Optimizing rainwater extraction methods using the Improved Ant System-based Clustering algorithm for rainfall management (Case Study: Markazi province)

The existence of quantitative and qualitative limitations of water resources on the one hand and the occurrence of damages and losses caused by surface runoff and seasonal floods on the other hand have necessitated the use of water resources extracted from appropriate seasonal rains. The present study was conducted to choose the best methods of collecting and rainwater harvesting in the cities of Markazi Province. For this purpose, at first, a questionnaire was prepared to identify the main evaluation criteria of the existing methods and it was provided to managers, experts, and specialists familiar with the field of management and rainwater collection methods. Then the weather information was identified in each region of the province. Finally, all available methods were reviewed and classified into three main groups. Finally, based on the method of the meta-invention algorithm of the ants, optimization of suitable places and applicable methods was carried out at the province level. Based on the findings of this study, there are 4 main groups of appropriate criteria for evaluating rainwater collection methods. Also, the most important factors in choosing the right place and method of rainwater collection include the amount of rainfall, maximum rainfall in 24 hours, and rainy days with 10 mm of rainfall. According to the 4 criteria, some regions of the province including Ashtian, Shazand, Tafarsh, and Arak cities have more priority for the implementation of this project than other cities. Finally, the meta-heuristic evaluation of rainwater collection methods shows that the best method in terms of the 4 criteria and on the other hand the weather conditions of Markazi Province, the methods of using the roof surface of residential, commercial, greenhouse, and other sites as well as It is the use of methods to improve water catchment surfaces that can have the highest water efficiency with the lowest cost.