An economic, hydrologic, and environmental assessment of water management alternative plans for the south central Texas region

Regional water scarcity has motivated the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group to actively engage in the development of water plans to address long-term and short-term regional water needs. This study, therefore, develops an integrated Edwards Aquifer groundwater and river system simulation model to determine the “best ” choice of regional water management plan using mixed-integer mathematical linear programming. The economic, hydrologic, and environmental consequences of the “best ” choice of regional water management plan and of other water management options are evaluated and compared. Results indicate a tradeoff between the economic and environmental benefits. A slight decrease in economic benefit will result in a substantial increase in environmental benefit. Key words: Economic and hydrologic assessment, Edwards Aquifer, and water management plans. 3An Economic, Hydrologic, and Environmental Assessment of Water Management Alternative Plans for the South Central Texas Region According to the South Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group (SCTRWPG), the region will need to expand water supply or reduce demand by approximately 25 % of projected needs by 2050. In addition, regional water supply from the Edwards Aquifer will be reduced due to the restrictions imposed in Texas Senate Bill 1477.1 This regional water scarcity has motivated the SCTRWPG t