![Sample our Environment & Sustainability journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5935/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Sustainability.jpg"})
Abstract
Integrated water resources management through the use of Geographic Information System tools, for optimization of the use of reclaimed water, was studied in the northwest of the Region of Murcia (Spain), a semi-arid region with scarce water resources—a limiting factor in socioeconomic development. In accordance with the principles of integrated water resources management, to promote the sustainable future supply and use, reclaimed water in the Region of Murcia is directly or indirectly reused, and this has contributed to a 13% increase in natural river basin resources. Technical, environmental, and economic criteria were selected in order to build ten thematic maps. Five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were selected based on the technical and economic criteria of an annual volume treated of more than 500,000 m3 (Bullas, Calasparra, Caravaca, Cehegín, and Moratalla). The data of the technical and environmental criteria are referred to the land area of the municipality, and the economic criteria data refer to an 8-km radius around each WWTP. The most restrictive variables were the soil texture and the availability of water supply sources, due to the presence of irregular terrain and water lines in the hydrographic basin of the studied area. After analyzing all the criteria established, of the total area studied (237,960 ha), only 2.7% (6,442 ha) is considered optimal for aquifer recharge. The application of multi-criteria analysis resulted in a final, optimal map showing areas appropriate for the infiltration of reclaimed water.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by four projects granted to the authors: SIRRIMED (FP7-KBBE-2009-3-245159), CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 (MEC CSD2006-0067), SENECA (11872/PI/09), and CICYT (AGL2010-17553).