with sustainable development objectives without compromising environmental integrity.https://www.aceesjr.com/article_212919_5c149552fc96c946963af3e41d80e3cf.pdfwater managementgroundwater resourcesmulti-criteria decision-makingweap modeltopsis
spellingShingle Shadi Fathi
Jamil Bahrami
Saeed Momeni
Mirali Seyedrezaei
Reza Javidi Sabbaghian
A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions
Advances in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
water management
groundwater resources
multi-criteria decision-making
weap model
topsis
title A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions
title_full A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions
title_fullStr A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions
title_full_unstemmed A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions
title_short A Multi-Criteria Framework for Water Resource Management: Combining WEAP and TOPSIS for Optimal Solutions
title_sort multi criteria framework for water resource management combining weap and topsis for optimal solutions
topic water management
groundwater resources
multi-criteria decision-making
weap model
topsis
url https://www.aceesjr.com/article_212919_5c149552fc96c946963af3e41d80e3cf.pdf
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