An application of lexicographic goal programming to resolve the allocation of water from the Rakaia River (New Zealand)

Abstract

Resource managers are constantly faced with the need to resolve conflict over finite resources. Multiple objective programming techniques have been identified as a means of resolving resource conflict, but to date very few examples have been reported in the literature. This paper describes the development of a multiple objective programming model, using the lexicographic goal programming technique, to help resolve the conflict over water abstraction from the Rakaia River in Central Canterbury, New Zealand. Development of the computer model was aimed at analysing the consequences of various water abstraction scenarios and developing an understanding of the trade-offs that were available between each of the interest groups competing for the resource.

The difficulties of modelling real world problems are highlighted; in particular the lack of detailed information on the effects of varying river flows on the instream users (fish, wildlife and recreation) of the river. The model was found to be effective in determining how resources should be utilised to meet specified goals and in determining the impacts and trade-offs that would occur as a result of varying decisions about the resource.