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ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT USING MODFLOW AND BENEFIT–COST ANALYSIS
Author(s) -
Bozic Mile,
Nikolic Goran,
Milosev Dejan,
Rudic Zeljka,
Tomovic Sreten
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
irrigation and drainage
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1531-0361
pISSN - 1531-0353
DOI - 10.1002/ird.1861
Subject(s) - modflow , drainage , groundwater , environmental science , investment (military) , water resource management , total cost , cost–benefit analysis , unit (ring theory) , operations research , computer science , groundwater flow , engineering , mathematics , business , aquifer , ecology , geotechnical engineering , law , biology , accounting , mathematics education , politics , political science
The objective of this paper is to present the application of systematic analyses to ascertain better groundwater management in agricultural and urban areas. The mentioned analyses encompass mathematical modelling (MODFLOW), and benefit–cost analysis. The Pancevacki Rit area is particularly suitable for these analyses, since it has a long history regarding excess water. The simulation model of Pancevacki Rit is used to develop an optimal drainage strategy for long‐term management. The existing canal network, with a density of 25 m ha −1 and 7 pumping stations with an installed capacity of 35.8 m 3 s −1 , are not sufficient to protect total area of 33 820 ha, mostly due to inefficient management. Initially the results of the mathematical model were used to select an acceptable drainage solution for the study area, with several stages distinguished (phases 1–5) and degrees of achieved protection. Introduction of economic evaluation (benefit–cost) made further differences between solutions, thus simplifying the choice. The most complex and effective solution involves a major total investment (€16 million), but minor unit investment costs (€ 400 ha −1 ) and the greatest benefit–cost ratio. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.