GIS-Based Decision Support System for Improved Operations and Efficiency Conservation in Large-Scale Irrigation Systems
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 10
Abstract
The long-term sustainability of irrigated agriculture is contingent on application of cost-effective water conservation measures and improved management in the face of intense competition for limited freshwater resources from municipal, industrial, and environmental/ecological interests. A geographic information system (GIS)–based decision support system (GeoDSS) is presented for maximizing water savings from efficiency improvements and conservation measures through integrated management of large-scale irrigation systems. The GeoDSS incorporates the GeoMODSIM network flow optimization model as implemented within ArcGIS Desktop (ESRI, Inc.) and is applied to the large-scale, complex Imperial Irrigation District (IID) water delivery system in California in support of the IID/San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) Water Transfer Agreement. IID GeoDSS automatically constructs a GeoMODSIM flow network within an ESRI geodatabase composed of feature classes for IID canals, drains, reservoirs, farm gates, interceptors, and pumpback locations. Following calibration of the baseline network, GeoMODSIM simulations predict substantial water savings from mixtures of strategies of varying cost for improved water management and increased delivery system efficiency and on-farm water conservation, without the need for fallowing or retirement of IID irrigated lands.
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Acknowledgments
Funding support for this research has been provided by the Imperial Irrigation District (John Eckhardt, Executive Program Manager), Keller-Bliesner Engineering, and Davids Engineering, Inc. The authors are particularly grateful to Andrew Keller in providing important guidance and direction for the Imperial Irrigation District study.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 10 • October 2012
Pages: 857 - 867
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 20, 2011
Accepted: Mar 20, 2012
Published online: Mar 22, 2012
Published in print: Oct 1, 2012
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