Author(s): Min Goo Kang; Jeong Kon Kim; Gwang Man Lee
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Integrated index; Assessment; Water resources sustainability; Analytical hierarchy process; Correlation analysis
Abstract: For assessing the water resources sustainability, many indicators and methodologies have been suggested by international organizations and developed in other countries. However, in the related studies, these indicators were found somewhat unsuitable for assessing the sustainability of water use and management in Korea. Thus, in this study a multi-variable index, WRSI (Water Resources Sustainability Index), was created by consideration of environmental, social, and economical criteria. Relative weights for indicators and sub- indexes were determined by employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process. WRSI was applied to assessing the water resources sustainability in the Keum River Basin, Korea. In order to analyze conveniently the spatial data and to efficiently compute WRSI, Geographic Information System was employed. Normalized values of indicators were obtained using those excess probabilities, which were estimated using probability distribution function fitted to the set of indicators. In the study basin, WRSI represented reasonably and satisfactorily the state of water use and management, and its sustainability. The correlation analysis between sub-indexes and WRSI with significance level, 5% , revealed that all sub-index are correlated with WRSI.
Year: 2005