Water consumption management using WEAP and conceptual models (Case study: Golestan province - Iran)

Iran is located among the world's arid and semi-arid lands climatically, so its water consumption management is of vital importance. Golestan province as one of the important poles of Iran's farming and agricultural products is not excluded and in terms of water supply has not a desirable situation. Due to over pumping and reduction in precipitations, groundwater reserves have not been satisfactory condition. Exploitation of surface water do not conform any management principles as well. On the other hand due to population growth, development of agricultural and industrial activities, as well as decreasing trend of water resources, setting up principled approach for water consumption is an undeniable fact. In this study, water supply sources were identified in various parts of the region. Subsequentially, the role of major water consumption sections in quantitative changes of water resources was determined. Finally the obtained results were used to project of conceptual model for quantitative changes of water resources in order to achieve sustainable development in different parts of water development in this province. The result of conceptual model shows that about 371.51 million cubic metres of water in Golestan province is lost due to lack of adequate reserves. On the other hand, reviews different management scenarios indicated that the problem of water shortages in this province is not resolved alone with construction of new dams. Meanwhile modified consumption pattern is considered as effective and complementary step in sustainable water consumption management.