Assessment of groundwater management using modflow and benefit–cost analysis

• Published in: Irrigation and drainage Vol. 63; no. 4; pp. 550 - 557
• Main Authors: Bozic, Mile, Goran Nikolic, Dejan Milosev, Zeljka Rudic, Sreten Tomovic
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: John Wiley & Sons 2014
• Subjects: cost benefit analysis; drainage; hydrologic models; simulation models; urban areas; water management
• ISSN: 1531-0353; 1531-0361

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 m³ 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.