Optimal local water resource diversification model for drought vulnerability reduction in water supply system

Droughts occurring under the influence of recent climate change are causing water deficit phenome-non and economic loss in most countries. To prepare a water supply system’s countermeasure against severe droughts that occur under the influence of recent abnormal climate, this research developed an optimal local water resource diversification model. The developed model was utilized to assess drought vulnerability, and then a local water resource diversification/decentralization plan was proposed that can satisfy drought water supply safety as well as tolerable drought vulnerability level at minimum cost. The developed model verified the applicability of the model through a case study of a city in Korea that is vulnerable to drought. As a result of applying the developed model to the study area, it was judged desirable to secure 46.60% local water resources to cope with drought with a 30-year return period as specified in drought water supply safety. It is expected that the drought vulnerability assessment method and optimal local water resource diversification model proposed in this research could be used in the design of the water supply system to cope with severe drought occurring under the influence of recent abnormal climate.