Optimization of fluvial beaches location based on a multi-criteria approach combining river hydrodynamics and water quality

Abstract

River basin management decisions arecomplex allocation processes that should be based on adequate decision support methodologies aiming at an efficient, rational and integrated use of water resources. The present study presents a site-specificmethodology designed toidentify and to rank potential fluvial beach locationscombininghydrodynamic comfort and water quality indexes. The concept was validated in Cavadoriver basinlocated in northern Portugal, where 73bathing locations

were assessed and ranked.Results showed that only 8,3%presented a positive performance in terms of both water quality and hydrodynamic comfort, while16,3%present a favorable water quality performance but a low hydrodynamic comfort due toupstream hydropower plants.In conclusion, the multi-criteria methodology provided to be straightforward for water bathing sites identification, fostering the use of such licensingapproaches by local water authorities.