Applications of system dynamics modelling for management policy implementation of a water supply system

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to review the existing philosophy for development and management of water supply and sewerage systems and examine management policies to cope with the paradigm shift in water production and usage. To this end, computer simulation models using system dynamics methodology were developed to analyse the effects of implementing investment policies to enhance the customer satisfaction of a water supply system. In this paper a system dynamics computer simulation model was developed for the simulation of the effects of investment on water quality improvements in the upstream region of Nak-Dong River basin from which Busan in South Korea takes raw water. A Water Service Satisfaction Index that can be used to evaluate a consumer's overall level of satisfaction in the water supply service was also developed in this study. Various scenarios for the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment facilities were examined using the developed system dynamics model in which the developed Water Service Satisfaction Index was incorporated. The developed model can be further expanded to experiment various scenarios for the management of water supply systems.