Role for Decision‐Support Systems in Water‐Delivery Design

Abstract

In this paper, we outline the framework of a decision support system (DSS) for water‐system designers dealing with water‐quality and water‐supply decisions. These decisions include the efficient acquisition, distribution, treatment, and reuse of water resources as well as the disposal of effluent. Normally, the use of computer models requires each modeler to decide on a specific compromise between solvability and adequate representation of the problem. The designer must then implement that compromise with the computer. The DSS concept presented here offers the designer the option to explore the trade‐offs between these two choices. As a result, the designer's background and knowledge become an integral part of the solution process. The paper includes a description of the steps required to use the DSS. In addition, the paper provides a discussion of the necessary and important role of the system designer.