Sensitivity exploration of water balance in scenarios of future changes: a case study in an Andean regulated river basin

Abstract

Effects of climate change on water resources availability have been studied extensively; however, few studies have explored the sensitivity of water to several factors of change. This study aimed to explore the sensitive of water balance in water resources systems due to future changes of climate, land use and water use. Dynamical and statistical downscaling were applied to four global climate models for the projections of precipitation and temperature of two climate scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Land use projections were carried out through a combination of Markov chains and cellular automata methods. These projections were introduced in a hydrologic model for future water supply evaluation, and its interactions with water use projections derived from a statistical analysis which served to assessment deficits and surplus in water to 2050. This approach was applied in the Machangara river basin located in the Ecuadorian southern Andes. Results showed that the water supply exceeds the water demand in most scenarios; however, taking into account the seasonality, there were months like August and January that would have significant water deficit in joint scenarios in the future. These results could be useful for planners formulating actions to achieve water security for future generations.