Multi Criteria Decision Making to Optimize the Best Runoff Control Measure Contributing to Haditha Dam Reservoir

Abstract

In Iraq, the two dominating surface water sources are Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in which some dams constructed on both of them forming reservoirs. Haditha Dam reservoir is one of the most essential sources of drinking, irrigation, flood control and hydropower generation in Anbar State, Western Part of Iraq. Besides, the reservoir is a unique habitat with a wide spectrum of biodiversity. The objective of this study is to investigate and monitor the water quality in Haditha Dam reservoir and introduce the Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) to highlight the best runoff control measure depending on selected criteria and criteria weights. Experts were interviewed for the selection of criteria and for the assignment of the weight factor and scores. Four criteria from three categories such as technical, economic and environmental aspects were selected. Results from this study indicated that a distinguished difference in TSS and Turbidity between the dry and wet seasons and necessitates the installation of runoff control measures. It was found that the soil binders, sediment basin and diversion channel are the best alternatives for controlling erosion, sediment and drainage respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed very strong decision made by the experts for the technical, economic and environmental criteria.