Integrated Water Resources Management Research Articles

A wise irrigation to contribute to integrated water resource management

Irrigated agriculture accounts for about 20% of cultivated lands worldwide while currently generating an estimated 40% of crop production, and two-thirds of future gains in crop production are expected to come from irrigated lands. Therefore, irrigation is strategic to ensure food for the world’s increasing population and slow down the pace of deforestation. Irrigated agriculture also accounts for more than 70% of global water withdrawals, and the way agriculture uses freshwater is crucial for ensuring availability for other activities and preserving water-related ecosystems. To give an agri-environmental interpretation of the water fluxes involved in irrigation, the total amount of water withdrawn from a source is called white water (W) and subdivided as follows: gold water (G) is the amount that is actually used by the crops. This fraction represents the ultimate goal of irrigation, which is to increase crop productivity and food availability. We can also consider this amount as the irrigation water for crops. The gold color means an income for the farm; emerald water (E) is the amount of water withdrawn for irrigation that does not reach the crops but provides ecosystem services, i.e., the benefits that people get from ecosystems. This amount of water is useful for the community and can be identified as irrigation of the territory; red water (R) is losses, i.e., the fraction of water that has to be reduced as much as possible if not eliminated. It is an economic, social and environmental cost; the red color is associated with the red traffic light that means STOP! The quantification of W has to be preceded by a careful evaluation of the benefits achievable with irrigation in relation to the environmental characteristics of the cultivation area. Strategic issues at this stage are the choice between full or deficit irrigation and the individuation of opportunities to exploration of opportunities to increase the availability of water resources by using non-conventional sources. The quantification of G and E fluxes is necessary to reduce losses, while strategies/techniques useful to reduce irrigation needs at the field level are key factors to allocate irrigation water within the framework of an integrated and sustainable management of water aimed at turning user conflicts into synergies. This implies multiple subjects and actors in a multi-disciplinary approach.

Glass half empty or half full? Gender in integrated water resource management in South Asia

AbstractThis paper reviews the experience with gender mainstreaming in the water sector in South Asia. It analyzes the reasons for the limited impact of these efforts. These are located in the limited understanding and consequent operationalization of the concept of gender itself. Rather than equating the word gender with women, it needs to be understood to refer to the social and power differences between men and women and the differences within women. Gender needs to be approached in policy and practice through a lens of intersectionality. Reserving seats for women in local patriarchal structures of decision making does little to alter the status quo; securing women's participation in water management activities without altering power relations between water users and service providers only creates additional work burdens for them. The changing nature of water resources education in the region means that water problems shall be seen differently in the future and that there will be more women in this sector. There is a need to develop curricula based on ways of theorizing about gender and water in different agro‐ecological and institutional settings embedded in the unique context of South Asia.

Assessing Sustainable Water Management Using Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

Water shortage and management are crucial worldwide concerns affecting both wealthy and developing countries. Sustainable water management seeks to enhance water use while guaranteeing the enduring sustainability of water supplies. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has developed into a complete framework for tackling the complexity of water management by including environmental, social, and economic dimensions in a holistic manner. This study article evaluates the efficacy of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in attaining sustainable water management. This study assesses the advantages and drawbacks of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) solutions using case studies from water-scarce areas and empirical research, emphasizing water governance, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, and ecosystem vitality. The findings underscore the crucial role of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in reconciling conflicting water needs, mitigating disputes over water resources, and fostering sustainable behaviors, while also revealing problems in its execution. These results provide insights for enhancing Integrated Water Resources Management frameworks to more effectively tackle future water concerns.

An integrated water resources management model considering carbon source and sink under uncertainty: A case study of agricultural water-dominated basin

The global drive for carbon neutrality promotion through integrated water resource management (IWRM) in the face of burgeoning water demand is of great importance. This study developed an interval fuzzy-credibility chance-constrained multi-objective programming (IFCMP) model for water resources-carbon system (WCS) planning, which not only accounts for multiple uncertainties within system parameters, such as interval, fuzzy, and stochastic, but also effectively balances the conflicting objectives of water scarcity, benefits, emissions, and carbon sinks. The IFCMP-WCS model was applied to an agricultural water-dominated zone in the Tarim River Basin, China. Multiple water-allocation scenarios were examined, encompassing five prefecture-level cities, five departments, and three planning years. The results indicated that: (1) the water deficit was increasing over time, limited by water supply capacity, reaching 0–3.49 × 109 m3 in 2035; (2) as water allocation rises, system benefits and pollutant emissions increase, with the agricultural sector contributing the most economic benefits and pollutant emission; (3) the Tarim River Basin is an important carbon sink area, with the net carbon sink increasing from 8781.7–10,771.1 × 103 to 8851.1–10,937.9 × 103 tonnes during the planning horizon; (4) compared to single-objective models, the IFCMP-WCS model can offer more applicable water resource management options. These findings provide useful information for decision-making regarding IWRM and enhancing the net carbon sink in the Tarim River Basin.

OPTIMISING THE USE OF IRRIGATED LANDS IN KAZAKHSTAN: SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

This article explores the challenges and opportunities in optimizing the use of irrigated lands in Kazakhstan, focusing on system analysis and resource management. The research purpose is to identify strategic improvements in irrigation practices and regional water governance, while aiming to enhance water resource management efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. The main directions of the study involve analyzing Kazakhstan's reliance on external water sources, infrastructural inefficiencies, and region-specific strategies for sustainable agricultural practices. Methodologically, the research relies on regional case studies, national statistical data, and quantitative analyses, including correlations and descriptive statistics. It also applies frameworks like Integrated Water Resources Management, Socio-Ecological Systems, Water-Energy-Food Nexus, and Participatory Water Management. The research results highlight Kazakhstan's vulnerability due to its significant dependence on external water sources, accounting for 46% of its water supply, and inefficiencies in its aging irrigation infrastructure. The practical value of this research is in offering comprehensive, actionable recommendations to policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and local communities for improving infrastructure, adopting efficient irrigation techniques, and fostering international collaboration. The research novelty lies in its interdisciplinary application of multiple strategic frameworks to develop tailored strategies addressing the unique challenges across Kazakhstan's economic districts, balancing agricultural productivity with sustainable water management practices.

Integrated Water Resources Management in Colombia: A Historical Perspective

Resumen El paradigma de la gestión integrada propone manejar un recurso, como el agua, considerando sus interrelaciones con otros componentes del entorno. Esa visión se ha adoptado como política en varios países, incluyendo a Colombia, pero sus resultados no han sido satisfactorios. Este artículo estudia el enfoque de “integración” en anteriores arreglos normativos, haciendo una revisión histórica de los mismos para entender cómo ha evolucionado en Colombia la percepción y el manejo del entorno por parte de la sociedad. Se muestra como la noción del entorno complejo e integrado, no es exclusivo de las políticas actuales, sino que está presente desde hace varios siglos, por lo que su consideración no significa una garantía de éxito. Se proponen estrategias para mejorar los resultados de los arreglos normativos recientes.

Переход к экономике замкнутого цикла в рамках комплексного управления водными ресурсами. Обзор методов оценки

The transition from a linear water use model to a circular economy (CE) is an urgent task in the context of growing freshwater shortages, pollution of natural water bodies and climate change. It is important to integrate «grey» (engineered) infrastructure with «green» (in particular, with nature-based solutions) infrastructure, which will connect water systems managed by humans and nature. Addressing these issues requires developing approaches to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of CE in the water sector from a systems perspective, to develop a circular policy. The object of study are linear and circular models of water resources (WR) management. The subject of the study is the prospects for the transition to integrated WR management, considering alternative types of water supply, supported by assessments. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the relevance of the transition to integrated WR management, including solutions aimed at the transition to closed circular cycle water systems; consideration of circular strategies inherent in WR; review of approaches for assessing circular solutions in the water sector. The authors proceed from the following: the generally accepted definition of a CE in the water sector is one of the decisive factors for the successful transition to circular systems; the concept of a CE appears to be one of the key approaches to achieving sustainable development of the water sector; nature-based solutions are seen as an important tool for environmental conservation, providing additional benefits (improving urban microclimate, water quality, preserving biodiversity, reducing the impact of anthropogenic factors on water bodies); integration impact assessment approaches for CE in the water sector contributes to comprehensive assessment of circular solutions. Conclusions: integrated water resources management must consider alternative water supplies; systemic changes caused by the transition to a CE in the water sector should be given priority attention, giving preference to solutions integrating traditional and «green» infrastructure; the transition to CE requires the development of approaches (with the ability to adapt and scale them to specific conditions) for the economic assessment of the systemic impact of circular water systems. The study is aimed at researchers and decision makers in the field of WR management. The conclusions drawn can be used in developing strategies for the development of water management and making decisions at various levels. A systematic literature review methodology was used, based on tracking keywords in articles posted in scientific electronic libraries; scientometric analysis; analytical and logical methods for process analysis in the context of CE and water management.

Integrated water resource management in the decision-making of large firms in Morocco: Case of Managem group (Hydraulic basin of Tensift AL Haouz)

Water resources and economic growth are two preoccupations that take different senses. The overconsumption can be very costly in terms of the quantity and quality of water resources, which indulges many negative impacts on water reserves. In arid zones, institutions and large national firms are obligated to deliver more efforts in term of adaptation to the area’s hydraulic situation. In this work, we addressed the issue of integrating good governance of water resources into the decision-making process of large firms in Morocco. We studied the case of the Guemassa mine of the Managem group, located in the Tensift Haouz basin. In order to assess the efficiency of their strategy, we carried out an impact study of the company’s mining activities on the quality and quantity of the region’s waterresources and we provided key information on the hydraulic situation of the region in question. As a result, the company is monopolizing a large part of the water resources of the Haouz plain and their integrated water resource management strategy is deemed insufficient.

Water and Hydrology: Challenges, Sustainable Strategies and Future Trends

The paper gives a comprehensive review of how human activities influence normal hydrological forms by clarifying the diverse impacts on the accessibility, quality, and conveyance of water. The paper revealed the complex exchange between data and natural morals that are reconfiguring the worldwide water scene through conflicting facts of major causes like urbanization, deforestation, industrialization, and climate change. The natural areas are all disturbed by human activities and pollution and by these changes the impact is on run-off patterns, infiltration rates, and groundwater recharge processes. In metropolitan cities, there are more impermeable spaces which leads to more runoffs. In these areas, the water filtration rate and groundwater recharge are very low. Dams and other hydropower and water system processes that disturb the natural stream of waterways in addition to their aquatic habitat division have too changed stream morphology. Urban stormwater, industrial and farming runoff, are among numerous other sources contaminate freshwater systems with pathogens heavy metals, chemicals supplements, etc hence risking both human life and natural maintainability. Changes in precipitation and temperature impact the timing of snow melt, patterns of river flow, and restoration of groundwater; changes in disaster patterns together with sea level rise worsen coastal flooding and fresh-water salinization. These adjustments to common hydrologic processes have significant suggestions for biological systems, communities, and economies consisting of water accessibility for farming, industry, and domestic purposes, energy generation, and human well being. Among procedures aimed at reacting to these challenges is the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) which contends for comprehensive approaches that accommodate competing requests over water resources while guaranteeing their supportability as well as adaptability to hydrological unpredictability of availability. Feasible water administration requires an extend of activities such as water preservation and proficiency measures, contamination control, watershed management, and climate alteration adjustment. As it may, social orders can explore these exceedingly complicated interconnected issues on their water assets by adopting administrative systems, innovative advancements, and shifts in social conduct that will be pointed at economical water utilization for the eras to come.

Rethinking the Role of Institutions in Water Resource Governance in Tanzania: What is Still Missing?

The question of how the government would ensure water supply for its people while protecting the environment remains a challenging endeavour. Emerging water resource management challenges have driven governments to reform governance policies. This includes the introduction of formal institutions of water management. Additionally, the Tanzanian government adopted Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) frameworks. However, evidence indicates that establishing formal institutions (which replaced the informal ones) has achieved little in improving water supply and ensuring sustainable water management. This study asks what is still needed to achieve sustainable water management in Tanzania. Using a systematic literature review, the study examined the experience of water resources management in Tanzania, particularly the formal institutions. The study found that formal institutions have been unable to ensure sustainable water resources management; they have weakened the informal institutions and attracted water conflicts. The study calls for considering and integrating the informal institutions (that have been serving communities for generations) in water resources management initiatives.

Change in the Rivedbed Due to Regulator Gate on the Loji River

The city of Pekalongan, located in the northern part of Java Island within Central Java Province, faces challenges such as floods and tidal inundation originating from the runoff of the Loji River, exacerbated by tides due to land subsidence and changes in land use. To address these issues, the government, through BBWS Pemali Juana, has undertaken a technical study on flood control, involving the construction of normalization, regulator gates, moveable weirs, and retention ponds along the Loji River. This study aims to analyze the changes in the riverbed resulting from the development initiatives on the Loji River. The analysis employs HEC-RAS 1D to assess alterations in sedimentation patterns within the river. The outcomes of the constructed interventions on the Loji River reveal notable changes in the riverbed, characterized by increased sedimentation and erosion. This research serves a crucial role in providing valuable input to the government for policymaking related to planning, implementation, and monitoring, grounded in the principles of integrated water resources management.

From data to decisions: Leveraging ML for improved river discharge forecasting in Bangladesh

River discharge forecasting stands at the forefront of environmental management, contributing significantly to sustainable development through its impact on flood prevention, water resource management, ecological conservation, and energy production. This study forecasted the annual river discharge forecasting in the Nilphamari district of Bangladesh, employing random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) techniques. Historical river discharge data spanning from 1990 to 2020, obtained from eight surface water stations, forms the basis of the analysis. The forecast was performed from 2021 to 2030. 11 statistical parameters were considered for performance evaluation. Additionally, four evaluation plots, comprising a quantile–quantile plot (QQ plot), a residual plot, a Bland Altman plot, and Theil’s U statistic, were employed for a detailed understanding of model accuracy. Results demonstrate that the random forest regression technique exhibited superior accuracy compared to SVM and GBM in training and testing stages. Notably, the coefficient of determination reached 97 % during the testing phase, emphasizing the robustness of this model. While Mean Absolute Error is lower (1085.071 cubic meter per second), in training, the model captures relative changes (Mean Absolute Percentage Error = 0.154) better during prediction. Willmott’s Index in training (0.77) and testing (0.55) suggest the model memorizes training data well and outperforms the other models in testing stage. The findings underscore the efficacy of RF regression as a superior alternative for short-term discharge forecasting, offering valuable insights for integrated water resources management, particularly in flood warning systems and the expansion of irrigation initiatives.

Role of Water Users Association in Water Resources Management: A Case Study of Sanya-Kware Sub-Catchment, Tanzania

Many African governments have adopted decentralization policy by establishing water management structures to assist in the water resources management. Formation of new water user associations were considered to work on behalf of Basin Water Boards; To collect water user fees,to manage, distribute and conserve water from a source used jointly by the members of the association, to resolve conflicts between members of the association related to the joint use of a water resource through established laws, to protect and conserve water sources and environments. However, it is not clear how the new water user associations functions to realize the goals of integrated water resources management. This study assessed the role of a newly created water user association in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment . The paper is based on three months of research in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment, Tanzania. The method used included semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observations in the sub-catchment. Interviews and discussions were held with the leaders of Sanya-Kware sub-catchment water user association, estates farm managers,Water Supply Trustees Managers,farmers and the Pangani Basin Water Office staff. Field observations at the Sub-Catchment were carried to enhance quality of data. The results shows that the newly created Sanya-Kware sub-catchment water user association has not united all water users, reduced conflicts, nor promoted education to farmers on proper management of water resources. Farmers interviewed in the highland state that Sanya-Kware water users association is an association of few people and therefore has no legitimacy. This is mainly because in the highland,farmers have sufficient water and also they were not properly involved in the formation of the association. However, the water user association legitimacy and hence its functioning improves as one moves from highland to lowland areas where water is scarce. Although some of the water users from the village are cooperating others are reluctant to accept the newly created Water Users Association in management of water resources.The complexity of the interaction between the state-led water user association and existing water users appear to highlight the challenges of implementing integrated water resources management in Sanya-Kware sub-catchment. In order for the water user association to be effective, Pangani Basin Water Board need to put more emphasis on water users' education and awareness training at the sub-catchment level.

Future perspective of water budget in the event of three scenarios in Afghanistan using the WEAP program

In this study, WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning System) software was used for the water resources management and water budget calculation of the Balkh River Basin, the sub-basin of the Northern River Basin in Afghanistan. The water resources in the basin and 10 demand sites (irrigation, drinking water, etc.) were introduced to the software, and precipitation, evaporation, runoff, etc., were obtained from stream gauging stations for long years (2010–2021). Hydrological data and information on population, irrigation lands, and drinking water use were entered. Scenario-1 (current situation) was created by entering the existing data in the created model. Subsequently, the long-term monthly average maximum and minimum values of precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and similar values were added to the current scenario. Forecast results between the years (2022–2050) were created with Scenario-2 (optimistic case) and Scenario-3 (pessimistic case), and analyzes were carried out in three different situations, and the results were examined. According to the analyzes, the current water potential found by the inclusion of surface water and groundwater from the Mezar-i-Sharif Region in the Balkh River Basin is 4747 million m3 annually; it has been determined that this value will be approximately 9741 million m3 in 2050 in the optimistic scenario and 1811 million m3 in the pessimistic scenario. It has been determined that the water need, which cannot be met as 29,394 million m3 in the current situation, approximately 14103 m3 in the optimistic scenario, and 49,979 million m3 in the pessimistic scenario in 2050. While the current met need of the Balkh River Basin is 7.81 % with losses, it has been calculated as 27.14 % in an optimistic situation and 1.71 % in a pessimistic situation for 2050. While the current met needs of the Basin, excluding losses, is 12 %, it is calculated as 33.9 % in the optimistic situation and 3.1 % in the pessimistic situation for 2050. It is understood that Afghanistan's water resources should be handled with an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach, and future water resource planning should be made by considering human needs, environmental impact, and government visions. Water resources should be planned most efficiently by controlling the amount of undocumented wells, drilling, and detecting the losses and leakages in the existing systems with certain methods.

Modeling of seawater intrusion into Salalah coastal plain aquifer, sultanate of Oman

Excessive groundwater pumping has become a concern in Salalah coastal aquifer in Oman causing seawater intrusion at different farms and abstraction wells near the shoreline. MODFLOW and MT3DMS were calibrated and validated for Salalah coastal aquifer to assess aquifer behavior and seawater intrusion pattern with new input data and fine grid spacing to improve the accuracy of predictions as compared to the previous modeling studies in this region. The study was conducted over an area of 640 km2 of Salalah Plain representing around 83% of its total area. Injection of tertiary treated wastewater, rainfall and dams were considered as sources of aquifer recharge while groundwater abstraction occurred for agricultural, domestic, and commercial uses. The calibration and validation of the models were done in steady and transient states using observed groundwater levels from year 2000–2019. The aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, and vertical anisotropy were calibrated. MODFLOW results were utilized by MT3DMS to simulate solute transport at transient state. The longitudinal dispersivity and porosity of the aquifer were obtained by calibration and validation of the model. Over the three aquifer layers, the hydraulic conductivity ranges from 10 m/day to 100 m/day, vertical anisotropy is 4 and the specific yield ranges from 0.01 to 0.1. The calibrated values of the longitudinal dispersivity and porosity range from 500 m to 50000 m, and 0.4, respectively. The study indicated a clear impact of seawater intrusion at coastal side of the Salalah plain. The predictive modeling indicated an average of 1.5 m drop in hydraulic head across the whole study area by 2040, while seawater intrusion effect was expected to increase near the coast with potential extension to the central area of the Salalah plain. The validated model can be used as a prediction tool by the decision makers to manage the aquifer considering different scenarios, for integrated water resources management in Salalah city.

Inculcation of basic concepts of integrated water resources management based on video animation

The younger generation can be competent in contributing to maintaining the continuity and quality of water resources; therefore, it is prioritized that they have an understanding of the basic concepts of integrated water resources management. This service activity collaborates with the Al-Mabrur Mosque madrasah and the Baleendah Permai Complex community to carry out integrated water resources management (PSDAT) outreach activities. This activity aims to instill basic concepts of PSDAT knowledge in madrasah children so that they will be ready to contribute to implementing PSDAT in their surrounding environment. This PSDAT integrated water resources management outreach activity uses the outreach method. The outreach media used is audio-visual media in the form of animated videos. The participants in this PSDAT educational activity were Al-Mabrur Mosque madrasah children who were still in elementary school. Counseling participants began to understand the knowledge and examples of activities regarding integrated water resources management. Participants were very enthusiastic about implementing the knowledge they had gained in the Baleendah Complex environment.

Towards a Land Administration Approach to Water Resource Management in Ethiopia with Particular Focus on Lake Tana Watershed

Sound water resource management is critical for Ethiopia to protect water bodies and wetlands as well as tap these resources for better socio-economic development. However, water resource management has faced challenges in Ethiopia. This article examines whether water resources could be better managed through an innovative way of integrating their management and administration with land administration in line with the principle of Integrated Water Resource Management and sustainable land management. Doctrinal analysis of laws pertaining to water and land management is applied to this end. Primary data collection methods were also applied through questionnaire survey, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion. The article discusses the general role of sustainable water resource management in the protection of the country’s water bodies and examines the critical gaps under the present fragmented natural resource management system. A conceptual framework is developed to highlight the relationship between the principle of sustainable water resource management and land management. The existing natural resource management in Ethiopia is unsustainable and hence it is argued that a land administration approach can enhance water resource management in an integrated, holistic, and sustainable fashion by focusing on Lake Tana Watershed.

Source-to-sea, integrated water resources management, and integrated coastal management approaches: integrative, complementary, or competing?

Mitigation, adaptation, environmental protection, and sustainable development on the land and related water bodies are being promoted in a fragmented way. Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management have been presented as a way to face these problems. The Source-to-sea approach has recently emerged proposing a new water governance and management framework. This research aimed to understand the Source-to-sea approach and identify its relationships and convergences with the approaches of Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management and answer the question of whether they are integrative, complementary, or competitive. Content analysis was used as part of the investigation method so that it was possible to identify the intentions and perceptions of the concepts, principles, and dimensions adopted by each approach. The classification of elements resulted in 8 categories. Based on Leopold’s matrix, we created a base matrix to analyze the relationships between the approaches. The S2S approach integrates and, at the same time, complements Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management. For the eight categories, Source-to-sea was fully committed to 6 of them. Integrated Water Resources Management was fully committed to 5 of them. And Integrated Coastal Management was fully committed to only 3 of them. The Source-to-sea approach brings new elements, revitalizes some methods, and strengthens the governance and management structure of freshwater and marine water resources, enabling a new vision in the continuum where Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Management are part of the process within a new perspective.

Water sustainability in the Anthropocene: challenges and solutions for a changing world

Water plays a crucial role in the sustainable development, impacting socio-economic development, environmental health, and human survival. As a common property, effective water management through good governance is essential to accommodate various interests and minimise conflict. The study discussed the global water resources in the era of human domination, highlighting the increasing water scarcity and its implications. It explored the multifaceted roles of water in society, encompassing economic, leisure, political and religious aspects through summarising and analysing the literatures. Results showed that the current global context presents challenges to water availability and quality due to population growth, rising living standards, climate change, and mismanagement. It also acknowledged the recognition of water access as a human right and discussed the progress and remaining challenges in achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation. The paper emphasizes the need for improved water governance to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to water resources. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) was proposed as the popular solution for interdisciplinary and multi-interest water management to ensure sustainable water use, equitable access, and environmental conservation.

Assessment of wastewater impact on a natural reservoir in Kyrgyzstan

Introduction: Anthropogenic activities artificially increase the concentration of toxic substances in surface reservoirs by discharging polluted water back into the natural environment. Maximum risks for aquatic ecosystems are observed in regions with limited wastewater treatment, which includes Kyrgyzstan. The purpose of the work – research and analysis of factors of pollution of natural reservoirs of Kyrgyzstan by wastewater, consequences for regional aquatic ecosystems and public health, and search for optimal solutions to minimise destructive pollution. Material and Methods: The research was conducted using general scientific methods of cognition, in particular, system analysis, synthesis, generalisation, and concretisation. Results and Discussion: In the course of the research the ecological state of natural water resources of Kyrgyzstan, into which wastewater is discharged, the dynamics of pollution of the aquatic environment depending on various factors of influence is analysed, optimal and feasible to implement measures to reduce the adverse effects of wastewater on the state of natural reservoirs and public health, and improve the overall environmental situation in the region are developed. In addition, the possibilities of applying modern management and technological measures to minimise the content of pollutants in wastewater, based on the synergy of environmental safety and economic efficiency, with the introduction of modern innovative systems of control and monitoring of environmental pollution have been explored. Conclusion: It is established that there is no safe wastewater, therefore, optimisation of the water use and water treatment system in Kyrgyzstan involves the application of an ecosystem approach and the introduction of integrated water resources management.