A multi-criteria multidimensional model for optimal selection of rural water supply systems

Water supply is a crucial concern for planners across all countries, especially in rural communities. This paper proposes a multidimensional approach to examining the effective criteria for water supply projects in rural areas of Iran. The study compares alternative methods of project implementation and employs three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Fuzzy-AHP, and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to prioritize criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives. The results indicate that, among the five options analyzed, diverting water from the river and constructing temporary storage dams are the highest priorities, while pipeline branching to the nearby city or village is given the lowest priority. The study reveals that environmental and economic criteria are more critical than social-security and technical-management criteria, while negative environmental impacts and the possibility of risk-taking by subversive agents are the most important among the 14 sub-criteria studied.