River Karun Basin Management Plan
Project Introduction
The Ministry of Energy and Khuzestan Water and
Power Authority commissioned Scott Wilson to develop a mathematical
model for the water systems throughout the River Karun
catchment.
Project Background
The River Karun is the largest river system in
Iran with a main river length of over 800km. The total catchment
area is in excess of 60,000 square kilometres. Peak recorded flood
discharges are over 3,000 cumecs, with mean discharges of around
575 cumecs. Water quality has deteriorated over many years as the
catchment area has benefited from increased development and an
increase in population. The construction of four new major
hydropower facilities and the expansion of agricultural areas have
resulted in lower summer river flows and higher concentrations of
pollution. These factors have manifested themselves through
significant eutrophication problems and high levels of salinity in
surface water systems.
Project Scope
The scope of the works is to develop an
operational mathematical model for the water systems throughout the
river catchment. Scott Wilson have assisted the client in the
development of a database of all water users in the catchment, a
review of hydrometric equipment and the design and supervision of
an effective monitoring network for surface and groundwater, in
addition to water quality monitors. Work has also been carried out
to develop low flow water quality and flow models for operational
management and forecasting, and multiple reservoir models for
multi-purpose reservoirs in the catchment. In addition, flood
modelling and design of improved flood defence works was carried
out.
Value Adding Project
Achievements
Scott Wilson assisted the client with the
integration of all aspects of the study into a GIS system, the
design and development of an optimisation model for water usage in
the catchment, and training of water authority staff in use of the
operational model.
