Integrated water resources management: assessment of the benefits from conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater in southern Brazil
Abstract
Groundwater use has been increasing as an alternative to meet water demands, but often without proper management. This paper presents the concept of conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources as a tool to create the link between knowledge about the physical environment and water management decisions. Conjunctive use strategies for a region in southern Brazil are identified from the potential economic benefits calculation with the use of mathematical simulation tool of hydroeconomic optimization. The results show a reduction in water scarcity and increase in meeting the demands with groundwater use, and also the integration of the strategies with the Brazilian legislation of water resources.