Economic Evaluation of Rain Water Harvesting Systems in Arid and Semi-Arid areas, case study: Aq Emam Watershed, Golestan Province

Shortage of fresh water and agricultural water needs is an important human issue in the future and the Iran due to its geographical location would be faced with water shortages. Each of water resources use methods have special characteristic and its evaluation has effective role in optimum water harvesting. Social and economic evaluation of rain water harvesting systems and suitable management would result to reduce water shortage in arid areas. So water harvesting Surface in arid areas would be suitable and optimum method in water supply. In this research, in Aq Emam in Golestan province with 8730 ha areas. First using stockholder’s interview, some rain water harvesting systems suggested. In economic evaluation costs and benefits of rain water harvesting systems were calculated, and the sub watershed prioritization according to benefit-cost (B / C). The results showed that the all systems with low cost of establishment would be done. Generally speaking, the amount of rainfall, land use, topography, physiography and water use method and also social and economic conditions, would be effective spatial evaluation of Runoff harvesting and also in determination of adaptable systems that this could to optimum water resources management in the watershed.