A modeling approach for canal water distribution considering one-leader-multi-follower gaming structure and cooperative relationship of water users — A case study of Hetao Irrigation District, China

Conducted in China's Hetao Irrigation District, a large-scale irrigation area heavily reliant on canal-based water distribution. The application of canal water distribution models is hindered by the mismatch between optimization frameworks and actual hierarchical institutional arrangements. This study proposes a one-leader-multiple-followers (OLMF) canal water distribution model with managers and water users as upper and lower level decision-makers to make decisions on water distribution schedules and water use plans, respectively. Under this framework, a quantification method of cooperation payoff and payoff allocation for water users is proposed based on the relations of water amount, water-conveying pattern and irrigation effect, and the cooperation mechanism of jointly making water use plans by users is explored. Soil texture, requirements to reduce water conveyance loss and water availability are key factors influencing the water users cooperation modes. To improve the cooperation payoff, it is better for canals irrigating clayey areas to adopt the water-conveying pattern in which the peak flow comes later in the water-conveying process. The payoff for water users achieved by the OLMF model is 18 % higher than that of the traditional one-leader-one-follower model. In the OLMF model, the soil moisture contents (SMC) of canals’irrigation areas exceed the lower limit of suitable SMC range to a less extent, thus 1.243 million m 3 irrigation water is saved. • A canal water distribution model based on one-leader-multi-follower programming. • Analyze the impact of institutional arrangement on canal water distribution. • Explore cooperation modes for Joint water use planning among multiple water users.