Integrated Water Management Plan Research Articles

NEED FOR INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Abstract This paper describes the global situation of water resources and the need to propose a prospective on integrated water management. An analysis of the water crisis, the development of the administration and experiences on the application of management models is carried out. General guidelines are proposed to establish an integrated management plan. Finally, the water management model developed for Peru is summarized. Keywords: Water crisis; Water management; integrated water management model; integrated water management plan; water resources

An Integrated Modelling Study on the Effects of Weir Operation Scenarios on Aquatic Habitat Changes in the Yeongsan River

The Seungchon and Juksan Weirs were constructed in 2012 through four major river projects to control floods and secure water in the Yeongsan River. However, anthropogenic changes in the environment can lead to loss of biodiversity and longitudinal connectivity and the deterioration of ecosystem health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of physical and chemical changes in the Yeongsan River on aquatic habitats through an integrated (water quality–aquatic habitat) model (i.e., Delft3D and HABITAT). The target species used to simulate habitat suitability included Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae (an endemic fish), Cyprinus carpio, and Micropterus salmoides (an invasive species of fish). Based on the results, maintaining the lowest water level in one of the two weirs was predicted to improve the habitat of the target species. In particular, the habitat area was greatly improved, especially when the Juksan Weir was completely opened. Furthermore, resistance to environmental changes due to habitat area changes indicates that invasive species adapt more to environmental changes than endemic species. This study suggests that physical and chemical changes in the environment can predict the impact on the health of the aquatic ecosystems, which will be useful in establishing an integrated water management plan. These results can be used as basic data for supporting water management policy, to apply an aquatic ecology prediction model suitable for the Yeongsan River system, and to present a management plan for improving the health of an aquatic ecosystem.

Large-scale assessment of spatial variability in stream power distribution: An indicator of channel erosion and deposition potential

Channel morphodynamics, governed by erosion and deposition processes, constitute a relevant aspect of integrated water management planning, and development of sustainable fluvial projects. According to the Water Framework Directive, there is a need for hydromorphological recognition and channel geomorphic adjustment at the national level. Such a large scale excludes field measurements as the primary research method. Instead, methods that require less resources and are based on relatively simple process representations are required. The stream power (SP) concept, combining the effect of channel gradient and discharge, has been widely used for quantitative measurements in geomorphic works at different spatial scales, but not at the national level so far. The primary objective of this study was to estimate total and specific stream power, and detect erosion and deposition patterns along the river network in Poland. Given the dominant role of stream slope in SP spatial variations, the specific objective was to assess the vertical accuracy of high-resolution DEM representing water surface elevations along the river course, and to propose a method for extraction of elevation points along river reaches that increase the accuracy of DEM-derived stream slopes. We demonstrated that DEM generally overestimates the elevation by more than 0.5 m, significantly affecting the DEM-derived stream slope estimation. By extracting minimum water surface elevation from DEM within a 15 m radius from the target cell (river segment endpoint), a substantial improvement was achieved. The difference between the actual and DEM-derived water surface elevation dropped to 0.16 m. The results indicated that the distribution of dominating processes in Polish rivers is strongly governed by the character and origin of the terrain relief and lithological diversity. For regions with flat relief, most channels are generally in the state of equilibrium, whereas in upland and mountainous regions, erosion processes are dominant. This study demonstrates the potential use of the SP concept for mapping channel sensitivity to erosion and deposition dominance at a national scale, which can be relevant for integrated river catchment management.

Хот суурин газрын усны нөөцийн нэгдсэн менежментийн үнэлгээ: Чиг хандлага ба нөлөөллийн тогтолцоо

The large number of people living together in urban areas requires a comprehensive solutions for issues such as the reasonable allocation and adequate use of natural resources, urban planning, and efficient waste management to meet the city's needs. One of the main factors influencing the health and comfort of urban residents is the supply of clean water and sewerage systems. Therefore, in order to rationally allocate and use water resources to meet urban needs, and to create a healthy and comfortable living environment for city residents, it is necessary to develop an integrated water resources management plan at the national and basin levels, as well as an integrated water management plan and assessment for city level. In addition to assessing the current state of water management, it is important to identify factors and trends that may further strain water resources to prevent future risks. To address the pressures on water management in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan, representing Mongolia's urban areas, the City Blueprint Approach, developed by the EU Water Innovation Partnership and the Dutch Institute of Water Cycle, was used in this study. Currently, this approach is used in about 80 cities in more than 40 countries, it is a relatively new and innovative method among Asian cities. As a result, water management in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan is hampered by both social, economic, and environmental factors.

Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the Island of Crete, Greece

Crete, located in the South Mediterranean Sea, is characterized by long coastal areas, varied terrain relief and geology, and great spatial and inter-annual variations in precipitation. Under average meteorological conditions, the island is water-sufficient (967 mm precipitation; theoretical water potential 3425.89 hm3; and total water use 610 hm3). Agriculture is by far the greatest user of water (78% of total water use), followed by domestic use (21%). Despite the high average water availability, water scarcity events commonly occur, particularly in the eastern-south part of the island, driven by local climatic conditions and seasonal or geographical mismatches between water availability and demand. Other critical issues in water management include the over-exploitation of groundwater, accounting for 93% of the water used in agriculture; low water use efficiencies in the farms; limited use of non-conventional water sources (effluent reuse); lack of modern frameworks of control and monitoring; and inadequate cooperation among stakeholders. These deficiencies impact adversely water use efficiency, deteriorate quality of water resources, increase competition for water and water pricing, and impair agriculture and environment. Moreover, the water-limited areas may display low adaptation potential to climate variability and face increased risks for the human-managed and natural ecosystems. The development of appropriate water governance frameworks that promote the development of integrated water management plans and allow concurrently flexibility to account for local differentiations in social-economic favors is urgently needed to achieve efficient water management and to improve the adaptation to the changing climatic conditions. Specific corrective actions may include use of alternative water sources (e.g., treated effluent and brackish water), implementation of efficient water use practices, re-formation of pricing policy, efficient control and monitoring, and investment in research and innovation to support the above actions. It is necessary to strengthen the links across stakeholders (e.g., farmers, enterprises, corporations, institutes, universities, agencies, and public authorities), along with an effective and updated governance framework to address the critical issues in water management, facilitate knowledge transfer, and promote the efficient use of non-conventional water resources.

CHALLENGES OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT IN BAFUT SUB-DIVISION, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Drinking water if not monitored could be a vehicle for diseases of public health concern in Bafut Sub-Division Cameroon. The present study sought to assess the challenges faced by community water supply schemes based on the evaluation of quality and quantity. This study was a cross sectional community survey marked by field survey involving mapping, discharge measurement, potable water samples collection (springs, streams, rain, wells and boreholes) and laboratory analysis. Twelve pipe born water supply schemes and thirty-eight water sources were appraised within two intervals (March-July 2015 and October 2017-March 2018). Chemical analysis was done using an Ion Chromatography and microbial analyses using the presumptive test method and standard plate count. Hospital registers were reviewed on prevalence of water borne diseases. The results showed that major challenges of water supply included; dilapidated pipes, spring inputs and climate variability. Hydro chemical faces were sodium bicarbonate and calcium chloride water types. A total Coliform count of 43 to >1100 per 100ml was recorded for March and July 2015 and 0-236Tcfu in March 2018. Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were probably responsible for high rate of water borne diseases. There is need to develop standardize integrated water management plan in this area.

Evaluation of spatial and temporal water quality in the Akkaya dam watershed (Niğde, Turkey) and management implications

The aim of this study is to investigate the water pollution in the Akkaya Dam watershed spatially and temporally and put forward management suggestions in a watershed scale. For this purpose, monthly water sampling was performed from 11 sampling stations on streams that fed the dam. According to land surveys they have a potential to inflict pollution to the dam. Thus the physical and chemical parameters (i.e. pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature, chemical oxygen demand, turbidity and suspended solids) were monitored monthly for 1-year period. Chloride, sulfate, total nitrogen, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate were monitored for a 6-month period, and the results were evaluated in accordance with the Turkish Regulation of Surface Water Quality Management. Results of the study show that the most important reasons for the pollution in the dam are caused by domestic and industrial wastewaters, which were released to the system without being treated, or without being sufficiently treated, and also of agricultural activities. It was determined that electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, nitrite, nitrate, total nitrogen, sulfate, and chloride parameters which were high at the sampling stations where domestic and industrial wastewaters discharge were present. pH and temperature demonstrate a difference at a significant level by seasons. As a result of the study, it was determined that the water was of IVth quality in terms of nitrate, chemical oxygen demand, and total nitrogen, and it was of IIIrd quality water with respect to ammonium, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. It was observed that the dam outflow water was of IVth quality with respect to nitrate, chemical oxygen demand, and total nitrogen, and of IIIrd quality with respect to dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity. It is considered that the pollution problem in the Akkaya Dam can only be resolved with prevention studies on a watershed scale. Therefore, coordination between the institutions is necessary. The preparation for the integrated water management plan of the watershed will provide a significant contribution to the solution of the water quality problem.

Water-energy nexus in low-income houses in Brazil: the influence of integrated on-site water and sewage management strategies on the energy consumption of water and sewerage services

The water-energy nexus has been increasingly studied in order to elucidate the complex interdependence between water and energy resources, and, as a result, enhance management practices to conserve both resources alike. In this context, integrated water management plans have direct implications on the energy embodied into water and sewerage services. The objective of this study is to assess the potential for energy savings in water and sewerage services by means of on-site integrated water and sewage management strategies in low-income households in Florianópolis, Brazil. The studied water efficient measures include: (i) installation of water efficient fixtures (dual flush toilets and water efficient taps); (ii) reclamation of grey water from shower, washing basin, and laundry for toilet flushing; and (iii) rainwater use for laundry and toilet flushing. From the combination of these measures, the water and energy saving potential of seven integrated water and sewage management strategies were studied. Moreover, the water consumption pattern at ten low-income households with conventional and water efficient taps were empirically determined using water smart meters; whereas, the rainwater supply capacity was estimated by using the computer programme Netuno 4.0, and the grey water supply and sewage reduction capacities were determined using model equations. Rainwater harvesting alone appeared as the least favourable strategy for energy savings as the energy consumption would increase 4% compared to a centralised system; while the combination of water efficient fixtures and grey water reclamation gave rise to the greatest energy saving potential (48%). The findings of this study indicate that, from an energy management point of view, the sustainability of the water sector is primarily associated with the reduction of effluents to centralised systems, rather than the use of alternative water sources.

Integrated water management plan for Shimla City in India using geospatial techniques

This study focuses on evolving an integrated water management plan (IWMP) for Shimla City (erstwhile summer capital of British India). Presently it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Total water demand (2014) is 58.46 million litres per day (MLD) against system capacity of 54.54 MLD. The present deficit of 3.92 MLD (2014) may amplify to 59.01 MLD in 2051. Resource assessment in the related watersheds namely, Ashwani, Nauti, Giri and Pabbar accomplished using remote sensing techniques and geographic information system (GIS) based Arc-SWAT hydrological model. Average annual precipitation in all watersheds for 26 years (1984–2010) is about 1,005 mm, out of which about 34% flows as runoff, 8% as groundwater and about 58% as evapotranspiration. Being ungauged watersheds, water balance equation considered as the validation criteria, coefficient of correlation ‘R’ between observed rainfall and simulated runoff varies from 0.94–0.96. Results further validated through actual measurement of inflow in lean period in one of the major sources, i.e. Giri River, which has shown very good correlation (R = 0.95) between simulated and observed stream flow. The study establishes that existing sources are not sustainable. IWMP suggests, source augmentation coupled with rainwater harvesting and reuse of wastewater as long-term strategic measures.

Integrated Water Management Planning for New Refineries

Integrated Water Management Planning for New Refineries

Becoming a Metagovernor: A Case Study of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority

The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia’s most important river system. It is home to over two million people, covers 14% of the country’s landmass and is of national significance socially, culturally, economically and environmentally. The governance network surrounding the Basin is complex involving multiple levels of governments (Commonwealth, state and territory) as well as numerous non-state actors, including individuals and communities living in the Basin, industry groups and environmentalists. The past three to four decades have seen increased levels of intergovernmental cooperation and coordination as nearly all actors have recognised the need for concerted action in order to avoid potentially catastrophic, long-term and irreversible environmental damage within the Basin. The decision to create the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) in September 2008 represented another step towards increased cooperation as it was the first time in Australian history that a dedicated Agency had been created with an explicit mandate to develop an integrated water management plan at the Basin level. This paper tracks ebbs and flows in the extent to which the MDBA was able to secure the political legitimacy that it required in order to successfully oversee the development of this Plan from the MDBA’s establishment in September 2008 through to the Plan’s commencement in November 2012. We analyse the MDBA’s capacity to develop political legitimacy during this time, which we conceptualise in terms of the cognitive, moral, and pragmatic legitimacy that the Agency was able to achieve within the wider community. We also show how the MDBA learned to become an effective metagovernor by shaping, developing and mending its political legitimacy. Thus, we are able to track how the MDBA was able to learn from its past failures at metagovernance. This article hence provides the first systematic empirical analysis of how delegated agencies can become effective metagovernors through direct attempts to foster their political legitimacy. More broadly, we conclude that to become effective (and to effectively become) metagovernors, organisations require stakeholders within and beyond the immediate governance network to accept their decisions (on whatever grounds) as appropriate and justified – i.e. legitimate – whilst also recognising that achieving such a status is more likely to be provisional, transitory and ephemeral, rather than lengthy, enduring and permanent. This is increasingly relevant, we argue, in late-modern societies where trust in elected or non-elected authorities is increasingly challenged.

Settling/Sedimentation Followed by Sorption with <i>Pinus sylvestris</i> Sawdust as “Green” Sorbent: On-Site Treatment of a Real Industrial Wastewater

Whereas the pulp and paper industrial sector—considered the second highest consumer of freshwater in Europe—has already been provided with sufficient wastewater characterization and treatment technologies, other wood-based industries (e.g. furniture, floor production), which do not use water for manufacturing processes, generate different wastewater streams after: 1) cleaning/washing of machinery that applies adhesives and coatings onto wood surfaces; 2) cleaning/washing of machinery that applies specific products for the curing phase of adhesives; 3) cleaning/washing of sharp planar blades used for the sawn process and to prepare wood surfaces for the adhesive application; 4) cleaning/washing of the floor; 5) cleaning/washing of trucks and vehicles. The dilution of low-volumes of highly polluted wastewater is not acceptable any longer since conventional treatment plants are not designed for these types of industrial wastewater. There is a need for proper characterization, treatability studies, designing and testing alternative small size and cost-effective treatment systems for on-site implementation. Treatment systems based on sorption mechanisms are flexible, easy to operate and generate less sludge and several low-cost sorbents generated by forestry activities have advantageous physico-chemical characteristics. The current paper presents the preliminary results from a pilot treatment system consisting of an equalization tank, settling/sedimentation and two sorption reactors in parallel using Pinus sylvestris sawdust as sorbent implemented as part of an integrated water management plan in a wood-floor industry. The simple to operate and cost-effective pilot treatment system performs satisfactorily during an initial period of operation. The study shows an average 39% - 54% reduction of TPH; 17% - 38% reduction of oil; 2% - 15% of reduction of COD and; 11% - 74% reduction of most toxic metals but for Co, Ni and Zn in the system B. Based on these results, Pinus sylvestris sawdust is a potential low-cost and abundant material to be considered for industrial wastewater treatment plants.

Impact of Irrigation on Fertilizer Use Decision of Farmers in China: A Case Study in Weihe River Basin

The contribution of irrigation and chemical fertilizer on Chinese agricultural production growth is considerable. Both subsidized fertilizer price and low irrigation water price have encouraged farmers to adopt these modern inputs. However, the inefficient usages practiced by the farmers have exposed the nation to environmental and water pollution. Moreover, the increasing production cost arising from overuse of fertilizer coupled with decreasing soil response to fertilizer application is another issue. The Chinese government has proposed integrated water management plans like irrigation water pricing to regulate the co-existing problems. There are enough evidences that adoption of irrigation can induce adoption of inorganic fertilizer. However, researches on their relationship are scant in areas where inefficient utilization of these inputs is the problem rather than their adoption. Thus, the main objective of this paper was to analyze whether irrigation have a significant impact on fertilizer use decision of farmers in China. Our case study in Shaanxi province along the Weihe River basin based on farm plot level primary data confirmed that fertilizer use have a significant relationship with irrigation. From our analysis using ordinary least square model, we concluded that policies that improve irrigation water efficiency could also have impact on fertilizer use efficiency.

Water resources management in Crete and in the Aegean Islands, with emphasis on the utilization of non-conventional water sources

Abstract The Greek regions of Crete and of the Aegean Islands are of the southernmost river basin districts (RBDs) of the European Union. They both have limited water resources, and water demand often surpasses water availability. The geographical fractionation, particularly for the region of the Aegean Islands, is a major constrain for the implementation of an integrated water management plan. This article aims at presenting the current status of water resources in the above regions, and the existing water management plans. The article summarizes the pressures on the water resources of the above geographical regions, and investigates the possibility for utilization of nonconventional water resources, like desalinated seawater, reclaimed wastewater and brackish water. One of the conclusions among others is that the development of novel processes on water resources management should be one of the primary aims of any integrated water management plan.

Water demand and flows in the São Francisco River Basin (Brazil) with increased irrigation

Most activities that support economic growth in the São Francisco River Basin (Brazil) need water. Allocation of the water resources to each competing use needs quantification in order to develop an integrated water management plan. Irrigation agriculture is the largest water consuming activity in the basin. It has produced large economic and social advancements in the region and has potential for further development. The local development agency in the São Francisco River has projected an increase of more than 500,000 ha in irrigation developments distributed within the basin. Water requirements of the projected irrigation expansions and their effects on river flow were quantified. A semi-distributed model was constructed to simulate the water balance in 16 watersheds within the basin. The watersheds were hydrologically characterized by the average precipitation, atmospheric demand and runoff as well as their variability. Water requirements for increased irrigated agriculture were calculated using an agronomic mass balance. A Monte Carlo procedure generated the variability of irrigation requirements and resulting decreased river flows from the multidimensional probability distribution of the hydrologic variables of each watershed. Irrigation requirements were found to be more variable during the wet season because of weather variability. In contrast to what might be expected, in drier years, irrigation requirements were often larger during the wet season than in the dry season because the cropped area is largest in the wet months and variability of precipitation is greater. Increased irrigation shifted downward the distribution of river flows but not enough to affect other strategic water uses such as hydropower. Further irrigation expansion may be limited by wet season flows.

Integrated water management plans towards sustainability: the Taiwan experience

This report summarizes past and current activities in water management in Taiwan based on four major programs: (1) Taiwan 2000: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection (The 1985–1988), (2) Taiwan Agenda 21: National Sustainable Development (1998–2003), (3) Local Agenda 21: Environmental Action Plan Towards Sustainability (2003–2006), and (4) Sustainable Water Environment. Taiwan 2000 was for the first time in Taiwan the government encouraged industries to seek a balance between economic development and environmental protection. According to the principles and visions of Agenda 21, the Government has implemented visions and strategies for national sustainable development to serve as the basic guidelines for keeping up with the development in the 21st century. Local Agenda 21 was also developed by the local city and county governments from 2003 to 2006. It has an emphasis on sustainable water environment, total emission control, eco-industrial parks, sustainable transportation, and green community promotion. In addition, a fifth program, Water Safety Plan, was developed as the “Green Blue-Print” for the development of strategies and guidelines of national sustainable water environment. It focuses on Source Water Implementation Plan Rule (SWIPR), modernization of water treatment plants, and the implementation of Integrated Performance Evaluation (IPE) Program.

Integrated water management plans to face development challenges in Eastern Sudan

: An integrated water management plan is proposed taking into account all relevant water assets of Eastern Sudan. The plans include combined actions of water transfer, use of surface supplies in the south at the times of excess flood water, recharging groundwater in selected basins, blending supplies from different sources, alternating sources of groundwater production, changing demand, developing groundwater banking programs, and implementation of wastewater infrastructures. Specific projects are proposed in order to face these challenges for Port Sudan and Gadaref. Alternative financing methods, including regional and local funding, are suggested.

Integrated water management plans for the restoration of lake Koronia, Greece

: Lake Koronia is a very important ecosystem of Greece which is almost vanishing because of non sustainable water management practice in the region. The ongoing unsystematic economic growth of the area has resulted to water depletion and environmental degradation with serious social and economic impacts. This paper presents an integrated water resources management plan for the reversal of the situation. First, a groundwater simulation model of the complex shallow – deeper aquifer system is developed to simulate the lake‐aquifer interaction. Second, this model is then used as a management tool for the development of alternative exploitation plans of the deeper aquifer. The impacts of these scenarios to the groundwater levels and balance are also considered and evaluated. For sustainability purposes, not only the rehabilitation of the lake water resources, but also the restoration of the disturbed groundwater balance considered. The finally suggested plan is a combination of an engineering project recharg the lake with groundwater from the deeper aquifer, and water saving measures the agricultural sector, through the implementation of a crop change program and the exist irrigation methods.

Creating the First Integrated Water Management Plans for 16 Metropolitan Counties in Georgia: Ground-Breaking Collaboration Among Utilities

Creating the First Integrated Water Management Plans for 16 Metropolitan Counties in Georgia: Ground-Breaking Collaboration Among Utilities

The use of ecological information in the selection of quality objectives for river conservation and restoration in Flanders (Belgium)

Due to the intensive use of freshwater resources, the ecological quality of catchments and watercourses in Flanders has been considerably lowered. Watercourses with natural stream characteristics and/or vulnerable species are rare and are quite often isolated headwaters. To restore the natural variety of river types and vulnerable species within Flanders and to restore the network within the catchments, there is an urgent need for river restoration programmes. To work efficiently, priority levels for catchment areas and quality objectives for watercourses should be designated. Our task was to develop a policy map based on objective ecological knowledge, taking into account the legal land designation and nature conservation. Based on a large field survey, which consisted of gathering ecological information of watercourses throughout Flanders, a typology of rivers with reference framework was devised. Secondly, a priority map at a catchment level for integrated water management planning was developed. Three priority levels were distinguished based on the current ecological quality, the (legal) land designation, and the occurring river types within each catchment area. Thirdly, quality objectives were assigned to the priority zone watercourses. Four classes are selected: class I, in which nature conservation is the principal objective; class II, in which nature conservation should become the principal objective; class III, where nature conservation is an important subsidiary function; and class IV, in which most watercourses have a connecting function allowing migration of vulnerable species. The goals for the four classes were linked to different quality requirements. The methodology developed for construction of a priority map and for assignment of water quality objectives to priority watercourses is explained in detail. An ecological evaluation of the sub-catchments of the river Nete and the river Dyle is used to discuss the selection of priority zones. Five sub-catchments are described in more detail to illustrate the assignment of quality objectives to priority zone watercourses.