This study aims at the development of a mathematical approach for the optimal water allocation in the river basin where available water is not in sufficient. Its optimal allocation model is determined from the comparison and analysis of mathematical programming techniques such as transportation programming and dynamic programming models at its optimal allocation models. The water allocation system used in this study is designed to be the optimal water allocation which can satisfy the water deficit in each district through inter-basin water transfer between Kumho river basin which is a tributary catchment of Nakdong river basin, and the adjacent Hyungsan river basin, Milyang river basin and Nakdong upstream river basin. A general rule of water allocation is obtained for each district in the basins as the result of analysis of the optimal water allocation in the water allocation system. Also a comparison of the developed models proves that there is no big difference between the models Therefore transportation programming model indicates most adequate to the complex water allocation system in terms of its characteristics It can be seen, however, that dynamic programming model shows water allocation effect which produces greater net benefit more or less.