Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.3390/w13091281
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Applying optimization to support adaptive water management of rivers
Author Derepasko, D.; Peñas, F.J.; Barquín, J.; Volk, M.
Source Titel Water
Year 2021
Department CLE
Volume 13
Issue 9
Page From art. 1281
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Supplements https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/13/9/1281/s1
Keywords environmental flows; optimization problem; regulated rivers; water diversion; instream flow
Abstract Adaptive water management is a promising management paradigm for rivers that addresses the uncertainty of decision consequences. However, its implementation into current practice is still a challenge. An optimization assessment can be framed within the adaptive management cycle allowing the definition of environmental flows (e-flows) in a suitable format for decision making. In this study, we demonstrate its suitability to mediate the incorporation of e-flows into diversion management planning, fostering the realization of an adaptive management approach. We used the case study of the Pas River, Northern Spain, as the setting for the optimization of surface water diversion. We considered e-flow requirements for three key river biological groups to reflect conditions that promote ecological conservation. By drawing from hydrological scenarios (i.e., dry, normal, and wet), our assessment showed that the overall target water demand can be met, whereas the daily volume of water available for diversion was not constant throughout the year. These results suggest that current the decision making needs to consider the seasonal time frame as the reference temporal scale for objectives adjustment and monitoring. The approach can be transferred to other study areas and can inform decision makers that aim to engage with all the stages of the adaptive water management cycle. 
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=24552
Derepasko, D., Peñas, F.J., Barquín, J., Volk, M. (2021):
Applying optimization to support adaptive water management of rivers
Water 13 (9), art. 1281 10.3390/w13091281