Sustainable Management of Water in Macroscopic Systems

A mathematical programming model for sustainable water management in macroscopic systems is presented in this chapter. The model considers the possibilities of employing alternate water sources, such as rainfall and reclaimed water, to improve the sustainability of natural water bodies to meet the system’s water demands. The model is a multi-period problem where rainwater harvesting is possible even in months with little precipitation; it can be stored and used as needed. The challenge is to determine the best timetable for the distribution and storage of alternative and natural water sources to meet the needs of both domestic and agricultural users within a macroscopic system and preserve sustainable water levels in natural water bodies. The goal is to maximize total profit, which is calculated by deducting the capital and operating expenses for implementing the optimal solution from the profits from water sales. The city of Morelia is the subject of a case study from Mexico using this methodology. The findings indicate that putting plans into practice that use other water sources may lessen the need for fresh sources and the production of waste while remaining economically viable.