Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
MODELLING WATER RESOURCE
ALLOCATION: A CASE STUDY ON
AGRICULTURE VERSUS HYDROPOWER
PRODUCTION
Jorge Bielsa and Rosa Duarte
1. INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we propose an economic model for the optimum allocation
of water within a given area with the following features. First, the
introduction of the institutional, geographical and time scheme under
which the water rights are granted. Secondly, the establishment of a
modelling framework for these characteristics which influence and are, in
turn, influenced by two particular circumstances, namely the irregular
conditions of the upstream flows and the possible new requirements of
some of the users. Particular attention is paid to the effect of the time and
space on water demand and supply conditions.
The problems associated to the management of water in
Mediterranean climates are well known, with these essentially resulting
from the uncertainty associated with the supply of water in terms of both
space and time. Thus, in order for users to be guaranteed the possibility of
counting on the necessary surface water resources, volumes and priorities
are allocated to different uses by way of water rights. These rights
represent the main legal instrument that ranks and shares the uses with
respect to space and time.
As Howe
et al.
(1986) have stated 'property rights in water can be
completely described only by a definition covering the quantity diverted
and consumed, timing, quality and places of diversion and application.
Changes in any of these characteristics could potentially affect other water
users'. With this being the basic scenario within which water users operate,
the literature contains various studies that place emphasis on the need to
Search WWH ::
Custom Search