Stream Flow Management and Institutions: Studying Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems in Dry Seasons

Abstract

Stream flow management during the dry season involves balancing human water needs with the environmental requirements of the river. The allocation of stream water flow is determined by considering 10-year frequency low flow as the total available water amount, with instream flow adopted to consider the flow requirements of the river environment. However, conflicts arise over water rights between human users and the river environment during water scarcity. This study conducted an empirical-based analysis of minimum flow for river environments, focusing on water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the perceptions of stakeholders of securing and using stream flow were investigated through a questionnaire. The outcomes of this study can contribute to enhancing technical methods for calculating instream flow and improving systems for managing river water during dry seasons.