Assessing the water potential of karstic saline springs by applying a fuzzy approach: The case of Almyros

The estimation of useful water potential of sources with varying water quality is based on the identification of the period at which all quality parameters are within the acceptable limits which are dictated by the quality requirements of the use. Karstic saline springs often exhibit strong quality seasonality, with each element or ion following its own seasonal pattern. To facilitate the rational estimation of the useful water potential, two fuzzy set methodologies are employed. The first is the use of the min intersection as the fuzzy aggregator and the second is the use of fuzzy multicriteria filtering method. Application of these methods have been used for assessing the quantity from the karstic saline spring of Almyros (Heraklion, Crete) which is suitable for human consumption or irrigation.

Two fuzzy set methodologies were used for assessing the water potential of springs with varying water quality. Τhe min intersection rule seems more strict and more suitable for the estimation of the water potential for human consumption whereas the multicriteria filtering method provides a more flexible method for classifying annual water quantities into quality classes which correspond to quality requirements of the various uses. The two methods were applied to the Almyros karstic saline spring of Heraklion, Crete, producing comparable results. As expected, the annual water quantity from the spring, suitable for irrigation use is much greater when compared to the quantity suitable for human consumption.