Analysis of different scenarios of using smart meter to increase the effectiveness of Groundwater Restoration and Balancing Plan using the Agent Base Model in Qazvin Plain

Groundwater resources of Iran need to have the suitable condition due to over-harvesting, consecutive droughts in recent years, drilling of unauthorized wells, and lack of a strong monitoring mechanism. One of the major factors in disrupting the balance of aquifers is exceeding the permitted amount of extraction of the permitted wells. A water meter is the only reliable tool for monitoring and controlling water withdrawal. Considering the different methods and solutions for installing the meter, this article investigates the best scenarios for installing smart meters on water wells using the agent-based model (ABM). The defined scenarios include the purchase and installation of smart meters with government credits for free for all users, the purchase and installation of smart meter companies with the provision of facilities, and the user's purchase and installation of a smart meter in cash. Considering that different types of wells have been examined in this research in terms of the type of irrigation (high yield and low yield), ownership status (single owner or multi-owner) and meter type (Waltman WI, electromagnetic Em, and ultrasonic As), the number of probable scenarios will be much higher. These scenarios have been investigated and analyzed using MATLAB software. The results showed that choosing the type of smart meter should be done according to the classification of wells based on the type of consumption, the number of owners, the type of cultivation, and whether the product is economic or non-economic. Also, industrial wells purchase and install the Em smart meter in cash. However, in the agricultural sector, there is more desire to buy the WI smart meter because it is cheaper. Installing the meter has the greatest effect on creating a balance between resources and uses due to its direct effect on water withdrawal from the aquifer.