Potable Water Distribution Research Articles

Evaluation of water use impacts caused by real estate development with gentrification traits in the metropolitan area of San Luis Potosí

Water resource management is a technical, social, and political issue worldwide. Water, being a public good, is characterized as follows: “Unlike private goods, public goods are indivisible and cannot be satisfactorily met by the market or other private initiatives. The provision of public goods requires cooperation or coercion, either through collective action or effective government.” In this sense, water is a human right, as stated by the UN in its sixth sustainable development goal, which aims to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” Gradually, housing in the city of San Luis Potosí has shifted from being affordable for the entire population to becoming increasingly unattainable. Due to the growing demand for housing driven by common population growth and urban development, in recent years, vertical construction-both residential and commercial-has been implemented as a potential solution to this phenomenon, now accounting for 10% of constructions in this area in the capital city, according to the Registro Único de la Vivienda as of 2023. However, such constructions have brought new challenges to urbanization in San Luis Potosí city. As noted by Lozano Niño Y., areas, where high-socioeconomic-status apartment buildings with gentrification features proliferate, were not planned to support high population densities. Eventually, one of the possible consequences of high densification in these areas will be the inadequacy of basic services such as water. While vertical housing offers an alternative to maximize land use within the urban sprawl and could address housing demands, there is also a need to improve public services and urban infrastructure in the surrounding areas where these constructions are planned to prevent social inequality in terms of public service distribution. This study aims to analyze the relationship between case studies—buildings with gentrification features-and their impact on the use and distribution of potable water among the inhabitants of the urban sprawl of San Luis Potosí, by using geospatial methods and technologies.

Development of a Conservative Hamiltonian Dynamic System for the Early Detection of Leaks in Pressurized Pipelines

In this study, we propose an innovative approach for real-time leakage detection in pipelines by integrating conservative Hamiltonian equations and experimental Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The proposed method combines a hybrid model that utilizes sensors and IoT devices to acquire real-time data and solves the coupled system of Hamiltonian equations using the ODE45 numerical integration method. Spectral frequency analysis is an essential part of this method, as it reveals specific patterns in the pressure and flow signals. The findings highlighted 95% accuracy in leak detection, which was validated through a comparison of the theoretical and experimental data. The novelty of this approach lies in its ability to maintain constant total system energy, thereby enabling continuous monitoring for early leak detection. As an improvement, the proper handling of sensor signals is emphasized, underscoring its contribution to the efficient management of water resources in potable water distribution systems. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-04-01 Full Text: PDF

Code and Data Repository for Polyhedral Relaxations for Optimal Pump Scheduling of Potable Water Distribution Networks

This archive is distributed in association with the INFORMS Journal on Computing under a BSD license as part of the Multi-Infrastructure Control and Optimization Toolkit (MICOT) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory, LA-CC-13-108. The software and data in this repository comprise a snapshot of similar artifacts used in the production of the article Polyhedral Relaxations for Optimal Pump Scheduling of Potable Water Distribution Networks by B. Tasseff, R. Bent, C. Coffrin, C. Barrows, D. Sigler, J. Stickel, A. S. Zamzam, Y. Liu, and P. Van Hentenryck. This snapshot is based on the specific inputs and software found in the data and src directories, respectively. Snapshots of unprocessed experimental outputs are provided in the subdirectories of results. Finally, various precompilation, execution, batch cluster submission, and analytical postprocessing utilities are provided in the scripts directory.

Polyhedral Relaxations for Optimal Pump Scheduling of Potable Water Distribution Networks

The classic pump scheduling or optimal water flow (OWF) problem for water distribution networks (WDNs) minimizes the cost of power consumption for a given WDN over a fixed time horizon. In its exact form, the OWF is a computationally challenging mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP). It is complicated by nonlinear equality constraints that model network physics, discrete variables that model operational controls, and intertemporal constraints that model changes to storage devices. To address the computational challenges of the OWF, this paper develops tight polyhedral relaxations of the original MINLP, derives novel valid inequalities (or cuts) using duality theory, and implements novel optimization-based bound tightening and cut generation procedures. The efficacy of each new method is rigorously evaluated by measuring empirical improvements in OWF primal and dual bounds over 45 literature instances. The evaluation suggests that our relaxation improvements, model strengthening techniques, and a thoughtfully selected polyhedral relaxation partitioning scheme can substantially improve OWF primal and dual bounds, especially when compared with similar relaxation-based techniques that do not leverage these new methods. History: Accepted by David Alderson, Area Editor for Network Optimization: Algorithms & Applications. Funding: This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Grid Modeling project, Coordinated Planning and Operation of Water and Power Infrastructures for Increased Resilience and Reliability. Incorporation of the PolyhedralRelaxations Julia package was supported by Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Directed Research and Development program under the project Fast, Linear Programming-Based Algorithms with Solution Quality Guarantees for Nonlinear Optimal Control Problems [Grant 20220006ER]. All work at Los Alamos National Laboratory was conducted under the auspices of the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. DOE, Contract No. 89233218CNA000001. This work was also authored in part by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. DOE, Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0233 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0233 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .

A Review Article on Analysis and Design of Water Distribution Network for Jabalpur antonment Board Area

The provision of a reliable and efficient water distribution system is fundamental for ensuring adequate water supply to urban areas. This review article aims to analyze and evaluate the design aspects, hydraulic performance, and challenges related to the water distribution network in the Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area. The study comprehensively examines the current state of the water distribution system, evaluates its operational efficiency, and proposes recommendations for enhancing its performance and sustainability.The review commences by providing an overview of the Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area, highlighting the demographic, geographic, and infrastructural aspects relevant to the water distribution network. It delves into the existing system layout, network configuration, pumping stations, reservoirs, pipe materials, and other infrastructure components contributing to the distribution of potable water to the residents.Furthermore, the review article conducts a detailed analysis of hydraulic modeling techniques and software applications utilized in assessing the performance and optimization of the water distribution network. It scrutinizes factors influencing network efficiency, including water demand patterns, pressure management, leakage detection, and water loss reduction strategies.Through a critical evaluation of the existing challenges faced by the water distribution network in Jabalpur Cantonment, the review identifies issues such as aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, uneven distribution, non-revenue water, and insufficient pressure management.

Mitigating renewables curtailment and carbon emissions in California through water sector demand flexibility

Increased renewable energy deployment in places like California have led to more frequent curtailment of these resources when their generation exceeds simultaneous demand for electricity, resulting in wasted opportunities for electric grid decarbonization. Public potable water distribution systems, which account for approximately 1.2% of statewide electricity demand, may be able to shift the timing of their operations by filling their storage tanks when renewable energy is prevalent to help the California energy grid reduce renewables curtailment, grid emissions, and peak energy demand. We simulate the water demand, pumping, and energy demands of 702 public water distribution systems serving 84% of Californian residents under eight different energy pricing and emissions minimization scenarios. We find that the potable water distribution sector in California has the flexibility to shift its energy demands by up to 1071 GWh annually, reduce renewable energy curtailment by up to 68%, reduce the net demand peak by up to 321 MW, and avoid 330,627mTCO2e of emissions. The scenarios that led to the greatest load shifting and emissions reductions included time-of-use energy rates that incentivize consumption during the middle of the day without a demand charge. The findings of this work not only highlight the potential of the water sector to help meet future energy and emissions goals, but also how the energy sector can best incentivize this shift.

Chlorine Decay Simulation in Real Water Distribution System Using Epanet Program

Abstract Deterioration of treated drinking water intended for consumption during distribution may be due to physical, chemical or microbiological changes that occur in the water. In addition, the type of pipe material and disintegration of a disinfectant agent can affect the quality of the water supplied. Therefore, the research approach is to simulate the decay residual Cl2 through potable water distribution networks produced by a desalination plant of Oran city in western Algeria. EPANET 2.0 software was used for estimating and predicting Cl2 concentration at different water network points. The value of bulk flow decay coefficient (Kb) is set to −1,99 day−1 for a 50-year-old steel pipe, value for the wall decay coefficient (Kw) was determined using a trial-and-error procedure and assumed to be −1,2 day−1. An efficient model with an extended simulations period of 72 h can plot spatial and temporal variations of residual Cl2 concentrations at all links and nodes. Cl2 is injected at the El Mactaa desalination plant, with a concentration of 0.6 mg/l permanently. As well, it was observed that 51.33% of the Cl2 loss is due to pipe wall reaction, while 42.34 and 6.33% represent the bulk and tank reactions respectively. The results show that the range of residual Cl2 (0.11-0,45 mg/l) and most of the measured values are less than are below the minimum authorized threshold (0.2 – 0.5 mg/l) WHO standard. Therefore, it is recommended to rehabilitate the old water transfer pipes and re-chlorination stations were necessary to add into network. Statistical analysis shows that the calculated results correspond well to the observed data. EPANET can follow the Cl2 concentration in the drinking water network produced by El Mactaa desalination plant. It is a research tool to improve our understanding of water movement in the distribution system.

Comparative study of the corrosion behavior of three alpha brass alloys used in potable water distribution equipment in aggressive soil using electrochemical measurements

Cu–Zn (brass) materials are widely used in drinking water equipment, including valves, taps, and fittings. However, this brass suffers significant corrosion when buried in aggressive soil. The aim of this study is to investigate the corrosion resistance of three α-brasses (Br1, Br2 and Br3) buried in aggressive soil of the MNASRA region, located in the province of Kenitra, north-west Morocco. This study was carried out by means of potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and open circuit potential (OCP) measurements. A pilot plant was designed to simulate the environment in which the materials were used, and the same materials were buried on the site where they were used for a period of two years. The results show an increase in icorr from 3050 at 24 h to 5400 μA cm−2 at 2016 h for Br3 and from 1330 to 2550 μA cm−2 for Br2. However, Rp decreases from 181.9 to 2.8 kΩ cm2 for Br3 and from 489.9 to 85.2 kΩ cm2 for Br2, indicating that the Br3 and Br2 alloys have undergone significant corrosion in the aggressive soil respectively. Where as a decrease in icorr from 1.280 at 24 h to 0.430 μA cm−2 at 2016 h for Br1. Nevertheless, Rp increased from 192.1 to 881.7 kΩ cm2 indicating an improvement in corrosion resistance due to the formation of a denser protective film on its surface. Moreover, the results show that the presence of a high phosphorus (P) and aluminum (Al) content with a lower percentage of iron (Fe) has a beneficial effect and leads to good corrosion resistance. These results are in agreement with the SEM/EDS and XRD analyses, as well as with the results obtained on-site after two years of immersion by SEM and OP analyses.

Modular life cycle assessment approach: Environmental impact of rainwater harvesting systems in urban water systems

The environmental assessment of urban water systems through life cycle analysis can be facilitated by using a modular approach. This study aimed to use such an approach to assess the impact of implementing rainwater harvesting systems in buildings in the urban environment during their lifespan, from manufacture to disposal. For this purpose, urban systems were divided into components (water treatment plant, potable water distribution, consumer water use, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment plant). The impacts were quantified using the ReCiPe 2016 H impact assessment method, which considers eighteen impact categories. A case study was carried out in the Belém river basin in central Curitiba, southern Brazil, to validate the method. The results showed a reduction of environmental impacts of up to 23.0 % on water treatment plants, up to 19.0 % on potable water distribution and up to 11.3 % on wastewater treatment plants with the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems. The consumer component was the most significant contributor in eight and seven impact categories in the scenarios with and without rainwater harvesting, respectively. Despite the increased infrastructure materials, the results showed potential for environmental impact reduction with rainwater harvesting, mainly in urban water systems' operation process (energy and chemicals consumption). By analysing the total impacts, implementing rainwater harvesting reduced the impacts in eleven out of eighteen impact categories analysed (up to 11.0 % reduction). The principal reductions occurred in ozone depletion, ionising radiation and water use. Finally, the modular life cycle assessment approach proved to be a comprehensive analysis, which can aid in the analysis and decision-making for different scenarios.

Coefficients and curves of hourly and daily variations of water demand for improved operation of potable water distribution systems: a case study of Chihuahua City, Mexico

Abstract Maintaining a constant flow in a potable water distribution hydraulic system is challenging due to fluctuations caused by changes in user demand and seasonal factors. This study aimed to calculate the coefficients and curves of hourly and daily variation of water demand in the water distribution system of Chihuahua. It is crucial to understand the hydraulic system's behavior during peak demands and assess its capacity. The methodology involved calculating coefficients and curves of variation of demand based on flow data measured at the inlet of various hydrometric sectors using flanged electromagnetic flowmeters of various diameters and models. The results showed that the variation curves and coefficients of water demand are valuable tools for modeling, designing, and operating water networks. Incorporating these curves into hydraulic simulations during the planning and design stage can improve the accuracy of these models and better reflect the network's actual behavior. The proposed method is suitable for application in cities with similar demographic and social characteristics. The study concludes that accurate supply area information for hydrometric sectors is essential in constructing the curves and coefficients of demand variation, which can lead to opportunities for improving water service by informing more effective network design and operation.

Movable and Immovable Modes of Potable Water Storage and Distribution in Rural, Peri-Urban and Urban Areas in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties in Kenya, East Africa

In developing counties, especially in Africa, the storage and distribution of clean and safe water for domestic consumption remain a great challenge. The current study investigated the various modes of storing and distributing potable water in a classical African setting. Potable water is majorly stored and distributed in two modes, i.e., movable and immovable. Selection is determined by several factors, i.e., geographical locality (rural/urban), water infrastructure, distance to the water source and water morbidity, economic disposition, and cultural considerations. Cultural beliefs and norms dictate certain modes of storage and distribution that are assigned along gender lines. The availability of certain animals, i.e., beasts of burden in some geographical localities, also influenced the selected mode. To determine the various modes of storing and distributing potable water in Uasin-Gishu and Nandi Counties in Kenya, a total of (50) subject respondents were purposefully identified and interviewed using an on-spot questionnaire. The sampling of respondents considered diverse demographical considerations, e.g., age bracket, educational background, and profession. The respondents were assured of confidentiality in the responses submitted. The results obtained were analysed using statistical methods and presented using frequencies, graphs, and pie charts as follows:
 Movable modes Immovable modes
 Overhead water pipeline, 19%; Jerricans, 8%
 Water Boozer, 5%; Containers, 3%
 Hand Carts, 8%; Calabash/gourd, 1%
 Beasts of burden, 15%; Water jug, 6%
 Pick-up/lorry (tanks), 9%; Dispenser, 4%
 Motorcycle, 17%; Traditional pot, 11%
 Manual (head), 21%; Overhead steel tank, 14%
 Rollable water container, 4%; Household tanks, 53%
 Water tunnel, 1%; 
 Underwater pipeline, 1%.
 The findings indicate that the household tank (53%) is the main mode of immovable potable water storage, and the manual-head (21%) is the main mode of movable potable water distributed in Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties.

Metagenomic Profiling of Pathogens in Simulated Reclaimed Water Distribution Systems Operated at Elevated Temperature Reveals Distinct Response of Mycobacteria to Filtration and Disinfection Conditions

Distribution of reclaimed water presents distinct challenges for pathogen control relative to the distribution of conventional potable water. The elevated temperatures common in arid regions can exacerbate such challenges by accelerating disinfectant decay and increasing microbial growth rates. Here, we carried out a controlled, continuous-flow, head-to-head study of six simulated reclaimed water distribution systems (RWDSs) in order to assess whether treatments identified to be effective for microbiological control at a lower temperature (22 °C) were also effective at 30 °C. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was carried out to comprehensively profile fecal pathogens (FPs) (e.g., Escherichia and Klebsiella spp.), non-FPs (non-FPs) (e.g., Legionella and Mycobacterium spp.), and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). Consistent with prior studies, generally, all FP, non-FP, and ARG markers were lowest when the influent water was biologically active carbon (BAC) filtered and disinfected. However, in contrast to observations at the lower temperature, where BAC filtration combined with chlorine disinfection effectively controlled Mycobacterium spp., they were markedly elevated in BAC-filtered and chlorine- or chloramine-disinfected conditions. This study highlights the need for further research to improve the understanding of conditions that select for different mycobacterial species and identify strategies to effectively control them in RWDSs under elevated temperature conditions.

Water Quality in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria: Challenges Associated with Water Quality Assessments and Implications for Resilience

Extreme weather events can adversely impact potable water production and distribution, which could in turn have public health implications. The original study goal was to assess potential water quality hazards (both chemical and microbiological) in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. The first sampling campaign surveyed water sources that were contextually relevant to disaster recovery and included government-managed systems, community-managed systems, and unmanaged/improvised (spring) sources. Due to extensive power outages, residents increasingly leveraged community-managed and unmanaged sources to fulfill their needs, and these sources showed a higher prevalence of microbiological hazards. However, an unexpected finding in the first sampling campaign was high concentrations of lead in a subset of samples collected from exterior taps, which instigated three follow-up sampling campaigns. Reflecting on the sampling methodology, we conclude that sampling the exterior taps was an appropriate, conservative approach based on a higher likelihood of lead-based plumbing materials and the contextual use of those taps before and after the hurricane due to extended boil water notices and interrupted service. This conservative sampling approach aligned better with historical data reported to the national database. Although the elevated lead concentrations may not be a direct result of the hurricane, this study explores the challenges of rapid reconnaissance research after disasters.

Ana Jansen: one of the forerunners of female entrepreneurship in Brazil

Through research, this article aims to understand the entrepreneurial profile of D. Ana Jansen at a time when society was strongly patriarchal in the province of Maranhão, in the middle of the nineteenth century. For this, we sought to solve the problem of how D. Ana Jansen developed her administrativeand managerial capacity, outlining her entrepreneurial profile in a period where society wasstrongly dominated by the male figure, both in the political and commercial spheres, in São Luís. The goal was to identify D. Ana Jansen’s entrepreneurial profile, which became necessary to recognize the economic and social characteristics of the province of Maranhão in the nineteenth century, its aspects related to entrepreneurship in Maranhão, and the prominent role that D. Ana Jansen achieved through her performance in politics, administration, economy, and society in Maranhão. A qualitative approach of basic research with a bibliographic and documentary survey was employed to study the categories of Brazilian commerce in the nineteenth century, Maranhão province, and the figure of D. Ana Jansen as a pioneer of female entrepreneurship in the state. In addition, the qualitative method and content analysis were used to treat the data and information collected through the literature review. After the study, we found that the female entrepreneurship of D. Ana Jansen in the nineteenth century began from her life experiences and actions in the political context in which she was in the province of Maranhão. Our findings also demonstrated her skills and opportunities to run a business and manage the public office at the time, where she gained her place in Maranhão society and created her way of multiplying the province’s heritage. The present study identified the characteristics and traits of life as a professional that formed D. Ana Jansen’s entrepreneurial profile and, being the pioneer in the potable water distribution trade, a business model consistent with the current.

A model for evaluating water distribution system capacity as a function of the total pipeline length

Abstract Planners are often faced with the challenge to provide crude estimates of water distribution system (WDS) infrastructure capacity and associated costs in the early phases of greenfield developments. This study investigated the relationship between the physical and hydraulic characteristics of a WDS and the corresponding serviced area. Five physical parameters (a) and two hydraulic parameters (b) describing the serviced area were identified for analysis, namely (a) total pipeline length, land area, area shape factor, terrain index, reservoir distance from area centroid and (b) peak flow rate and average static system pressure. Multiple linear regression was performed on the data. A model was compiled linking the total pipeline length of a WDS to the peak flow rate. The model is applicable to predominantly residential service zones larger than 80 hectares with a peak hour flow rate of <450 L/s. The model enables the prediction of the potable water distribution pipe infrastructure required for future development areas in the absence of basic planning information, such as cadastral layouts. Alternatively, the model can estimate the potential maximum peak flow rate that can be supplied, if the total pipeline length is known.

Potable Water Supply Deficiency in Yaounde (Centre Cameroon): Challenges and Coping Strategies of the Inhabitants

In most cities in developing countries, dwellers continue facing difficulties in adequately accessing potable water in sufficient quantity for their daily needs. These difficulties are perceived by households each time they fetch drinking water or try to get access to potable water for other household activities. This study aims to assess the problem of potable water supply in the Yaounde III Subdivisions’ neighbourhoods and the coping strategies developed by citizens to meet their needs. To achieve this objective, 300 households were selected and investigated based on purposive and systematic random sampling, particularly in the most densely populated neighbourhoods. We proceeded by identifying the different water supply sources of households for their various needs, and assessing the difficulties encountered in getting water and how they overcome them. Results reveal that in Yaounde III Subdivision only 34.33% of the households are supplied by the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (CAMWATER), while 65.67% rely on alternative water supply sources (wells, drillings and springs) without any pre-treatment. Among those connected to CAMWATER network, 46.6% do not have a regular water flow. Results also revealed that water sources were located at reasonable distances (less than 1 kilometre) and that 70% of households take less than 30 minutes to fetch water. Failure in water supply is mainly caused by the insufficient pumping capacity of the existing potable water treatment plants which lead to rationing and shortages, but also to rapid population growth and city extension not followed by the extension of the potable water distribution network. To fill the gap in water supply, it is imperative for public authorities to quickly achieve the project on water supply from the Sanaga River. Also, CAMWATER should extend its distribution network and improve its maintenance system.

Water Filter Operating on Solar System

In this paper, we highlight the effects of contaminated water on humans as well as the crisis of water supply and distribution of potable water in many areas of developing countries. While water is the most important substance on earth and a primary human need, contaminated water can cause and spread diseases. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that water is purified and decontaminated for daily use at a low cost. The design of solar-powered water purification systems is thus regarded as an important means of producing clean water. Solar energy poses no polluting effect and has become a dependable energy source for usage. The design of a solar-powered water purification system is based totally on the thermal method by using the thermal heating system principle which converts sunlight rays into heat. The most vital aspect is the absorption of heat to induce evaporation of water. Research shows that flat plate collectors produce heat at relatively low temperatures (27°C to 60°C) and are commonly used to heat liquids. A solar-powered water purification system consists of a solar collector that absorbs sunlight to ensure vaporisation, which is the first stage of purifying and a filter that removes contaminants. Four different concepts have been developed. A detailed description of the components and the operation of the systems constitute the main contribution of this paper.

Interdependent response of three critical infrastructures in a South American megacity

Abstract Critical infrastructures (CIs) are key for the functionality of urban areas. Their failure due to natural disasters or manmade disruptive events could severely obstruct normal city activities, producing considerable social and economic impacts. Understanding CI performance and interdependence during these events is imperative. This study aims to comprehend the independent and interdependent response of three CIs in a South American megacity: Lima, Peru. Topological indicators were used to study three CIs: potable water distribution, electricity distribution and natural gas distribution; five disruption scenarios were modeled. Results show that, compared to the other CIs, the potable water system has the highest redundancy, while the electricity network has the best capacity to connect among all elements. The structure of the natural gas system makes it fragile and susceptible to failures, generating the lowest values across indicators. Regarding the interdependence analysis, certain elements (e.g., medium- and high-voltage substations, water treatment plant, pressure stations) with a high degree of connectivity influence the entire performance of the systems; the interdependent effect exposes some CIs to damage more than others. Earthquakes have a comparatively more negative impact on the CIs studied than manmade disruptive events. In order to reduce vulnerability factors in the three systems, an important mitigation action would be to reduce the centralization of the systems.

A Governance Framework for Implementation of Scientific and Engineering Innovation in Buried Infrastructure Systems

This article draws on experience within a pervasive sensing research project, the Pipebots project. The aim of the project is to design miniature robots to gather physical condition and environmental data on buried pipe networks, using potable water distribution and wastewater pipe systems as the initial target applications. One of the challenges of the project is to anticipate and address the potential governance issues triggered by the project. Due to the lack of a suitable tool with sufficient breadth to guide thinking, the existing literature has been drawn upon to form the basis of a governance framework for use in infrastructure projects. Whilst the original intention was to be alert to and interrogate the forms of governance that may impact on new infrastructure interventions, what is emerging is a tool that would support the strategy for implementation, improve the design (a no-regrets design policy) and help build the business case for the transformational change the project envisages.

Geospatial Modelling Geomorphic Typologies of the Binahaan River, Philippines

Certain characteristics defining fluvial geomorphology have been linked with a wide range of ecological events that generate effects on the vital components of river systems. The Binahaan River in Leyte, Philippines, is important for irrigation and potable water distribution but little research has been conducted about it. Our objective was to generate baseline data on the river by developing a model showing the geomorphic typologies of its 4.5 km portion. Using Rosgen’s classification, we identified 12 typologies with the following key parameters: entrenchment ratio, width-to-depth ratio, sinuosity, slope, and channel material. Typology B5c — denoting moderate values for sinuosity and the entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios, and low slope range with sand as channel material — dominated the stretch. Data show that while some parts of the river are covered with silt/clay, sand occupied 57% of the identified typologies. Furthermore, many parts of the stretch were moderately entrenched and had high width-to-depth ratios. Sand mining generally disturbed the river and caused lower recovery potential for affected areas than the rest of the stretch. The identified typologies of the Binahaan River will be significant components for future research focusing on biodiversity and its relationship with the river’s geomorphology.