A decision support model to aid the management of crises in urban water supply systems (the UWC-MODEL)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a model for crisis management in urban water supply systems, able to assist the decision-making process to deal with the urban water crisis (UWC) by those responsible for these systems. The research methodology used for model development consisted of the following steps: (1) development of a decision support model for cases of crises in urban water supply systems (UWC-MODEL); (2) performing the sensitivity analysis of the UWC-MODEL; (3) verifying the UWC-MODEL; and (4) application of the UWC-MODEL. Different levels (socio-economic, management, urban, environmental and cultural) of the UWC problem were considered in the UWC-MODEL. It was based on the similarity between a weak UWC situation (or absence), strong UWC situation (or severe) and the actual case. Results of the application of the UWC-MODEL to the Administrative Region of Brasilia, in the Federal District of Brazil, indicated that actions related to cultural and environmental levels demonstrated a greater contribution for combating UWC. Actions such as environmental education programs, water conservation programs, and use of water saving equipment, were indicated by the UWC-MODEL to solve the UWC problem in this application to the real case.

Keywords:

• Water scarcity
• water crisis
• integrated urban water management

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the following institutions: Brazilian Federal District’s Regulatory Agency for Water, Energy and Sanitation (ADASA), Water National Agency of the Brazil (ANA), Brazilian Federal District’s Water Supplier and Sanitation Company (CAESB) and Brazilian Federal District’s Planning Company (CODEPLAN).