Tibor Stigter

Optimization of the Operation of Large-Scale Multisource Water-Supply Systems

This paper describes a simulation-optimization model aimed at helping water utilities determine the best way to operate large-scale multisource water-supply systems. The operation of water systems is optimized taking into account the principal planning objectives defined for interventions that include reducing operating costs, satisfying demand, delivering water of appropriate quality, and not prompting the use of emergency sources. The model allows that these planning objectives may not be completely fulfilled in critical circumstances (e.g., droughts) when goals have to be prioritized by the water utilities. The model is a highly nonlinear programming problem and is solved with the general algebraic modeling system (GAMS), using the MINOS algorithm (GAMS/MINOS). The application of the model to the multimunicipal urban water-supply system of the Algarve shows its capabilities for optimizing the operation considering economic and noneconomic goals included in the objective function and to cope with future...

Major Issues Regarding the Efficiency of Monitoring Programs for Nitrate Contaminated Groundwater

Major issues regarding the efficiency of moni toring programs for nitrate contaminated groundwater are analyzed in this paper: (i) representativeness of monitoring networks; (ii) correct interpretation of the monitoring data and resulting time series and trends; and (iii) differentiation among the different sources of nitrates in groundwater. Following an overview of the nitrate contamination problem and possible solutions, as well as some of the difficulties found, a relatively straightforward method for assessing monitoring network representativity is presented, namely interpolation standard error assessment. It is shown how nitrate-concentration time series resulting from periodic observations can be corrected with a conservative tracer, in order to avoid misinterpretation and confirm or correct apparent trends. Finally, coupled ¹⁵N and ¹⁸O isotope signatures of nitrate (NO₃⁻) in groundwater are used to differentiate among nitrogen (N) sources, to ensure correct targeting of restoration measures. The case study regards a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone in the south of Portugal, designated in compliance with the European Nitrates Directive, where coastal discharge of nutrient-rich groundwater threatens the good qualitative and ecological status of the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon. Results show that mineral fertilizer is the main source of N in groundwater, and that increases in N load can be masked by dilution phenomena.

Assessment of groundwater vulnerability to pollution of a wetland watershed: The case study of the Oualidia-Sidi Moussa wetland, Morocco

The susceptibility of wetlands to continental pollution is closely related to the vulnerability of their surface and sub-surface watersheds. Therefore, to help manage wetlands, especially those fed by groundwater, it can be useful to assess the vulnerability of their aquifers. This approach is illustrated by the case study of the wetland of Oualidia-Sidi Moussa. Firstly, the hydrogeological basin of the wetland was identified. Vulnerability mapping was then performed using the specific Susceptibility Index (SI) method. Results indicated that the natural protection against pollution of the watershed of the Oualidia-Sidi Moussa wetland was low, and that the system was indeed affected by anthropogenic pollution. Preservation of its ecological value requires urgent management actions.

A groundwater perspective on the river basin management plan for central Portugal – developing a methodology to assess the potential impact of N fertilizers on groundwater bodies

The Water Framework Directive establishes that the river basin management plans must have a summary of the pressures and impacts of human activities, such as agriculture, on the chemical and quantitative status of groundwater bodies. In order to identify those areas where a potential impact from agricultural activities on groundwater bodies exists, but currently lacking groundwater monitoring data, a methodology was developed that combines the use of gross nitrogen balance values with the results of a specific vulnerability assessment index. A farm management efficiency parameter is added, to identify the factors that contribute to nitrogen use efficiency and to assess the near-future scenarios. This methodology allows the identification of significant pressures that may be responsible for a groundwater body failing good status where there is no representative monitoring network.