Integrated Water Resources Management Principles Research Articles

Enhancing the SDG 6 Index: Implementing New Directions and Trends in Priorities of Integrated Water Resources Management Principles in the Republic of Korea

Enhancement of water and sanitation management acts as a significant component of global development as it is part of the United Nation’s sixth Sustainable Development Goal. Due to peculiar geographical and climatic attributes of the country and sincere efforts toward implementing IWRM, South Korea has improved its position in the SDG 6 index. The purpose of this research work is to evaluate the advancements that have been made in the IWRM of South Korea from 2018 to 2023 concerning policy changes, technical advancements, and societal engagement. Thus, this paper, through surveys and literature review, examines the measures that have been taken in the recent past to address the hydrological vulnerabilities resulting from climate change, as depicted by the UN Environment Program. Centrally, since South Korea has become more sensitive to climate change effects, and thus hydrological issues, the findings will assist in the improvement of current IWRM processes and help them achieve the SDG 6 goals. This study implies that there should be sustainable water management practices that balance natural and human interferences amidst prevailing climate change effects.

Isotope Hydrology and Hydrogeochemical Signatures in the Lake Malawi Basin: A Multi-Tracer Approach for Groundwater Resource Conceptualisation

Reliance on groundwater is outpacing natural replenishment, a growing imbalance that requires detailed and multi-faceted water resource understanding. This study integrated water-stable isotopes and hydrogeochemical species to examine hydrogeochemical processes during groundwater recharge and evolution in the Lake Malawi basin aquifer systems. The findings provide insights into groundwater source provenance, with non-evaporated modern precipitation dominating recharge inputs. Grouped hydrochemical facies exhibit five groundwater water types, prominently featuring Ca-Mg-HCO3. Modelled hydrogeochemical data underscore dominant silicate dissolution reactions with the likely precipitation of calcite and/or high-Mg dolomitic carbonate constrained by ion exchange. Isotope hydrology reinforces water resource system conceptualisation. Coupled isotopic-hydrogeochemical lines of evidence reveal a discernible spatial-seasonal inhomogeneity in groundwater chemical character, revealing a complex interplay of meteoric water input, evaporative effects, recharge processes, and mixing dynamics. Findings show that measurable nitrate across Malawi highlights a widespread human impact on groundwater quality and an urgent need for detailed modelling to predict future trends of nitrate in groundwater with respect to extensive fertiliser use and an ever-increasing number of pit latrines and septic systems arising from rapid population growth. This study not only refined the Lake Malawi basin aquifer systems conceptualisation but also provided isotopic evidence of groundwater and lake water mixing. This study sets a base for groundwater management and policy decisions in support of the Integrated Water Resources Management principles and Sustainable Development Goal 6 objectives for groundwater sustainability in the transboundary Lake Malawi basin.

An assessment of the degree of the implementation of the integrated water resources management principles in the Lake Chad Basin: the case of the Republic of Chad

An assessment of the degree of the implementation of the integrated water resources management principles in the Lake Chad Basin: the case of the Republic of Chad

Experiences, Challenges, and Initiatives on Water Resource Management of a Small Island Community: The Case of Basco, Batanes, Philippines

With the increasing water demand across different sectors: residential, commercial, agriculture, tourism, and energy, management of this finite resource is a major challenge in harnessing and sustaining its availability. The increasing demand for water from various stakeholders of Basco, Batanes puts pressure on the availability of water. These supply constraints are rooted in the current management setup aside from its biophysical characteristics. The main objective of the study is to better understand the water-related issues and concerns and the operation and implementation of water resource strategies and programs in the case of the small island community in Basco, Batanes. Specifically, it aims to i) characterize the existing water supply systems in a small island community; and ii) assess the challenges, experiences, and efforts in water resources management. Guided with the Integrated Water Resource Management principles (IWRM), the experiences, issues, challenges, and opportunities in water resources management in the small island community were assessed. The available water sources and existing water systems were characterized, and challenges and initiatives toward effective resource management were also evaluated. The methods employed were secondary data collection; detailed household, commercial, and institutional sectors surveys; Focus Group Discussions (FGD) using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) matrix; Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with key officials in the Local Government Unit (LGU) to capture data on the current operation and implementation of water-related programs. Results showed that Basco, the capital of Batanes, only has two major sources of water: Racuaranum (upstream) and Miaga (downstream) springs. It has no perennial or ephemeral streams. The intermittent streams only flow for a few minutes during heavy rainfall events. Their other sources of water are deep wells and rainwater for everyday use. With the limited budget and human resources of the small island community, localized integrated water resource management highlights the importance of institutional aspects towards its success. A framework on effective resource management emphasized the importance of institutional synergies in small island community setups, such as: joint implementation of watershed management plans, enhancement of technical and financial capabilities given a limited budget and human resources, improvement, and maintenance of water facilities, etc. The complexities of the issues surrounding water resources management could be best addressed by the consolidated efforts of government institutions, the private sector, and the local community within the small island, prioritizing environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and social equity.

Determination of Minimum Ecological Value of Wetland and Assessment of Hydrologic Alteration Indicators Affecting Local Communities’ Livelihood: Case Study Anzali Wetland

Wetlands are of great importance to human society due to their direct and indirect delivery of goods and services; therefore, there has been a growing interest in the restoration and preservation of wetlands in different communities. To preserve the ecological values of wetlands and, thus, to ensure the local communities’ livelihood, it is essential to supply the water demand to provide ecological services relevant to the organisms in the ecosystems and also to the local communities around the wetland. A conceptual model derived from the integrated water resources management principles was used to assess the economic damages caused by the degradation of ecological conditions in Anzali Wetland. In order to quantify the assessment of this study, initially, the economic value of the entire wetland was estimated at 592,960 billion Iranian rials, which includes direct use value, indirect use value, and non-use value of about 28.5%, 10.5%, and 61%, respectively. Then, by defining the optimal and minimum acceptable conditions of Anzali Wetland in terms of ecological health, the economic value of wetland functions and services within the goals set for the livelihoods of local communities was obtained in the corresponding ecohydrological conditions. Finally, the value of wetland services was evaluated by comparing the current reduced economic value with both minimum and optimal ecological conditions. In this paper, by introducing the indicators for the vital wetland-related occupations, it was shown how disturbing the hydrological balance by impairing the tangible ecological services of Anzali Wetland influenced the IWRM, particularly the livelihoods of local communities in this system.

Domestic institutions and international collective action problems: International water rights conflicts

Abstract To what extent do domestic institutions affect the solution of collective action problems in international waters? Dwindling water resources and dire climate change projections make the determination of water rights in international rivers a major source of contention among states. If the states cooperate based on integrated water resource management principles, they could achieve social equity, economic efficiency, and sustainability. Yet, many international rivers remain subject to unilateral exploitation. This paper explores the role of domestic institutions in facilitating the emergence of international water rights. Adopting a political economy approach, it presents a case study analysis of the dispute over the Euphrates and explores the complex interaction of governing institutions in achieving efficient water management. I argue that the solution to the collective action dilemma in water rights is the creation of property rights institutions, which requires high levels of trust and reciprocity among highly motivated actors, who are accountable to their people.

Интегрированное управление водораспределением - путь к совершенствованию водохозяйственной деятельности в Крымском регионе

Consideration of the main ways and measures aimed at rational water use through integrated water resources management (IWRM) in the Republic of Crimea is the purpose of this paper. The article considers world experience in the application of integrated water resources management, on the basis of which the need for a complex task of effective water resources management has been justified. The Republic of Crimea has sufficient resources and prerequisites for the implementation of an IWRM system; in this connection, the article presents suggestions for the implementation of rational water distribution, formed on the basis of the experience of foreign countries. For the successful implementation of the IWRM principles in the Crimea, it is necessary to carry out a number of transformations, which fi rst of all include the improvement of the current management structure, as well as the elimination of defi ciencies in the water management complex. Within the framework of IWRM, the following actions are necessary to improve the current water situation: actions to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework; measures to facilitate the obtaining of reliable and quality information about the water situation; measures to implement IWRM principles, taking into account the fact that water flow through the North Crimean Canal is resumed. Based on the foregoing, it follows that for the successful implementation of the intended goals for the implementation of IWRM principles, the coordination of activities for the rational use of water resources should be fully owned by the government represented by the main stakeholders.

A historical perspective on water governance in Republic of Ireland

This paper provides a historical perspective on the evolution of water governance in the Republic of Ireland where long-term shifts in agricultural activities, demographic characteristics, water and debates over drinking water supply charges have influenced water resources governance and the integration of management practices. Drawing on threads from the past, the paper first describes how water governance from the early 1950s focused on rural access to water, pollution control and monitoring. With the advent of the Water Framework Directive in 2003, the crux of policy and management practices changed, with 81% of present policies mirroring Integrated Water Resource Management principles. However, issues such as the implementation of drinking water supply water charges and equitable access to water resources remain controversial. Looking to the future, the effects of climate change and land use planning, as well as demographic changes and international legislation are among those factors influencing water policy and management in the Republic of Ireland. Structured stakeholder engagement and further research directed at improving water quality is advocated to promote a sustainable and equitable water future.

Development of a Water-Pricing Model for Domestic Water Uses in Dhaka City Using an IWRM Framework

Dhaka city is experiencing high water use and rapid declination of groundwater. The current water price in the city is low and based on a uniform rate. To arrest the resource degradation along with pursuing cost recovery and promoting social equity, this paper develops a new pricing model for domestic water uses using the integrated water resources management principles. The development is accomplished through estimation of domestic water usage, evaluation of current water prices, and assessment of groundwater degradation externalities in the Tejgaon area of the city using both primary and secondary data. Two economic and two environmental externalities are incorporated. The model is based on an increasing block tariff strategy, and the estimated unit prices for the first and second blocks are respectively 5% and 75% higher than the existing price. The model has the potential to reduce the domestic water use in the city by up to 27%, increase the revenue for the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority by up to 75%, and reduce the water bill for poor households by up to 67%. The model has a great potential for practical deployment and the concept can also be applied to other cities and water uses.

Optimization of agricultural patterns based on virtual water considerations through integrated water resources management modeling

ABSTRACT As the largest lake within Iranian borders, Lake Urmia's critical conditions have disrupted its primary functions in recent years due to environmental challenges. Considering the virtual water (VW) concept (which takes into account the value of every unit of water volume in addition to the consumed volume of water) as a component of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) can be nominated as an excellent approach for improving the conditions of the Lake Urmia catchment. Here, with the aid of WEAP (Water Evaluation and Planning) software, the region based on IWRM principles is modeled. Then, the necessities and effectiveness of optimizing VW in agricultural activities have been investigated through different cases. A comparison of the cases reveals the unfavorable condition of local agricultural practices at present, both in terms of water consumption and financial revenues. If not remedied, the current situation can aggravate the water scarcity problem in the region. Furthermore, the results suggest that considering multiple objectives (besides water consumption) in making a decision on the cropping pattern can present a more realistic response to the situation, improve the lake's conditions, and resolve the scarcities to certain extents.

Mutual Learning and Policy Transfer in Integrated Water Resources Management: A Research Agenda

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) has become a global paradigm for the governance of surface, coastal and groundwater. International bodies such as the European Union, the Global Water Partnership, and the United Nations have taken the lead to promote IWRM principles, while countries worldwide have undertaken reforms to implement these principles and to restructure their domestic or regional water governance arrangements. However, the international transfer of IWRM principles raises a number of theoretical, empirical and normative questions related to its causes, processes and outcomes. These questions will be explored in our Special Issue ‘Governing IWRM: Mutual Learning and Policy Transfer’. This editorial briefly introduces IWRM and links this governance paradigm to theoretical and empirical scholarship on policy transfer. We then summarise the aims and objectives of this Special Issue, provide an overview of the articles brought together here and offer avenues for future research.

An application of Integrated Water Resource Management principles to flood risk mitigation in Mossman, North Queensland, Australia

AbstractAs the economic and political center of Douglas Shire in Far North Queensland, Australia, the Mossman Township plays an important role in the development of the region. To allow for the economic and population growth of the town, the local authority has developed strategies to expand the residential and industrial zones closer to the Mossman River. However, these areas are frequently affected by fluvial floods that are exacerbated by the confluence of the two Mossman tributaries, South and North. In addition, the frequency and intensity of floods is likely to increase under the impact of climate change. To minimize flood risk in this area, the State and Local Governments have a coordinated approach to implement measures to address the issue. However, these measures have limitations and it is difficult to achieve all of their intended objectives.To support the Mossman authorities in improving flood resilience, this study combined the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management and Flood Risk Management to identify and assess measures to achieve flood risk mitigation. This study proposes a range of measures that may enable the region to reduce the exposure and vulnerability of the affected population to flood hazard. Subsequently, these measures were evaluated from different perspectives including risk index, financial cost, and the environmental and social impact of each.By using a new methodology for flood risk assessment that considers exposure, vulnerability, and tolerance of the community to flood risk, this study determined that the current flood risk level in Mossman is high. To reduce the high‐risk level to low, three measures were proposed: land use change, the construction of flood levees, and a flood forecasting and warning system. The study found that the implementation of each measure alone does not minimize flood risk effectively, especially within important zones such as residential areas, the town center, and critical roads. It was also found that relying on just one measure impacts the economic, social, or environmental conditions of the study area significantly. The simultaneous implementation of three measures is, therefore, perceived to be necessary. The combination of measures determined by using Integrated Water Resources Management principles enables the region to mitigate flood risk effectively, and also provides an opportunity to balance benefits and cost economically, environmentally, and socially.

SDGs and decentralizing water management for transformation: Normative policy coherence for water security in SADC river basin organizations

This paper engages in a normative analysis of water security, in view of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the call for transformation. It examines the role of river basin organizations (RBOs) and integrated water resources management (IWRM) to water governance, and the extent to which they are consistent with water security for development in Southern Africa. The paper uses Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) and addresses essential questions regarding the extent to which RBOs in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) insofar as concerns SDG 6 achieve water security for people at the grassroots. The theoretical contribution of the paper includes the comparative examination of normative PCD and water security structures at RBO level in Southern Africa, and the extent to which RBOs reflect IWRM principles. Empirically, the paper highlights regional water policies regarding harmonization and coordination in the respective riparian states of and the RBOs, in line with the SADC's developmental objectives. As RBOs seem to prefer conserving, developing and utilizing water resources over people, they would do well to shift their focus on to people by adopting normative PCD, if they are to witness transformation. This would also be consistent with regional goals, which seek to bring the transformation agenda to the ground.

Production of competing water knowledge in the face of water crises: Revisiting the IWRM success story of the Lerma-Chapala Basin, Mexico

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is an approach that aims to change conventional water management. International agencies and organizations have promoted IWRM across the globe. The Lerma-Chapala Basin in Mexico is an archetypal case study on basin closure, where IWRM principles were said to have been applied in the early 2000s to help solve a serious water crisis. This paper analyses the controversies around socio-hydrological uncertainties that were raised during this and an earlier crisis of Lake Chapala, whose resolution defined the water management policies of the basin. We interviewed key stakeholders, analysed different hydrological models, and reviewed the most important literature assessing the case. Then, we analysed how stakeholders understood the functioning of the socio-hydrological system, and how that determined their perception of what the root causes of the crisis were, and ways to resolve it. We found that the modelling efforts by two stakeholders to understand the root causes of the crisis could not clarify important socio-hydrological uncertainties, which limited the scope of their conclusions. From the proposed responses, only those based on the existing institutional and regulatory framework were implemented. Our results question the assertion that IWRM principles of public participation, sound knowledge, and river basin institutions, actually changed the traditional water management paradigm. We conclude that economic and political interests, more than IWRM principles, influenced the decision-making process to solve the water crisis in the Lerma-Chapala basin.

Water management paradigm shifts in the Caspian Sea region: Review and outlook

The study explores the shifts in water management paradigms in the Caspian Sea basin over the last three centuries with an emphasis on the period after 1990. The investigation is based on the chronological analysis of developments in the water sector, treaties and agreements between the littoral states, important technical inventions, and changes in political regimes. The methodology used in the paper captures two concepts. The concept of water management paradigms helps to comprehend developmental stages of water management of the Caspian Sea. The concept of hydrosocial cycle was applied as an analytical lens for studying each paradigm. We examine different understandings of water in the following five stages: i) pre-industrial era (before 1846); ii) industrialization era (1846–1917); iii) Soviet collectivization era (1917–1940); iv) hydraulic mission (1940–1990); v) independent littoral states (1990–present). Before the Industrial Revolution, the Caspian Sea was managed by the Russian Empire and Persia for navigation and fishing only. The ensuing technical progress gave an impulse to regional sectoral activities, pushing forward the hydraulic mission that caused a considerable degradation of the sea’s ecosystems. The adoption of the Tehran Convention in 2003 became a first step towards the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) paradigm for the Caspian. However, the water governance of the Caspian states does not adhere to the principles of IWRM and, consequently, environment continues to deteriorate. The study provides new directions and approaches for reviewing the role of society in the governance of the Caspian Sea and its resources.

Evaluating the Impacts of IWRM Policy Actions on Demand Satisfaction and Downstream Water Availability in the Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia

Water scarcity problems are becoming increasingly common due to higher water demand, urbanization, economic development and climatic variability. Policies and measures based on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) are often advocated to tackle the problems of competing demands and conflicts among stakeholders. Demand management measures as part of the IWRM package are expected to offset the increased demands on water resources caused by economic growth. However, even if IWRM-based policies are in place, the potential impacts of demand management are seldom quantified while formulating water policies or development plans. To address this, we conducted scenario analysis using Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP21) in a case study from the Awash Basin in Ethiopia. We show that ambitious irrigation expansion plans to combat food insecurity will lead to overexploitation of water resources with increasing inequity between smallholders and commercial farmers. Demand management measures proposed by water users are insufficient to offset these consequences. Potential demand measures that are embedded in the IWRM-based policies alone are also insufficient. While water policies emphasize IWRM principles but do not indicate how to properly implement them, economic development plans are often launched without adequately considering equity and environment, two of the three pillars of IWRM. This scenario analysis shows the importance of quantitative information in IWRM formulation and monitoring.

La gestión integral del agua en dos consejos de cuenca del noroeste de México

<p>El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar el desempeño de dos consejos de cuenca que operan en el estado de Sonora, México: el Consejo de Cuenca del Alto Noroeste y Consejo de Cuenca del Río Mayo. A partir de la experiencia internacional en relación a las organizaciones de cuenca, se plantea un marco analítico para analizar la implementación de la Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos en los consejos de cuenca. Tres son las dimensiones clave que guían el estudio: la <em>estructura</em> que conforma a los consejos de cuenca, la dinámica interna de <em>funcionamiento</em> que llevan a cabo y los <em>resultados</em> brindados en la resolución de problemas y conflictos. Los resultados revelan limitaciones estructurales y operativas en los dos consejos de cuenca, lo que reduce su impacto para poner en práctica los principios de la Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos.</p>

Integrated Water Resources Management: contrasting principles, policy, and practice, Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has been a dominant paradigm for water sector reform worldwide over the past two decades. Ethiopia, among early adopters, has developed a water policy, legislations, and strategy per IWRM core principles. However, considerable constraints are still in its way of realization. This paper investigates the central challenges facing IWRM implementation in the Awash Basin analyzing the discrepancy between IWRM principles, the approach followed in Ethiopia and its practice in the Awash Basin. A decade and a half since its adoption, the Ethiopian IWRM still lacks a well-organized and robust legal system for implementation. Unclear and overlapping institutional competencies as well as a low level of stakeholders’ awareness on policy contents and specific mandates of implementing institutions have prevented the Basin Authority from fully exercising its role as the prime institute for basin level water management. As a result, coordination between stakeholders, a central element of the IWRM concept, is lacking. Insufficient management instruments and planning tools for the operational function of IWRM are also among the major hurdles in the process. This calls for rethinking and action on key elements of the IWRM approach to tackle the implementation challenges.

Reusing wastewater to cope with water scarcity: Economic, social and environmental considerations for decision-making

Wastewater reuse has been recognized as an encouraging solution to cope with the problem of water scarcity around the globe. Adopting Integrated Water Resources Management principles will ensure that the implementation of wastewater reuse projects will take into account all the various types of affected stakeholders, accounting in addition for the external costs and benefits derived from the reuse decision. The objective of this paper is to analyze the economic, social and environmental aspects surrounding the concept of wastewater reuse in order to assist policy-makers and managers on the implementation of economic instruments for decision-making. This study proposes a methodological framework for conducting cost-benefit analysis, which is later exemplified by the Yarqon Recycling Project case study in Israel. In this case study application, 3 different scenarios (“pessimistic”, “base-case” and “optimistic”) with a range of parameters values, were used to estimate the most relevant internal and external costs and benefits. Additionally, the most influential parameters were identified using a sensitivity analysis that included both Monte Carlo simulations and the standardized regression coefficients method. For the “base-case” scenario, the net present value obtained was approximately $4.83 million. Although the feasibility of the project is demonstrated, the sensitivity analysis results were less favorable (likelihood of obtaining a positive result was only 64.28%), being the external recreational costs derived from irrigating with reclaimed wastewater the most influential parameter. The results of this analysis led to the conclusion that including the relevant externalities might have a strong impact on the economic feasibility of the wastewater reuse projects. The proposed methodological framework aims to guide decision-makers in evaluating their success with respect to Integrated Water Resources Management in economic terms.

Integrated Water Resources Management from Rhetoric to Practice

In this opinion editorial, New Water Policy and Practice International Advisory Board member Prof Shahbaz Khan (Deputy Director UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Jakarta, Indonesia) presents some ideas on how to move Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) from rhetoric to action. Reflecting on IWRM, and on some of the difficulties experienced in its implementation, Shahbaz discusses some international initiatives which can strengthen IWRM in practice, identifies obstacles to operationalising IWRM principles and proposes some opportunities to facilitate IWRM implementation at the river basin level.