Water shortage risk mapping: a GIS-MCDA approach for a medium-sized city in the Brazilian semi-arid region

• Published in: Urban water journal Vol. 17; no. 7; pp. 642 - 655
• Main Authors: Cordão, Maria José de Sousa, Rufino, Iana Alexandra Alves, Barros Ramalho Alves, Priscila, Barros Filho, Mauro Normando Macêdo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 08-08-2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: AHP; Analytic hierarchy process; Arid regions; Arid zones; Automation; Control equipment; Decision analysis; decision making; Economics; Geographic information systems; Geographical information systems; GIS; Information systems; Mapping; Mathematical analysis; Multiple criterion; Remote sensing; Semi arid areas; Semiarid lands; Socioeconomic aspects; Urban water supply systems; Water conveyance; water shortage risk mapping; Water shortages; Water supply; Water supply systems
• ISSN: 1573-062X; 1744-9006
• DOI: 10.1080/1573062X.2020.1804596

Water Shortage Risk (WSR) map is a tool to establish priorities to take actions in the management of Urban Water Supply Systems (UWSS). This work presents a methodology combining elements of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess urban water shortage levels. The study case is Campina Grande, a Brazilian city which represents other cities of semi-arid with similar conditions, such as dry climate, water rationing periods and a mixed-income population. The WSR approach uses seven criteria, including hydraulic, socio-economic, and infrastructure and a set of weighted functions. The method used for weight allocation is the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results show the WSR map as a dynamic tool, once it can be complemented with utility and operational data. The WSR map, combined with control variables, can be a planning instrument for automation and operational control and also for highlighting the inequalities in water supply services.