Abstract
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING TOOLS SUPPORTING DECISION-MAKING FOR WATER CONSUMPTION RATIONALIZATION
Gamal Khalid A. Mohamed*, Khalid A. Alkhuzai, Osman M. Najjar and
Hassan S. M. Hilmi
ABSTRACT
Water demand in Saudi Arabia is posing significant challenges as a result of the continuously increasing water consumption. Model frameworks combining many-objective robust decision-making modeling were developed to identify adaptive water consumption rationalization (WCR) measures. Two modeling tools were presented: (i) predictive model for daily water consumption per family; and (ii) a conceptual model for WCR, considering different variables. Results showed that family size, monthly water bills and fixing water conservation tools are highly significant to water consumption, while the monthly income was insignificant. The variables that influence the decision-making for WCR were found to be water policies, water sector privatization, water supply & demand, water tariffs, water conservation tools, water metering and awareness campaigns. The models proposed are important tools for practitioners and policymakers seeking science-based decision assistance. Developing a robust WCR plan requires the researchers and water managers to well characterize the future water supply and demand of the study region and the vulnerabilities of their tools.
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