An optimal decision model for coastal aquifers management

A general decision model for sustainable groundwater management is described through the identification of the decision variables, and the formalization of the objective function and the constraints. The objectives of the decision problem represent the goals that are pursued by the management strategies, according to the specific exigencies of the decision makers, while the constraints represent limits to be respected, exigencies to be fulfilled, and can also be used to take into account the various aspects of the problem. The decision model is applied to the coastal freatic aquifer of the Cervia city that is polluted by salt water. Copyright © 2005 IFAC.