Assessment of domestic water demand and supply in the upper Pravara dam command area using the WEAP Model

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the water demand and supply scenario in the command area of the Upper Pravara Dam located in Maharashtra, utilizing the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model. The catchment area was chosen to evaluate domestic water needs and availability. The assessment provides insights into both current and projected domestic water requirements, using the WEAP system as a planning framework. To conduct this evaluation, various datasets were used, including population figures from Census 2011 and UIDAI, dam-related information, per capita water usage, canal distribution, irrigated and culturable command areas, and other relevant records obtained from the Upper Pravara Canal Division. These inputs were critical in estimating future water demand and shaping effective planning strategies. The analysis was carried out for two towns within the region Sangamner and Akole. According to model projections, domestic water demand in the year 2020 was around 2.97 million cubic meters (Mm³) for Sangamner and 0.58 Mm³ for Akole. By the year 2050, these figures are expected to rise to 6.03 Mm³ and 1.17 Mm³, respectively. The findings confirm that the WEAP model serves as a practical tool for long-term water resource planning in the Upper Pravara basin, helping to forecast and manage water requirements over the next three decades.