SPONSOR:
WRRIP 2008
PROJECT PERIOD:
3/1/2005 - 2/28/2006
ABSTRACT:
We provided a general model of groundwater optimization over space and time, allowing for growing demand and a backstop resource. The model was used to compare resource allocation and welfare under efficient groundwater management and status quo management. We presented a case study of a groundwater aquifer on the island of Oahu, namely, the Honolulu aquifer. To adequately represent local conditions, we required a general operational model of an exhaustible groundwater aquifer with variable recharge, the possibility of well salinization, desalting as a backstop source of freshwater, and growing water demand. Also, construction of a compensation scheme required explicit disaggregation of consumers over space and time, as well as analysis of the distributional consequences of efficient management versus the existing inefficient management practice.
After solving for optimal management of the Honolulu aquifer, we did the same for the Pearl Harbor aquifer. Once individual aquifer models are complete, we integrated them into a single management model, allowing for hydrological interactions.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR