Agent Based Model Development for Optimal Water Allocation from Dam ReservoirCase Study: Shahid Rajaee Dam

Despite the development of technical tools for the analysis of complex systems, the most important issue in resolving water resource problems focuses on the interaction of human and natural systems. Agent based modeling (ABM) has been used in recent years as an effective tool for the development of integrated human and environmental models. One of the main challenges of ABM application in water resources management is to identify and characterize key agents. In this study, an ABM has been developed for optimal water allocation from dam reservoir to downstream needs. The proposed model includes reservoir simulation using Standard Operating Policy, optimization of water allocation using Genetic Algorithm, and behavioral simulation of agents using ABM. The behavioral simulation model simulated stakeholders interactions and their reactions to water allocation decisions. To develop this model, key agents including drinking, industry, agriculture, environment and policy sector were identified in the Tajan basin. The proposed model is a new method for simulation of stakeholder interactions and establishing a hydrological-environmental-human relationship to manage demand and to optimize water allocation to water needs. The obtained results showed that the proposed model has a high potential for increasing agent utility and total profit through agents feedback analysis, so that agricultural agent utility increased from 19% to 47% and the total profit increased up to 21.4%.