Reduction of Water Scarcity in Water Management Boards of the Central District with Linear Programming (#409)

Authors

Robles Zúniga, Estefany Waleska

Abstract

This study focuses on developing a plan for the distribution of drinking water through tanker trucks for the Water Management Boards of the Central District. It employs linear programming to alleviate water scarcity. The existing distribution was evaluated, identifying areas for improvement to ensure equitable and consistent access through tanker trucks. Mapping and interviews were used to mathematically model the issue of poor planning in water supply in the Central District of Honduras. The quantitative methodology delimited variables and constraints, utilizing integer linear programming and OpenSolver in Excel to create a solving model, validated by experts and optimality testing. A weekly supply plan was formulated based on the optimal solution, providing a schedule. Findings include 2816 decision variables and 2924 constraints obtained through interviews. The proposed model estimated a reduction in the scarcity index from 1185% to 369%. Validation was done through triangulation and optimality analysis, generating the interval of optimality and feasibility. The study concludes with findings, conclusions, and recommendations to improve water supply in Honduran communities.