A dynamic model of ground water restoration with accelerator constraint

Extensive pumping of ground water has reduced many aquifer levels below the minimum levels necessary to avoid serious adverse environmental and economic consequences. Hence, water management authorities have been forced to develop viable programs to restore the desired aquifer levels while optimizing with respect to consumption and costs. This study suggests a model of developing an optimal ground water restoration plan and demonstrates the significant role that incorporating a pumpage constraint referred to as the accelerator plays in resolving certain difficulties faced by restoration planners. It is demonstrated that incorporating the accelerator not only allows derivation of a smooth optimal pumpage path to restore the desired stock but provides the planner with significant flexibilities, including incorporation of an exogenous pumpage adjustment speed into the optimal plan.