Risk assessment of water allocation on water scarcity period: the case of Jaguaribe-Metropolitan System

The allocation between uses was performed using two methods: linear apportionment and assessment with priorities (adopted in periods of water scarcity). The amount available for allocation was obtained using two reservoir operation strategies: zero inflow in the second half of the year and forecast flow.

Gains and losses of the user sectors were determined through benefits functions. The two allocation scenarios pointed to lower guarantees and benefits for user sector with less priority. The priority system revealed that the water transfer infrastructures provide gains for the higher priority sector when guaranteeing water security; however, cause losses when extinguishes the right to use the demand of lower priority, indicating that the allocation of water is also a distribution process risk.