ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT USING MODFLOW AND BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS

The objective of this paper is to present the application of systematic analyses to ascertain better groundwater management in agricultural and urban areas. The mentioned analyses encompass mathematical modelling (MODFLOW), and benefit-cost analysis. The Pancevacki Rit area is particularly suitable for these analyses, since it has a long history regarding excess water. The simulation model of Pancevacki Rit is used to develop an optimal drainage strategy for long-term management. The existing canal network, with a density of 25mha(-1) and 7 pumping stations with an installed capacity of 35.8m(3)s(-1), are not sufficient to protect total area of 33 820ha, mostly due to inefficient management. Initially the results of the mathematical model were used to select an acceptable drainage solution for the study area, with several stages distinguished (phases 1-5) and degrees of achieved protection. Introduction of economic evaluation (benefit-cost) made further differences between solutions, thus simplifying the choice. The most complex and effective solution involves a major total investment (Euro16 million), but minor unit investment costs (Euro 400ha(-1)) and the greatest benefit-cost ratio. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. RESUME L'objectif de cet article est de presenter la possibilite d'application des analyses systematiques afin de determiner la meilleure gestion des eaux souterraines dans les zones agricoles et urbaines. Les analyses mentionnees englobent la modelisation mathematique (MODFLOW) et l'analyse couts-avantages. Ces analyses sont appliquees a la region de Pancevacki Rit, qui a une longue histoire au sujet de l'exces d'eau. Le modele de simulation de Pancevacki Rit est utilise pour elaborer la strategie de drainage optimal pour la gestion a long terme. Une densite de canaux de 25mha(-1) et 7 stations de pompage avec une capacite totale installee de 35.8m(3)s(-1), ne sont pas suffisantes pour proteger la region de 33 820ha, principalement en raison d'une gestion inefficace. Initialement, les resultats du modele mathematique ont ete utilises pour selectionner la solution de drainage acceptable pour la region etudiee, avec 5 etapes distinctes et differents degres de protection. L'introduction de l'evaluation economique (couts-avantages) a permis la discrimination entre les differentes solutions. La solution plus complexe et efficace implique un gros investissement (16 millions Euro), mais les couts unitaires sont mineurs (400 Euro ha(-1)) et le ratio couts-avantages plus favorable. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.