Optimisation of water resources management for insular and geographically isolated areas

Recently, more attention has been given to the utilization of alternative water sources, such as desalinated seawater and reclaimed water, particularly in insular areas lacking substantial freshwater resources. The use of mathematical modelling can assist in making the right decisions, with respect to water management, as the increased complexity, due to various potential solutions, is impending the derivation of the optimal solution. The present work presents a mathematical programming approach to optimise water resources management for the island of Syros, Cyclades, Greece. The optimisation model takes into account the population spread out on the island, and the subsequent localized needs for water use (including water quality) and wastewater production, as well as geographical considerations. The model calculates the optimal location of desalination plants and wastewater treatment and reclamation plants, as well as the water conveyance infrastructure needed, in order to achieve optimal water management at minimum cost.