An Industry Perspective on Water Management / Optimization Applications

Groundwater management using optimization techniques has been studied extensively for some time. Tools have been developed, tested, and applied as demonstration projects. A number of these demonstrations have been successful, and yet they are still viewed somewhat as research projects with limited practical applicability to industry or the universe of possible applications. At the same time, a paradigm shift is taking place within the United States and world where "going green" has become a part of the philosophy and business plan of many companies. A component of the green movement is conservation and sustainability of natural resources, of which groundwater is a major component. Optimization is clearly an available tool that can be used to promote conservation and maintain sustainability of groundwater resources, and yet, it is not used extensively or to its fullest effectiveness. This paper provides the perspective of a groundwater professional in the consulting industry on the limited use of optimization techniques and offers suggestions for increasing its use.