Multicriterion Strategic Planning for Improved Irrigation Delivery Performance

by Timothy K. Gates, Colorado State Univ, Ft Collins, United States,
Walter E. Heyder, Colorado State Univ, Ft Collins, United States,
Darrell G. Fontane, Colorado State Univ, Ft Collins, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures for Enhanced Safety and Physical Security

Abstract:

An approach for assessing alternative strategies for improving an irrigation water delivery system in the context of multiple planning criteriais applied to the Alamosa River and La Jara Creek irrigation systems in the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado. Eleven distinct long-term, system-wide alternative strategies were explored and their impacts upon irrigation delivery performance were predicted using a stochastic simulation model. The rehabilitation alternatives which were considered involved structural, managerial, and/or policy changes. Variable uncertainty due to spatial and temporal variability and inadequate data was accounted for in the model. Two multicriterion decision-making techniques were implemented to rank the alternative planning strategies according to criteria of relative cost, social acceptability, institutional acceptability, and environmental impact, as well as water delivery performance. Alternatives identified for further detailed consideration at an implementation stage were those involving reduced canal conveyance losses, increased irrigation application efficiencies and a refinement in the prior appropriation scheme of water allocation.

Subject Headings: Irrigation systems | Irrigation | Water supply systems | Water resources | Simulation models | Irrigation water | Water management | Colorado | United States

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