7 - On the value of fuzzy concepts in hydrology and water resources management

Summary

ABSTRACT Evaluation of the applicability of the fuzzy sets theory in the area of hydrology and water resources management is attempted. In this respect, the determination of the membership functions and the interpretation of the results of operations on these functions are of crucial significance. Using water resources allocation problems as an example, the advantages of fuzzy set approaches vis a vis other techniques are demonstrated and discussed. Although the advantages of fuzzy approaches in the decision-making contexts are not always straightforward, these approaches seem to be very attractive in the various diagnostic and classification problems in hydrology and water resources management as well. This is illustrated by the application of some elements of fuzzy sets theory within the framework of a decision support system for a choice of an analog catchment.

INTRODUCTION

Water resources systems include a number of physical, economical, social, and environmental factors that must be considered in making choices among alternative options for resource use and control. The development and application of planning, management, and policy-oriented models for helping water resources managers have been taking place for several decades throughout the world. Most of them deal in one or another way with the uncertainty issue – uncertainty due to the random character of natural processes governing water supply (precipitation, streamflow, etc.), uncertainty concerning management objectives and evaluation criteria, and uncertainty about the future embedded above all in future demand projections.