Measuring what we manage – the importance of hydrological data to water resources management

B. Stewart

doi:10.5194/piahs-366-80-2015

Abstract

Abstract. Water resources cannot be managed, unless we know where they are, in what quantity and quality, and how variable they are likely to be in the foreseeable future. Data from hydrological networks are used by public and private sectors for a variety of different applications. This paper discusses the value proposition behind the collection, analysis and use of hydrological data in support of these applications. The need for hydrological data and the requirements for the data are outlined, and information is provided on topics such as status of networks and data access and sharing. This paper outlines elements of the contribution by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to hydrological data collection and covers aspects related to quality management in the collection of hydrological data, especially regarding streamflow gauging, network design and capacity building for services delivery. It should be noted that the applications which make use of hydrological data may also be significantly impacted by climate change.

Highlights

One of the essential elements of life on this planet is freshwater
Functioning water observation networks, producing fit-for-purpose data and information, and sharing of the data and information with all stakeholders are essential for informed decision-making for water management and minimizing uncertainties (WMO 2009)
Water resources cannot be properly managed unless we know where they are, in what quantity and quality, and how variable they are likely to be in the foreseeable future

Summary

INTRODUCTION

One of the essential elements of life on this planet is freshwater. Sustainable development demands sustainable management of the world’s limited freshwater resources. In implementing IWRM, water resources management institutions and professionals deal with a highly variable environment, in terms of, inter alia, weather, climate, land use and natural vegetation. They must be aware of and manage the response of a particular water regime to climatic and human interventions on hydrological regimes and water courses, including land-use changes, changes in water-use patterns, as well as the construction and management of dams and embankments, and changes in the freshwater–ocean interfaces, amongst others. Where little variability in streamflow occurs and where the need is mainly for seasonal storage (less than one year), a minimum record period of 10 to 20 years may be acceptable. It is evident that the longer the period of record on which the inflow sequence is based, the more reliable the estimation of the yield is likely to be (WMO 2009)

Design rainfalls

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS