Study of the Water supply in the Megapolis : system dynamics approach

The problems of water supply in Ukraine are analysed and actual tendencies in the factors influencing the state of water resources are evaluated. The main accent is done on the problems of water resources management in megapolices, using Kharkiv (about 1.5 million inhabitants) as an example. The main problems for Kharkiv are the state of water mains and drinking water quality assurance. Analysis of the experience of applying the system dynamics (SD) methodology for analysing water supply problems confirms its adequacy. The authors propose an SD model, which displays the basic dependability of the factors that determine water intake, water supply, discharge and treatment in Kharkiv. When parameter-izing the module, real data was used. Simulation results are life-like and it's possi-ble to conduct computer experiments for decision support. [Publisher's text].