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title: "Restriction Planning for Regulators"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/PNC/2051899393/Restriction%20Planning%20for%20Regulators"
format: markdown
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[DMS] 

> ℹ️ **Where is this module?**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ This module is usually in the **Planning** tab of DMS

A Restriction Plan controls water supply limitations by selectively reducing flow at regulators. Water supplied to downstream orders is based on the share of the flow to which each irrigator is entitled. 

> ℹ️ **Example**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Typically, a planner will start by applying a restriction to the furthest downstream over-capacity regulator. They will then re-check regulator capacity and may continue to restrict regulators further upstream until the water supply limitations are resolved.

# What is a Restriction Plan?

A restriction plan is a plan that applies temporary flow restrictions at regulators. When a flow restriction is applied, the restriction planning tool automatically calculates any changes required to orders and allocates the available flow. The restriction plan can include the calculated changes and any manual order changes made by the planner.

# Working with Restriction Plans

When you create a restriction plan, it is opened in the Planning Schematic in restriction mode. In this mode you can view and include any late or unsatisfied orders, quickly locate any over-capacity regulators in the planning area, and create flow restrictions at any regulator.

# What is a Flow Restriction?

A flow restriction is a period during which orders supplied by a regulator may experience reduced flows. The flow delivered for an order downstream of the regulator depends on the share of the flow to which the affected irrigators are entitled.

> ℹ️ **Note**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ A flow restriction only affects orders that overlap with the restriction period, but it may affect those orders only within the restriction period, or before and after the restriction period depending on the way the restriction is configured.

# Where can Flow Restrictions be Applied?

You can apply a restriction to any regulator in the plan area whether or not it is over-capacity.

Commonly, a planner starts by restricting the first over-capacity regulator upstream of the network section with excessive demand and works upstream to other regulators as required. This approach minimises the number of flow changes required.

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