Water Resources Sustainability: Development of a Multiobjective Optimization Model

Abstract

This research investigates the application of multiobjective optimization (MO) modeling to the issue of water resources sustainability, from a water supply standpoint, with specific application to the Prescott Active Management Area (AMA) in Arizona. One unique aspect of the investigation is the development of a method to quantify the nonuse value of groundwater for use in a quantitative optimization model. Another is the incorporation within the model of objectives that include the typically conflicting goals of growth, conservation, and cost minimization. The model is solved using a multiobjective genetic algorithm.