Water Resource Management Decision Support Systems

Abstract

A water resources management decision support system (WRMDSS) consists of integrated computer hardware and software packages readily usable by managers as an aid for making implementation and operations decisions. WRMDSSs allow incorporation of operator judgment into the analysis process, thus providing for man‐machine synergism. The state‐of‐the‐art of WRMDSSs is examined through a review of a number of examples, including microcomputers, flash‐flood warning and regional water‐monitoring systems, water supply and reservoir operating systems, computer‐aided planning, and expert systems. Microprocessor technologies, increasing computer main memory capabilities at decreasing costs, distributed and parallel processing computational methods, integrated system modeling software packages, and artificial intelligence techniques are the driving forces tending to enhance the development and successful implementation of WRMDSSs. Continued development is expected with the potential for enhancing system operational efficiencies and improving confidence in the computer‐based planning process.