Well rehabilitation in Rasht: a system dynamics approach

Deep and semi-deep wells are one of the main sources of drinking water. Poor performance of well discharges is partly due to clogged holes, which requires rehabilitation of wells instead of well digging. Rehabilitation of well systems by chemical and mechanical methods is normally practised by a systemic approach that lacks integration and which has not led to any considerable improvement. The involvement of so many time-dependent components in well rehabilitation and their interactive complex relation with system performance requires a system dynamics approach. Such an approach is presented here. A conceptual model for well rehabilitation is developed considering appropriate archetypes and basic parameters affecting system utility and relevant causal loops. The Iranian city of Rasht has limited resources. The quantity of surface and groundwater resources and their supply potential for domestic use in Rasht have deteriorated due to urban development and water quality problems. Increases in population and water demand and limited investments have placed significant pressure on authorities and infrastructures in the provision of water. The use of groundwater resources must therefore be managed especially well. This work uses dynamic simulation software to model Rasht water well rehabilitation in order to determine the best economic choice. The model also considers the effects of management scenarios for different methods of rehabilitation.