Determination of Top Options in Utilization of Water Resources using WEAP Model and Multi Attribute Decision-Making Analysis

The answers to decision-making problems and selection of top option in waterresources were previously based on one goal (profit maximization). However، todaywith the use of multi attribute decision-making، there is no need to only take account offinancial and profit making quantities، but we can also use several indicators (in theform of qualitative and quantitative variables)، like political، social and environmentalvariables for adopting the top option. The first stage in a multi Attribute decisionmakingprocess is prioritization، identification and study of limitations existing in theprojects. The next stage is specification of evaluation standards and variables withtaking into account social، economic، and environmental considerations and technicalproblems. Then، measures must be taken for conversion of qualitative variable intoquantitative ones، de scaling the indicators and specification of their relative weightsthrough one of decision-making methods and finally، to deal with evaluation of thegiven project with the concerned algorithm and select the best option. Using modelingwith WEAP software، the present research dealt with the simulation of Zaryngol Basin. Then، with identification of options and indicators of concern to the experts، the bestoption was selected from among the existing scenarios with the application of TOPSISmethod. The results suggest the need for further development in the summer cultivationin the above-said basin.