| This thesis presents an inter-temporal model for the sustainable management of a coastal aquifer in an arid region. The groundwater hydrology and salt transport in the aquifer, as well as the economics of domestic and agricultural water use are explicitly modeled. The effect of salinity on agricultural production is included in the model. The model can be used to design conveyance systems, and plan infrastructure, such as treatment plants. Furthermore, the model can assist in land use planning, through demonstrating in which locations and circumstances agriculture may or may not be sustainable.; The model is applied to the Gaza Strip. Without the introduction of social values, the optimal plan for sustainable water management is to phase out irrigated agriculture. However, when social values are imposed, such as a minimum level of agriculture for self-sufficiency, the optimal plan requires some form of desalination. It is important to recognize that the model does not provide one optimal solution for water management. There is a range of infrastructure and policy decisions between these two extremes, and the optimal plan for sustainable water management will depend on the social values for agriculture and domestic sectors, as well as for the environment.; While it may be difficult to put monetary terms on social values, the model will give the costs to society for various policy decisions, and thus allow for more informed and open decision processes. The model gives the value of water both geographically and intertemporally. These values may be used in the context of water trading or negotiations. The model supports the process of sustainable water management, as put forth in the Dublin Principles (Dublin, 1992). The model explicitly addresses these principles by providing the technical basis to show that water is an economic good, with implications on life, social and economic development, and the environment. |
