A GIS Water Planning Model for an Urban and Agricultural Area

Bishop, A. Bruce; Hughes, Trevor; ,

A GIS Water Planning Model for an Urban and Agricultural Area

by A. Bruce Bishop, Utah State Univ, Logan, United States,
Trevor Hughes, Utah State Univ, Logan, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Management of Irrigation and Drainage Systems: Integrated Perspectives

Abstract:

Water demand in a region is a mosaic of urban (residential indoor and outdoor, commercial and industrial) and agricultural uses. Yet the typical approach is to aggregate urban water demand into a per capita consumption and multiply it times population growth to make projections. This method obscures the fact that 50% or more of residential water demand in the arid west is for landscape irrigation. In addition, there is substantial water use for irrigating public parks and golf courses. The Geographic Information System Water Planning Model (GIS-WPM) described in this paper has the capability to address issues related to water demand for a mix of urban and agricultural uses. The model is able to make forecasts for specific geographic areas and water use sectors, and has the flexibility to analyze a range of possible future growth paths, such as the shift of water demand from irrigation to urban users as agricultural land is developed. The model is interactive and is designed specifically to aid water agencies and managers in effectively forecasting future growth in water demand, in planning and designing water system facility improvements, and in evaluating the impacts of drought and conservation measures, and other conditions affecting water systems.

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