Estimating Return Flow Rate from Water Demand Using Optimization Approach

Abstract

Water budget analysis involves assessing available water resources and demand in specific regions or watersheds in order to efficiently manage the already-limited water resources, ensure supply stability, and formulate relevant plans. In this analysis, the quantity of return flow is as crucial as supply and demand, necessitating diverse approaches for accurate estimation. Hence, this study employed a gradient descent-based optimization approach to determine a reliable return flow rate. Unlike traditional unidimensional rates, this approach considers scenarios with varied analysis points and periods within the target watershed. The research findings indicated that the optimized return flow rate varied with the analysis location and period, underscoring the potential of this optimization approach to enhance the accuracy of water budget analysis compared to conventional rates in runoff simulations using water supply networks. Integrating the optimization approach proposed in this study with water budget analysis is expected to significantly contribute to the development of effective water resource management plans.