INTEGRATING TOOLS FOR SURFACE WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT - Integrating GIS, Remote Sensing, and Mathematical Modelling for Surface Water Quality Management - page 71

substitute or hide real facts. This information must contain the same value as far as real consequences
of considered decision alternatives are concerned, but the form of this information should allow for
straightforward recognition of impacts, perils and benefits.
The only possible method to adequately respond to these challenges has been associated with the
balanced and targeted usage of technical and technological means combined with such organizational
forms of the decision making processes, when also professional in non-technical disciplines and
various groups of interest have the right to participate in the evaluation of considered alternatives and
their impact.
3.5.5. Decision Support Systems for Water Resources Management
The water resource issue have so many dimensions and complexities that decision support is necessary
for water managers. Kaden et al.(1989) describe a simple computer aided water management system,
to assist the operators, managers, and planners composed of the following three components, as
shown in figure (3-6) :
Measuring and information systems (Data acquisition, transmission and storage)
Software system (user software)
Organizational system (organizational structure, legal and economic regulations)
Haagsma (1995) described a more sophisticated, internet linked Decision Support System. It should
be realized that decisions in regard to water resources are not necessarily taken on the basis of
objective information alone, and that political considerations do come into the picture. A large
amount of data has to be transferred into useful information. The aim of the decision support system is
to make available the relevant information to both the experts and water authorities, to enable them to
have an informed consultation.
Figure (3-6): Computer -aided water management system. (source: Kaden et al. 1989)