Application of the Systems Approach to the Management of Complex Water Systems

Dear Colleagues,

During the past five decades we have witnessed a tremendous evolution in water resource systems management. Three of the characteristics of this evolution should be noted in particular.

First, the application of the systems approach to complex water management problems has been established as one of the most important advances in the field of water resource management. A primary emphasis of systems analysis in water resource management is on providing an improved basis for decision-making. A large number of analytical, computer-based tools, from simulation and optimization to multi-objective analysis, are available for formulating, analyzing and solving water resource planning, design and operational problems.

Second, the past five decades have brought a remarkable transformation of attitude in the water resource management community towards environmental concerns, and action to address these concerns. Water, together with land and air, is under significant pressure from a growing population, changing climate and the associated needs for food production and rapid urbanization.

Third, applying the principles of sustainability to water resource decision-making requires major changes in the objectives on which decisions are based, and an understanding of the complicated inter-relationships between existing ecological, economic and social factors. To make decisions designed to produce sustainable water resources also calls for a change in procedural policies and implementation.

Today, more than ever, we need appropriate tools that can assist in dealing with the difficulties introduced by the increase in the complexity of water resource problems, consideration of environmental impacts and the introduction of principles of sustainability. The systems approach is one such tool. This Special Issue offers an opportunity to review numerous applications of the systems approach to water resource management and draw lessons from worldwide experience relevant to the solution of future water problems.

Prof. Dr. Slobodan P. Simonovic
Guest Editor

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