School of Engineering and Technology, (SET)
 
CE74.13 : Water Resources Systems  3(3-0)
 
Course objectives:
The objective of this course is to provide a systems approach to the planning, management, and operation of water resources infrastructure in the environment. This course provides in-depth understanding of simulation, optimization, multi-criterion-decision-making, as well as engineering economics, all necessary for successful water systems analysis.
 
Learning Outcomes:
The students on completion of this course would be able to:
  • Apply basic economic analysis (engineering economic and microeconomic analysis) in water resources infrastructure planning and management;
  • Apply operations research techniques (linear and dynamic programming) to various water resource allocation problems; and
  • Comprehend and appreciate how water resources systems models can be used in planning and management of decision-making processes.
 
Pre-requisite(s):

None
 
Course Outline:
I           Water Resources Development
1.    Purposes, objectives, characteristics
2.    Sustainable development, definition, principles, context, issues

II          Water Resources Systems
1.    Systems and systems thinking
2.    Systems analysis and systems approach
3.    Classification of systems
4.    Water resources systems and analytical description of water resources systems

III         Economics for Hydrosystem
1.    Engineering economic analysis
2.    Benefit-cost analysis
3.    Water pricing and allocation issues
4.    Theory of consumer behavior
5.    Theory of the firm

IV        Water Resources and Climate Change
1.    Climate change and variability
2.    Climate change and hydrological cycle
3.    Climate change impacts on water resources management
4.    Adaptation to climate change impacts on water resources

V         Mathematical Modeling of Water Resources
1.    Problem formulation: decision variables, objective function
2.    Constraints, water resources planning process
3.    Systems analysis techniques: simulation, optimization, linear programming, dynamic programming, other techniques

VI        Simulation
1.    Development of a simulation model
2.    Multi-purpose reservoir design
           
VII       Linear Programming (LP): Application to Water Resources Problems
            1.   Assumptions, simplex algorithm, duality concept, sensitivity analysis
            2.   Irrigation example, reservoir for irrigation and power production
           3.   River water quality optimization, capacity expansion
            4.   Water supply and drainage network design

VIII      Dynamic Programming (DP): Application to Water Resources Problems
1.    Characteristics of DP
2.    Deterministic DP – water allocation, reservoir operation problems

IX        Evaluation of Water Resources Project Alternatives
1.    Evaluation theory: multi-objective optimization
2.    Evaluation practice: economic evaluation, subjective evaluation
3.    Policy evaluation: technological assessment
4.    Evaluation of water resources functions

 
 
Learning Resources:

Textbook:

No designated textbook, but class notes and handouts will be provided

Lecture notes provided by the instructor
 
Reference Books:

1.    Loucks, D.P. and Beek, E. V. (2017): Water Resources Systems Planning and Management: An Introduction to Methods, Models and Applications, Springer International Publishing, USA.
2.    Simonovic, S. P. (2009) Managing Water Resources: Methods and Tools for a Systems Approach, UNESCO Publishing, France.
3.    Vedula S. and Mujumdar P. P. (2005): Water Resources Systems, Tata-McGraw Hill, India.
 4.    Mohammad K., Feecnc S. and Banafsheh Z. (2003): Water Resources Systems Analysis, Lewis Publishers, UK.
 
Journals and Magazines:
1.    Advances in Water Resources, Elsevier
2.    Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
3.    Water Resources Research, American Geophysical Union
4.    Water Resource Management, Springer
 
Time Distribution and Study Load:
Classroom Lecture                                                             40 h
Tutorial                                                                                  10 h
Self-study      (incl. assignments/group projects)         135h              
 
Teaching and Learning Methods:
In addition to class room lectures, students are provided with reading materials such as journal papers, case studies and reports. Home assignments and group projects are given to assess students’ knowledge on water resources systems analysis. Separate tutorial classes are organized to enhance students learning capacity.
 
Evaluation Scheme:
The final grade is computed according to the following weight distribution: Mid-semester Exam (30%); Final Exam (40%); Assignments (30%). Open book examination is given in both mid-semester and final exams.

An “A” grade will be awarded to those students, who demonstrate an ‘excellent’ understanding of systems thinking and able to apply operations research techniques such as linear programing and dynamic programing in water resources planning and management. A“B” grade will be awarded to those students who demonstrate a ‘good’ understanding of systems thinking and able to apply operations research techniques such as linear programing and dynamic programing in water resources planning and management. A “C” grade will be given to those students who demonstrate an ‘average’ understanding of systems thinking and able to apply operations research techniques such as linear programing and dynamic programing in water resources planning and management. A “D” grade will be given to those students who demonstrate a ‘below average’ understanding and applying operations research techniques such as linear programing and dynamic programing in water resources planning and management.
 
Instructor(s):
SECTION NAME