Water quantity and quality optimization Modeling of dams operation based on SWAT in Mahabad River Catchment, Iran

Water quantity and quality joint operation is a new mode in the present dams’ operation research. It has become a hot topic in governmental efforts toward integrated basin improvement. This paper coupled a water quantity and quality joint operation model (weap) and genetic algorithm with Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Together, these tools were used to explore a reasonable operation of dams and floodgates at the basin scale. Mahabad River Catchmentwas selected as the case of study. Results showed that the coupled water quantity and quality model of Mahabad River Catchment more realistically simulates the process of water quantity and quality control by dams and floodgates. This integrated model provides the foundation for research of water quantity and quality optimization on dam operation in Mahabad River Catchment. The results of this modeling also suggest that current water quality of Mahabad River will improve following the implementation ofthe optimized operation of the main dams and floodgates. By pollution control and water quantity and quality joint operation of dams and floodgates, water quality of Mahabad river will change significantly, and the available water resources will increase by 14.2%, and 10 % at the downstream sites of Mahabad River Reservoir, Yusfkand Floodgate, respectively. The water quantity and quality joint operation of dams will play an active role in improving water quality and water use efficiency in Mahabad River Basin. The research will provide the technical support for water pollution control and ecological restoration i Mahabad River Catchments