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Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource
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Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Resources Management, Policy and Governance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 2662

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Zhaocai Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Information, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: intelligent computing; water resources optimization; combinatorial optimization algorithm
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optimization–simulation modeling for sustainable water resources is a systematic approach to exploring sustainable water resource management options through modeling and simulation and evaluating model performance. This approach can provide decision support for the management and planning of water resources and provide clear data and information that are more reliable, accurate, and trusted.

In the field of sustainable water resources management, the optimization–simulation modeling approach covers the following main areas:

  1. The planning and management of water resources: through the simulation of various models and scenarios, the feasibility and sustainability of water resource utilization plans can be assessed and the best options can be determined.
  2. The scheduling of water resources: By establishing dynamic scheduling models of hydropower plants and reservoirs, optimal control and scheduling can be achieved to ensure the rational use and supply of water resources.
  3. The allocation of water resources: after simulation, the optimal water resource allocation scheme can be determined to realize the fair and reasonable allocation of water resources and the maximum benefit.
  4. The management of the water environment: through the construction of water ecosystem and water quality models, simulation analysis, and prediction, a better water environment management plan can be formulated.
  5. Disaster management: by constructing models of floods, droughts, and geologic hazards, disaster risks can be assessed and response plans can be formulated to reduce the impacts of disasters.

In conclusion, through the optimization–simulation modeling methodology, the in-depth analysis and optimal design of water resource systems can be undertaken to ensure the development and management of sustainable water resources.

Dr. Zhaocai Wang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • water resources management
  • sustainable development of water resources
  • optimization models
  • simulation modeling
  • water planning
  • water scheduling
  • water allocation
  • water environment management
  • disaster management
  • decision support systems

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2236 KiB  
Article
Developing a Multi-Objective Optimization Scheduling Method for the Yangtze to Huaihe River Water Diversion Project Considering Lake Regulation and Storage
by Xiaoming Qi, Qiang Han, Bowen Li, Xuebao Chen, Zhiyang Guo, Yuanchao Ou and Dejian Wang
Water 2025, 17(9), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091286 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 92
Abstract
Inter-basin water diversion projects have emerged as a critical solution to address water scarcity crises stemming from the uneven spatial distribution of water resources. The economic feasibility of these projects is significantly influenced by multiple factors, including water source composition, target beneficiaries, and [...] Read more.
Inter-basin water diversion projects have emerged as a critical solution to address water scarcity crises stemming from the uneven spatial distribution of water resources. The economic feasibility of these projects is significantly influenced by multiple factors, including water source composition, target beneficiaries, and the specific characteristics of diversion routes and distances. This research developed a novel multi-objective optimization framework utilizing a simulation-based optimization methodology designed to formulate efficient joint operational strategies that maximize water supply reliability while reducing operational expenditures. The practicality of this framework is validated through its implementation in the Yangtze to Huaihe River Water Diversion Project (YHWDP) in China. The results revealed that the proposed joint operation rules achieve substantial improvements in both water supply efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the model demonstrated the capability to maintain a 95.5% water supply rate while reducing the water pumping volume to only 1.84 × 109 m3. Furthermore, comparative analyses with conventional operation rules showed that the joint operation strategy effectively utilized the runoff regulation capacity of lakes while significantly mitigating water level fluctuations. During the water diversion period, the average variance of the time series of water volume in three lakes decreased by 54.5%, thereby contributing to the preservation of ecological stability for lake flora and fauna. The findings of this research not only provided practical insights for optimizing the operational performance of the YHWDP but also established a valuable framework for developing joint operation strategies in similar long-distance water diversion projects between basins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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39 pages, 9926 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Water Optimization Tool (SUWO): An Optimization Framework for the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem Nexus
by Salim Yaykiran and Alpaslan Ekdal
Water 2025, 17(9), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091280 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 99
Abstract
Sustainable water management requires integrated approaches balancing competing demands and environmental sustainability. This study introduces the Sustainable Water Optimization Tool (SUWO), an open-source, Python-based simulation-optimization framework for basin-scale surface-water-resources management. SUWO employs the water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEF-E) nexus approach, utilizing a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) [...] Read more.
Sustainable water management requires integrated approaches balancing competing demands and environmental sustainability. This study introduces the Sustainable Water Optimization Tool (SUWO), an open-source, Python-based simulation-optimization framework for basin-scale surface-water-resources management. SUWO employs the water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEF-E) nexus approach, utilizing a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) to generate Pareto-optimal solutions and facilitate a trade-off analysis among water uses through simulations of reservoir operations, hydro-energy production, irrigation, and flow regulation. SUWO integrates scenario analysis with multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), enabling the evaluation of various management, climate, and environmental scenarios. The framework was applied to the Sakarya River Basin (SRB) in Türkiye, a rapidly developing region pressured by water infrastructure development, hydroelectric power plants (HEPPs), and irrigation expansion. The SUWO-SRB model showed that while Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) generally exhibited superior performance, NSGA-III presented a competitive alternative. The optimization results were analyzed across four management scenarios under varying hydrological conditions and environmental management classes (EMCs) for the near future. The model results highlight WEF-E nexus trade-offs. Maximizing energy production often impacts irrigation and the ecosystem, while prioritizing sustainable irrigation can reduce energy output. Dry conditions reduce hydropower and irrigation capacity, emphasizing water scarcity vulnerabilities. Ecological deviation negatively correlates with anthropogenic factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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24 pages, 7733 KiB  
Article
Multi-Objective Model for Efficient, Equitable, and Sustainable Water Allocation Under Uncertainty: A Case Study of Namhan River Basin, South Korea
by Flavia D. Frederick and Doosun Kang
Water 2025, 17(8), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17081230 - 20 Apr 2025
Viewed by 142
Abstract
Water allocation under uncertainty remains a critical challenge in water-scarce regions. This study presents an integrated water allocation model that explicitly incorporates uncertainty through stochastic streamflow simulations and addresses multiple objectives—efficiency, equity, and sustainability—within a unified framework. The model uses historical inflow data, [...] Read more.
Water allocation under uncertainty remains a critical challenge in water-scarce regions. This study presents an integrated water allocation model that explicitly incorporates uncertainty through stochastic streamflow simulations and addresses multiple objectives—efficiency, equity, and sustainability—within a unified framework. The model uses historical inflow data, future demand projections, and a multi-objective optimization approach based on the NSGA-II to generate trade-off solutions. To support decision-making, TOPSIS is applied to identify the most balanced allocation strategies from the Pareto-optimal sets. The model is applied to the Namhan River Basin in South Korea, with two key applications: (1) developing adaptive water allocation strategies under dry, normal, and wet hydrological conditions, and (2) proposing targeted infrastructure enhancements—including new dams, transmission lines, and intake points—to address vulnerabilities in dry years. The results demonstrate that the proposed model improves supply reliability, economic efficiency, equity across regions, and sustainability through river maintenance and reservoir storage compliance. This study provides a generalizable and practical decision-support tool for long-term water planning under climate and demand uncertainties, offering actionable insights for water-deficient basins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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21 pages, 11893 KiB  
Article
Study on the Impact of Climate Change on Water Cycle Processes in Cold Mountainous Areas—A Case Study of Water Towers in Northeastern China
by Zhaoyang Li, Lei Cao, Feihu Sun, Hongsheng Ye, Yucong Duan and Zhenxin Liu
Water 2025, 17(7), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17070969 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
This study applied the fully coupled model WRF/WRF-Hydro to simulate land, air, and water cycles in the Changbai Mountain area (CMA) in Northeast China. This study evaluated the applicability of the coupled model in the region and analyzed the impact of regional climate [...] Read more.
This study applied the fully coupled model WRF/WRF-Hydro to simulate land, air, and water cycles in the Changbai Mountain area (CMA) in Northeast China. This study evaluated the applicability of the coupled model in the region and analyzed the impact of regional climate change on the water cycle in the study area over the past half-century. The temperature in the Changbai Mountains increased significantly from 1975 to 2020. Precipitation, canopy water, and all types of evapotranspiration showed different increasing trends, whereas surface runoff showed a decreasing trend. The comparison revealed that precipitation, canopy water, canopy evaporation, and total evapotranspiration increased gradually in the low-latitude subbasins, whereas runoff decreased more rapidly. Runoff in the study area showed an annual double peak, which was due to snowmelt in spring and abundant precipitation in summer. Under the influence of climate change, the thawing time of frozen soil and snow cover in the study area will advance, leading to an increase in the spring runoff peak and earlier occurrence time. Our results provide a reference for the study of the water cycle process of the coupled model in cold mountainous areas and a scientific reference for the scientific response to climate change and the protection of regional water resource security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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29 pages, 7329 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Water Quantity Allocation in Multi-Source Urban Water Supply Systems Using Graph Theory
by Jinxin Zhang, Xinhai Zhang, Hanze Li, Yazhou Fan, Zhenzhu Meng, Dan Liu and Suli Pan
Water 2025, 17(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010061 - 29 Dec 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1095
Abstract
The optimization of urban multi-source water supply systems is essential for addressing the growing challenges of water allocation, cost management, and system resilience in modern cities. This study introduces a graph-theory-based optimization model to analyze the structural and operational dynamics of urban water [...] Read more.
The optimization of urban multi-source water supply systems is essential for addressing the growing challenges of water allocation, cost management, and system resilience in modern cities. This study introduces a graph-theory-based optimization model to analyze the structural and operational dynamics of urban water supply systems, incorporating constraints such as water quality, pressure, and system connectivity. Using Lishui City as a case study, the model evaluates three water allocation plans to meet the projected 2030 water demand. Advanced algorithms, including Floyd’s shortest path algorithm and the GA-COA-SA hybrid optimization algorithm, were employed to address constraints such as pipeline pressure, water quality attenuation, and nonlinear flow dynamics. Results indicate a 1.4% improvement in cost-effectiveness compared to the current allocation strategy, highlighting the model’s capability to enhance efficiency. Among the evaluated options, Plan 2 emerges as the most cost-effective solution, achieving a supply capacity of 4.5920 × 105 m3/d with the lowest annual cost of 5.7015 × 107 yuan, highlighting the model’s capability to improve both efficiency and resilience. This study prioritizes cost-efficiency tailored to regional challenges, distinguishing itself from prior research that emphasized redundancy and water quality analysis. The findings demonstrate the potential of graph-theoretic approaches combined with advanced optimization techniques to enhance decision-making for sustainable urban water management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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26 pages, 1641 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Water and Land Allocation in Fruit Orchards over a 20-Year Period
by Luciano Quezada, Eduardo Holzapfel, Mathias Kuschel-Otárola, Mario Lillo-Saavedra, Diego Rivera, Camilo Souto, Octavio Lagos and Diego Palma
Water 2025, 17(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010008 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 995
Abstract
This study proposes a nonlinear programming model for the optimization of water and land allocation in a 1000 ha orchard over a 20-year period to maximize farmers’ net profits. Different scenarios were evaluated, including equitable and unrestricted land allocation, and the risks associated [...] Read more.
This study proposes a nonlinear programming model for the optimization of water and land allocation in a 1000 ha orchard over a 20-year period to maximize farmers’ net profits. Different scenarios were evaluated, including equitable and unrestricted land allocation, and the risks associated with fruit production were considered. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis that focused on the variability of labor and water availability was conducted. The results reveal that with equitable land allocations and no constraints on the cultivated area, cherry emerges as the most profitable crop, although there are large risks associated with its price volatility. The introduction of risk and land allocation constraints highlights the importance of crop diversification in mitigating economic risks. A sensitivity analysis indicated that reductions in water and labor availability significantly affect the optimal cropping pattern of an orchard, suggesting that the efficient and adaptive management of resources is required. The proposed optimal cropping pattern maintains the economic viability of the orchard even with 70% and 24% reductions in water and labor, respectively. This approach underscores the importance of implementing resilient and sustainable agricultural strategies to ensure food security and increase economic stability in the face of changing climatic and labor conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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