This study reports the development of a new spatial multi-criteria decision analysis (SMCDA) software tool for selecting suitable sites for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems. The new SMCDA software tool functions based on the combination of existing multi-criteria evaluation methods with modern decision analysis techniques. More specifically, non-compensatory screening, criteria standardization and weighting, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) have been combined with Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA). This SMCDA tool may be implemented with a wide range of decision maker's preferences. The tool's user-friendly interface helps guide the decision maker through the sequential steps for site selection, those steps namely being constraint mapping, criteria hierarchy, criteria standardization and weighting, and criteria overlay. The tool offers some predetermined default criteria and standard methods to increase the trade-off between ease-of-use and efficiency. Integrated into ArcGIS, the tool has the advantage of using GIS tools for spatial analysis, and herein data may be processed and displayed. The tool is non-site specific, adaptive, and comprehensive, and may be applied to any type of site-selection problem. For demonstrating the robustness of the new tool, a case study was planned and executed at Algarve Region, Portugal. The efficiency of the SMCDA tool in the decision making process for selecting suitable sites for MAR was also demonstrated. Specific aspects of the tool such as built-in default criteria, explicit decision steps, and flexibility in choosing different options were key features, which benefited the study. The new SMCDA tool can be augmented by groundwater flow and transport modeling so as to achieve a more comprehensive approach to the selection process for the best locations of the MAR infiltration basins, as well as the locations of recovery wells and areas of groundwater protection. The new spatial multicriteria analysis tool has already been implemented within the GIS based Gabardine decision support system as an innovative MAR planning tool.

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For better planning of a managed aquifer recharge (MAR) project, the most promising strategies should analyze the environmental impact, socio-economic efficiency, and their contribution to the existing or future water resource conditions in the region. The challenge of such studies is to combine and quantify a wide range of criteria from the environment and society. This necessity leads to an integrated concept and analysis. This paper outlines an integrated approach considering environmental, health, social and economic aspects to support in the decision-making process to implement a managed aquifer recharge project as a potential response to water resource problems. In order to demonstrate OPEN ACCESSWater 2014, 6 3808 the approach in detail, this paper analysed several water resources management strategies based on MAR implementation, by using treated wastewater in the Northern Gaza Strip and the potential impacts of the strategies on groundwater resources, agriculture, environment, health, economy and society. Based on the Palestinian water policy (Year 2005-2025) on wastewater reuse, three MAR strategies were developed in close cooperation with the local decision makers. The strategies were compared with a base line strategy referred to as the so-called "Do Nothing Approach". The results of the study show that MAR project implementation with treated wastewater at a maximum rate, considered together with sustainable development of groundwater, is the best and most robust strategy amongst those analyzed. The analysis shows the defined MAR strategies contribute to water resources development and environmental protection or improvement including an existing eutrophic lake. The integrated approach used in this paper may be applicable not only to MAR project implementation but also to other water resources and environmental development projects.

RESUMOA condutividade hidráulica num solo Aluvial eutrófico, de textura franco arenosa, foi estudada em lisímetros (1,25 x 1,25 x 1,25 m) equipados com tensiômetros e tubos de acesso para sonda de neutrons, no Perímetro Irrigado de São Gonçalo, Sousa, PB. Após saturação do solo, os lisímetros foram cobertos com lona plástica para o ensaio de drenagem interna durante 15 dias, utilizando-se o método do perfil instantâneo. O ensaio teve continuidade por mais 13 dias, sem a lona plástica, aplicando-se o método do balanço hídrico com base no plano de fluxo nulo. Os resultados de K(θ) obtidos foram submetidos a ajustes matemáticos baseados na minimização do somatório dos desvios quadrados, através das funções exponencial, polinomial e da soma de duas exponenciais. A soma de duas exponenciais sem transformação logarítmica apresentou-se como a mais representativa dos resultados de K(θ).Palavras-chave: movimento de água, drenagem interna, balanço hídrico, perfil instantâneo STUDY OF HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY OF AN ALLUVIAL SOIL IN LYSIMETERS ABSTRACTThe hydraulic conductivity of an alluvial eutrophic sandy loam soil was determined in lysimeters (1.25 x 1.25 x 1.25 m) equipped with tensiometers and neutron probe access tube in the Irrigated Perimeter of São Gonçalo, Sousa-PB. After soil saturation, the lysimeters were covered with plastic sheets for study of internal drainage during 15 days, using the instantaneous profile method. The study was continued for another 13 days, without plastic sheet, using a water budget based on zero flux plan. The results of K(θ) obtained were submitted to mathematical adjustments based on the sum of least square of standard errors, by the exponential, polynomial and the sum of two exponential functions. The sum of two exponential without logarithmic transformation was found to be the most representative fitting mode for the K(θ) results.