Prioritization of Small and Medium Domestic Dams in Dry Lands
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 141, Issue 1
Abstract
The feasibility of small and medium dams in arid environments is studied. A novel method for prioritization of dam commissioning is proposed. The method focuses on key hydrologic and economic factors that affect the investment decision-making process. Ranking for priorities is developed in a geographic information system (GIS)-aided environment. Evaluated parameters are based on extensive field data including topographic surveys and site visits, land cover and soils data, precipitation data, runoff data, demography, construction costs, and operation and maintenance costs. Reservoir yield, reliability, and annualized cost per satisfied demand are the three main criteria used in the methodology. Results of a case study on 12 proposed dams in Assir Region, Saudi Arabia, indicate that assessment of these criteria is crucial prior to investment decision-making in arid areas. More than three quarters of the small and medium dams proposed have been found to have a high cost of water productivity and very low reliability, despite a high yield. The developed method highlights the degree of the economic and hydrologic feasibility of small and medium dams in arid areas.
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Acknowledgments
The author remains grateful for the late engineer Hassan Youssef of Saudi Consulting Engineering, who provided the rainfall data necessary for the completion of this work. The author would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments.
The author would like to express his gratitude for the Munib and Angela Masri Institute of Energy & Natural Resources for supporting this research.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 141 • Issue 1 • January 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 27, 2014
Accepted: Apr 25, 2014
Published online: Jul 2, 2014
Discussion open until: Dec 2, 2014
Published in print: Jan 1, 2015
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