Evolutionary algorithms and water resources optimization

Abstract

Heuristic optimization models with varying degree of complexity have been widely applied for resolving water resources optimization and allocation problems. Nevertheless, there still exist uncertainties about finding a generally consistent and trustworthy method that can find solutions, which are really close to the global optimum in all circumstances. This paper makes a review of some of the numerous evolutionary optimization algorithms available to water resources planners and managers. Evolutionary algorithms have been found propitious and useful in facilitating critical water management decisions and are becoming promising global optimization tools for major real world applications. Further research aimed at developing optimization models for water resources planning, management and optimization is therefore necessary. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.