A geographic information system (GIS) based water conservation strategy for industrial applications

This thesis presents a water model that identifies cost-optimal reuse scenarios applied to a water reuse planning problem. Rising water costs, limited water supplies, waste minimization, and pollution control issues are compelling industrial users of water to take a closer look at water use, reuse and conservation. The model utilizes a linear programming algorithm within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map-based framework. Specifically, the model integrates database operations and optimization methods with the visualization benefits and geographic analysis offered by maps. The model determines the feasible reuse opportunities based on quality and finds the optimal material exchange scenario based on product purchase, treatment, and transportation costs. The results are displayed on a map of the region along with accompanying data tables. The model is illustrated by identifying cost and water savings at a case study of the industrial area on Arrowhead Drive, Carson City, Nevada, the water reuse model presented here may be used to quantitatively analyze the use and reuse of other materials. Thus, this model provides a quantitative tool to promote more efficient and sustainable system-based material cycles.