Analysis of different scenarios of using smart meter to increase the effectiveness of Groundwater Restoration and Balancing Plan using the Agent Base Model in Qazvin Plain

Groundwater resources of Iran do not have suitable condition due to over-harvesting, consecutive droughts in recent years, drilling of unauthorized wells, and lack of a strong monitoring mechanism. Some regions, including the Qazvin plain, are facing crises consequently. One of the major factors in disrupting the balance of aquifers is exceeding the permitted amount extraction of the permitted wells. Water meter is the only reliable tool for monitoring and controlling water withdrawal from wells. Since 2014, volumetric smart meters have been used to measure and control withdrawal from the groundwater resources in Qazvin Plain. Considering that there are different methods and solutions for installing the meter, this article investigates the best scenarios for installing smart meters on water wells using the agent-based model (ABM). The defined scenarios include the purchase and installation of smart meters with government credits for free for all users, the purchase and installation of smart meters companied with provision of facilities, and the purchase and installation of a smart meter in cash by the user. Considering that different types of wells have been examined in this research in terms of the type of irrigation (high yield and low yield), ownership status (single owner or multi owner) and meter type (Waltman WI, electromagnetic Em and ultrasonic As), the number of probable scenarios will be much higher. These scenarios have been investigated and analyzed using the MATLAB software. The results showed that choosing the type of smart meter should be done according to the classification of wells based on the type of consumption, the number of owners, the type of cultivation and whether the product is economic or non-economic. The cost of buying and installing the meter should be paid by the owner or owners so that it is properly protected and used in the future. Also, industrial wells tend to purchase and install the Em smart meter in cash. However, In the agricultural sector, there is more desire to buy the WI smart meter because it is cheaper. In general, the installation of the meter has the greatest effect on creating a balance between resources and uses due to its direct effect on water withdrawal from the aquifer. If the meter is not installed, other attempts on the rehabilitation and balancing will remain ineffective. Installing the meter on the wells in the area has reduced the harvest and as a result, the slope of the plain's hydrograph has decreased slightly. It is expected that the continuation of this process will help to improve the condition of the aquifer.