Computerized Decision Support Systems for Water Managers

Abstract

A compendium of several important articles on the application of computerized decision support systems (DSS) in water resources management is presented. The articles cover software development, hardware selection, data acquisition and control, successes, pitfalls, and documentation of the benefits and values of these systems for a wide variety of applications, on both a small and large scale. DSSs are described for hydropower system operation, power load dispatch, computerized training simulators, center pivot irrigation systems, advanced supervisory data acquisition and control for transbasin diversion projects, large‐scale water supply systems, and operation of complex multipurpose, multireservoir systems. The conclusions from this experience base is that well‐planned computerized DSSs succeeded in: (1) Reducing operational costs; (2) improving system efficiency and productivity; (3) handling tasks previously considered infeasible; and (4) increasing system reliability.