Teaching and Educational Methods

Solving Optimal Groundwater Problems with Excel

Christopher A. Wada(a), Sittidaj Pongkijvorasin(b), James A. Roumasset(c), and Kimberly M. Burnett(a)
(a)University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization, (b)Chulalongkorn University, (c)University of Hawai‘i at Manoa,

JEL Codes: A2, A22, Q2, Q25
Keywords: Coastal aquifers, dynamic optimization, Excel Solver, groundwater management, sustainable yield

Publish Date: August 7, 2023

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Abstract

Welfare maximizing management of coastal groundwater requires a sequence of pumping targets, typically terminating with a constant withdrawal rate in the long run. In contrast, managing according to sustainable yield at best identifies the constant rate of pumping in the long run. We illustrate an accessible solution method, using Excel Solver to find the optimal transition paths of groundwater pumping, price, and head level and the corresponding solutions in the long run. The developed framework is applied to the Pearl Harbor Aquifer (PHA) in Hawaii using data from previous studies. Each step of the solution process is described, including setting parameter values and defining objective, variable, and constraint cells in Excel to facilitate successful replication of the results. Possible extensions are also discussed such as watershed conservation, protection of groundwater dependent ecosystems, and management of multiple aquifers.

About the Author:Christopher A. Wada is a Research Economist at the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. Sittidaj Pongkijvorasin is an Associate Professor at Chulalongkorn University. James A. Roumasset is an Emeritus Professor and Research Fellow at the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization and University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Kimberly M. Burnett is a Specialist at the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization (Corresponding email: kburnett@hawaii.edu. )

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