Optimizing water infrastructure solutions for small-scale distributed settlements – Case study at the Municipality of Western Mani.

Abstract

<p>Water infrastructure is an indicator of human civilization and its evolution. The sustainable water management and distribution to local communities remains a critical engineering priority so that the most efficient usage is achieved. In this analysis the design of water-infrastructure establishments is studied for the community of the Municipality of Western Mani (western Peloponnese, Greece).</p><p>One of the main issues that arise is the presence of karstic-limestone geological structure at the study area with no permanent watercourses. Furthermore, the lack of data about the current quantity of surface water makes it difficult to formulate trustworthy conclusions on the availability of water resources. Additionally, the notable growth of the tourist sector during the summer months in the past few years exacerbates this issue. Due to the above reasons, the available water is not enough to cover the needs of the Municipality, especially during the summer.</p><p>After examining all the possible options that have been proposed to increase the water availability (e.g., through dams, wells, desalination, water ponds etc.), we investigate an optimal solution that aims to achieve a more efficient water management and distribution to the communities of Western Mani. To this aim, we apply a multi-criteria decision-making approach by also considering local traditional water harvesting systems to increase water resilience.</p>

Stochastic Evaluation of the Investment Risk by the Scale of Water Infrastructures—Case Study: The Municipality of West Mani (Greece)

“…In a previous study [89], we conducted a multi-criteria analysis in order to choose the optimal solution. However, the capital intensity was not considered.…”

“…The first discussed solution for water distribution is the construction of a dam along the river Nedondas. The second solution was a system of water ponds, where the water is captured in local streams in the most mountainous part of the area, and very close to the mountain Taygetos [89,90]. The third solution was the construction of several desalination plants along the coast.…”

Modern Use of Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Practices: An Assessment of Cisterns’ Water Supply Potential in West Mani, Greece

“…In the last 50 years, modern borehole infrastructures have been installed in the area in order to cover the water needs by extracting groundwater, albeit with low water quality [53]. As a result, inhabitants and tourists are still advised to drink only bottled water, which typically costs about 1 €/L.…”