Water Management Problems Research Articles

Estimating Rainfall Intensity Using an Image-Based Convolutional Neural Network Inversion Technique for Potential Crowdsourcing Applications in Urban Areas

High-quality rainfall data are essential in many water management problems, including stormwater management, water resources management, and more. Due to the high spatial–temporal variations, rainfall measurement could be challenging and costly, especially in urban areas. This could be even more challenging in tropical regions with their typical short-duration and high-intensity rainfall events, as some of the undeveloped or developing countries in those regions lack a dense rain gauge network and have limited resources to use radar and satellite readings. Thus, exploring alternative rainfall estimation methods could be helpful to back up some shortcomings. Recently, a few studies have examined the utilisation of citizen science methods to collect rainfall data as a complement to the existing rain gauge networks. However, these attempts are in the early stages, and limited works have been published on improving the quality of such data. Therefore, this study focuses on image-based rainfall estimation with potential usage in citizen science. For this, a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) model is developed to predict rainfall intensity by processing the images captured by citizens (e.g., by smartphones or security cameras) in an urban area. The developed model is merely a complementary sensing tool (e.g., better spatial coverage) to the existing rain gauge network in an urban area and is not meant to replace it. This study also presents one of the most extensive datasets of rain image data ever published in the literature. The estimated rainfall data by the proposed CNN model of this study using images captured by surveillance cameras and smartphone cameras are compared with observed rainfall by a weather station and exhibit strong R2 values of 0.955 and 0.840, respectively.

Trend analysis of extreme rainfall indices from CHIRPS precipitation estimates over the Lake Tana sub-basin, Abbay Basin of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is among the African nations most susceptible to climate change because of its frequent droughts and heavy rainfall. Therefore, hydrological and water management problems require an investigation of regional variability and extreme rainfall patterns. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal trends of extreme rainfall in the Lake Tana sub-basin (LTSB) of Ethiopia's upper Blue Nile basin (UBNB) between 1981 and 2019. The trend and geographic patterns of ten extreme rainfall indices are evaluated using high-resolution data from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Stations (CHIRPS). The researcher used RClimDex, an R software tool, to analyze the ten severe rainfall indices. The variability of the extreme rain indices was also assessed by applying the standard anomaly index (SAI). The trend analysis shows that the majority of rainfall indices decreased in the majority of station locations. Among the rainfall locations, the decreasing trend was only significant in 40% consecutive wet days (CWD), 13.33% (R95p and R99p), and 6.66% highest rainfall amount in a 1-day period (RX1day). In contrast, significant positive patterns were revealed in the incidence of rainfall events of number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm), annual total wet day rainfall (PRCPTOT), and consecutive dry days (CDD), with significant positive trends of 26.66% (R10mm) and 40% (PRCPTOT). Furthermore, a spatial distribution result of extreme rainfall trends reveals considerable variations between stations location. Thus, these findings point to the necessity of creating adaptation and mitigation plans for climate change variability within the sub-basin.

SMART Irrigation Robot

Abstract: Smart irrigation robots are solutions for today's agriculture that solve water management, work efficiency and crop quality problems. This autonomous robotic system combines advanced technology, sensors, artificial intelligence and precision robots to revolutionize the irrigation process. This content highlights the key features and advantages of smart water users. The robot uses a network of soil moisture sensors and weather data to make real-time, data-driven decisions about when and how much to harvest. Using smart algorithms, irrigation strategies can be tailored to specific crop types and growth stages to ensure efficient use. Operating costs. It also promotes sustainability and environmental protection by reducing water waste by providing the required amount of water where and when it is needed.

Valuation of the Teesta River water by Hydro Economic Model

Hydro-Economic Models (HEMs) are powerful tools to analyse water scarcity and water management problems. The Teesta River which flows from India to Bangladesh has long been a source of dispute between India and Bangladesh. A win–win solution for the problem is important for the 1.2 billion people of the two neighboring countries. A Hydro-Economic Model (HEM) on the Teesta may provide sufficient information for the solution of the dispute. Most HEMs that treat transboundary water issues consider a narrow scope of water values including agriculture, hydropower, municipal, and tourism. However, water has many additional values. This study adds to the HEM literature by considering the values of fisheries, navigation, environment or sediment transport. A Teesta Hydro-Economic Model (THEM) was developed to represent a large range of economic values of water use during the dry season. Results show that the total water use value for a dry season is USD 41.5 million for India and USD 77 million for Bangladesh. The study shows that the benefit per unit volume of water for hydropower is the lowest among all types of water use. After performing an economic analysis, this study found a potential for trade-off between hydropower use in India and environmental use in Bangladesh. This study gives an idea about how to maximise the benefits from the river and how to mitigate the water sharing dispute.

A Standalone Sensing and Actuation IoT Solution for Water Management, Leakage Detection, and Localization Problems

A Standalone Sensing and Actuation IoT Solution for Water Management, Leakage Detection, and Localization Problems

ANALYSIS OF WATER GOVERNANCE IN IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS IN THE BENA IRRIGATION AREA, SOUTH AMANUBAN DISTRICT, SOUTH CENTRAL TIMOR REGENCY

Purpose: The aim of this research is to identify problems and evaluate the effectiveness of institutions in irrigation management in the Bena region, as well as understand the impact on farmers. This research also aims to provide comprehensive information about institutional governance and behavior of the government, private sector and community in irrigation management, as well as identifying strategies to increase the effectiveness of water management in the future. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework for this research includes the following concepts: clean water crisis, the link between water availability and food security, governance paradigms, the concept of sustainable development, the role of irrigation management institutions, institutional challenges, conflict and inefficiency in the allocation of water resources, and principles -environmental principles. This theoretical framework helps analyze water management problems in the Bena irrigation area and develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness of water management in the future. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out using the descriptive analysis method, namely, by displaying or explaining clearly and in detail the conditions and realities in the region's irrigation management institutions. Results: The results of the research show that there is no synergy between primary, secondary, and tertiary channels, increasing irrigation water conflicts, implementation of planting procedures without paying attention to water management conditions, construction results are not followed by asset management due to lack of budget allocation, and the empowerment, strengthening and participation of institutional water user farmer associations (P3A) has not been optimal so that the capacity of local governments, especially districts, in managing Bena water resources and irrigation is not optimal. Therefore, it is recommended that in the institutional context of irrigation management, each party involved must complement each other's work culture framework so that no one party dominates the running of the water governance. It is strong enough to replace the hierarchy. Research, practical and social implications: The implications of this research include: providing an analytical model of water governance, identification of water governance challenges, recommendations for the adoption of customary water management practices, emphasis on stakeholder involvement in policy making, cultural adaptation and integration, and increased communication and collaboration. It provides a platform for researchers and policymakers to improve the effectiveness of water governance, while strengthening community engagement and paying attention to local cultural values. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in the application of a new water governance analysis model, identification of specific challenges in water governance, recommendations for adopting indigenous water management practices, emphasis on stakeholder engagement, cultural adaptation, and improved communication and collaboration. It makes an important contribution to enriching understanding of water governance and offers practical guidance for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of water management at the local level.

Optimization strategies and diagnostic techniques for water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are efficient and zero emission energy conversion technology with promising application prospects towards carbon neutrality. The PEMFC's performance is largely affected by the poor water management, which is a substantial concern for long term durability. Herein, we overview the water management problems in PEMFCs, such as flooding and dehydration of membrane electrode assembly and analyze the causes and their impacts on the device performance. Major problems such as flooding impedes the gas transport and electrode reactions, while dehydration increases the membrane resistance and hinders proton transport. We have thoroughly overviewed several electrochemical and physicochemical diagnostic techniques for water management in PEMFCs. Additionally, material development and optimization approaches for the flow field structural design are explored in order to improve mass transport and wetting characteristics for optimized water management. Therefore, it is anticipated that this review will provide insights into the effective operation of PEMFCs as well as practical guidance for resolving water management issues in PEMFCs and associated technologies, like PEM water and CO2 electrolyzers.

WITHDRAWN: Trend analysis of the extreme rainfall indices from Lake Tana Sub-Basin of the Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is among the African nations most susceptible to climate change because of its frequent droughts and heavy rainfall. Therefore, hydrological and water management problems require an investigation of regional variability and extreme rainfall patterns. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal trends of extreme rainfall in the Lake Tana Sub-Basin (LTSB) of Ethiopia's Upper Blue Nile Basin (UBNB) between 1981 and 2019. The trend and geographic patterns of ten extreme rainfall indices is evaluated using high-resolution data from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Stations (CHIRPS). We used RClimDex, an R software tool, to analyze the ten severe rainfall indices. The variability of the extreme rain indices was also assessed by applying the standard anomaly index (SAI). The trend analysis shows that the majority of rainfall indices decreased in the majority of station locations. Among the rainfall locations, the decreasing trend was only significant in 40% (CWD), 13.33% (R95p and R99p), and 6.66% (RX1day). In contrast, significant positive patterns were revealed in the incidence of rainfall events of R10mm, PRCPTOT, and CDD, with significant positive trends of 26.66% (R10mm) and 40% (PRCPTOT). Furthermore, a spatial distribution result of extreme rainfall trends reveals considerable variations between stations in spatial distribution. Thus, these findings point to the necessity of creating adaptation and mitigation plans for climate change variability within the sub-basin.

The Implementation of Resilience Engineering to Deal with Climate Change Impact

Climate change is a very interesting subject, because it has been compelling us to review our thinking, our development concepts, practices, paradigms, models, and so on from the view of the environment. In such introspections, we may identify the mistakes, weaknesses and unintended consequences of our development concepts, practices; and we may try to overcome those mistakes and will be conscious to avoid such shortcomings in the future. Land and water resources degradation are the major problems in the world. Poor land use practices and improper management systems have played a significant role in causing high soil erosion rates, sediment transport, and loss of agricultural nutrients. This causes various effects on resource bases like deforestation, expansion of residential areas, and agricultural land. The watershed is also facing high erosion due to the effects of intense rainfall of the watershed which aggravates the land cover change of the watershed. This continuous change in land cover has influenced the water balance of the watershed by changing the magnitude and pattern of the components of stream flow between surface runoff and groundwater flow in increasing the extent of the water management problem. In this study, the assessments of resilience engineering and its function as a framework for the environmental issues, such as resilience and management of water and public infrastructure has been done. After risk assessment, we obtained five risk levels and their corresponding resilience levels. The two can be regarded as negatively correlated. And at the same time, four corresponding adaptions are also proposed according to the resilience levels.

Quantitative morphometric analysis of a river basin using GIS techniques: Case study of Miljacka River, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This paper concerns the analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the Miljacka river basin using the Digital Elevation Model of the terrain in the Geographical Information System. A quantitative geomorphological analysis of general characteristics was performed, whereby the analysis was supplemented with specific parameters of the drainage system, which are of linear, areal and relief characteristics. Standard mathematical formulas and software tools for Surface and Hydrology in the GIS software environment were used to estimate the mentioned parameters, using ArcMap 10.4. By working in the Arc Map program, a database system was created, with the use of a grid system, which offers the possibility of overlaying geospatial data, extracting certain parameters and their analysis and synthesis. The analyzed parameters are indicators of the shape and recent processes in the relief. They represent a supplement in the inventory and typification of relief forms, which, thanks to GIS software, have a geographic reference, which facilitates their correlation. The importance of the conducted analysis is reflected in the fact that the obtained data have a numerical value, are verifiable and can be applied multiple times in practice for the purposes of determining erosive processes, protecting and improving space and the living environment, solving water management problems, planning economic activities and drafting spatial plans.

An Ecosystem Valuation for Enhanced Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Kabul River Basin

An Ecosystem Valuation for Enhanced Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Kabul River Basin

Can the private sector inform the government in water resources management? one watershed-one plan: a new approach to watershed management

Minnesota, USA has developed a watershed management approach called One Watershed One Plan (1W1P). 1W1P is a statewide program that seeks to manage water along natural boundaries, defined by hydrologic unit code 8 (HUC-8) watersheds. Historically, Minnesota relied upon each county to develop their own water management plan. State funding through the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) was allocated based on proposed project applications sent to a review committee which then decided which project in a given county would get funding. This approach provided a vehicle for transferring state tax money back to the local government but failed to really solve trans-county, integrated water management problems. To solve both water quality and quantity issues a more focused approach with a larger payload of funding for a longer period of time was needed. Government alone cannot solve intrinsic water issues because most Minnesota landownership is private. In this paper we discuss how the private sector must be engaged up front in the water planning process for successful water management. We illustrate how public-private partnerships are essential for better water planning and management.

Development of a fuzzy-based approach for assessing water quality

Abstract Fresh water is vital for the survival of life. Rivers are the primary source of freshwater supply. However, over the past few decades, challenges concerning the sustainability of rivers and maintaining their water quality have become countless. Due to rapid and unrestrained advancements, the river ecosystem becomes imbalanced. To assess and predict water quality from the real data collected, it becomes necessary to devise ways to interpret and analyze the data efficiently. The present work deals with the development of a water quality index based on a fuzzy approach for predicting the water quality of the river Yamuna. The most contaminated stretch of the river through Delhi has been taken up for this study. The proposed methodology is elementary, simple, effective, and flexible in assimilating uncertainties involved in complex water management problems. The suggested index involves the most dominant parameters and can act as a practical tool for routine water quality assessment. The outcomes of the study give pronounced facts to water authorities about the awful condition of the river Yamuna in Delhi.

Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends in Water Management Aimed at Increasing the Sustainability of the Socio-Economic Development of a Region

The growing negative anthropogenic impact on the environment causes scientific interest in the problems of water management. The increasing number of publications in this scientific field requires their intellectual systematization. The purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric review of scientific publications related to water management issues in the context of solving the problems of increasing the sustainability of the socio-economic development of a region for better understanding of current research trends. To achieve this goal, bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer software product (Manual for VOSviewer version 1.6.17) was used. The international database Scopus was taken as the source of information. This study examined 10,208 articles on water management issues from 2012 to 2022. The basic criterion for including a publication in the selection was that the topic of the work belongs to the subject areas of economics, econometrics and finance and business, management and accounting. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the problems of water resources management have not lost their popularity in the global research community and the research methodology is evolving towards the concept of “water–energy–food”. The centers of knowledge forming the vector of scientific research are the USA and the Netherlands; however, in recent years, the research of Chinese scientists has become increasingly important. It is concluded that the potential for the development of research in the field of water resources management in the context of solving the problems of the sustainable development of regions is associated with the search for opportunities for revealing the synergy of intersectoral interactions while taking into account their sectoral and regional specifics.

An uncertain structure for minimizing the conflict of exploitation policies in common pool groundwater resources

Abstract Creating a structure for allocating water from common pool resources is a serious problem in agricultural water management. In this research, an attempt has been made based on bi-objective optimization and the non-dominated theory to create the water allocation models for the cultivation pattern. The water allocated in each irrigation event was defined as the decision variable in this structure. Two objective functions include the following: (1) maximizing and minimizing the water allocation and (2) minimizing conflicts between beneficiaries in the Hebei Plain. Conflicts between beneficiaries were formulated based on the ratio between the crop area and water allocation and were defined by an inertia weight to increase its effect on the final iterations of the process. The Whale Optimization Algorithm was included as a bi-objective algorithm in the decision-making process. The number of decision variables and feasible domains in each decision model is different and creates a crowding distance for competition between operators. The results showed that the water allocation planning structure based on the evaluation index had the best solution front.

Advances in Monitoring and Understanding the Dynamics of Suspended-Sediment Transport in the River Drava, Slovenia: An Analysis More than a Decade-Long

Managing sediment transport in streams is crucial to the surface water resource development strategy and has several implications for flood risk and water management, hydropower use, and balancing river morphology. This paper summarises the movement and behaviour of suspended sediment within the Slovenian portion of the River Drava, covering a span of thirteen years from 2005 to 2018. An analysis of relevant data collected during this period is also presented. Suspended-sediment dynamics strongly depend on flow velocity, seasonal variations in sediment sources, and human interventions in the riverbed. The transportation of material in the River Drava results in the accumulation of sediments in reservoirs and riverbeds, consequently impeding the natural hydrological cycle by reducing the outflow into aquifers. The 2018 high-water event is analysed in terms of the dependence of concentration of suspended sediments on discharge, where counterclockwise hysteresis was observed, providing an essential clue to the origin of sediment. Sediments from the River Drava in Slovenia are managed with some conventional processes and are mainly deposited or reintegrated into rivers and aquatic ecosystems. Some additional sediment management strategies with long-term solutions for efficient and comprehensive water management, hydropower, and ecological problems are proposed.

Assistance for Construction of Rainwater Infiltration Wells through Rain Water Harvesting in Overcoming Flood Prone in Beji Village, Depok City

Beji Village is one of the villages in Beji District, Depok City. Currently, Beji Village is quite dense with residents. Most of the land is used as housing for residents, so it has an impact on depleting the availability of vacant land as water catchment areas. This causes the area to become prone to flooding. This service aims to assist the people of Beji, Depok, build rainwater infiltration wells through Rain Water Harvesting to overcome flood proneness. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is used in this assistance by inviting the community to participate in Extension and Education, Training and Guidance, Field Assistance, Community Involvement, Research and Monitoring, and Partnership Development. This service resulted in rainwater harvesting, which has absorption two times faster than before. It can be illustrated that rainwater will usually recede within half an hour at the service location. With this infiltration well, incoming rainwater can recede within 10-15 minutes for a field area of approximately 80 m2. With this infiltration well, rainwater that usually recedes within half an hour can recede within 10-15 minutes for a field area of 80 m2. This shows the success of community service in reducing the risk of flooding in Beji Village and providing effective solutions to address the problem of water availability and water management in the area.

Stakeholder engagement in irrigation water management: the case of Karanganyar Regency, Indonesia

The increasing level of water demand leads to higher pressure in the water irrigation system due to environmental degradation in watersheds and irrigation canals. Irrigation water management requires the involvement of stakeholders, including the government and farmers, as the water user association. Stakeholders are expected to be able to carry out their respective roles and be engaged in solving problems of proper irrigation water management. This paper uses a qualitative approach to stakeholders’ roles, challenges, and opportunities in irrigation water management in Karanganyar Regency. It aims to understand stakeholder engagement in irrigation water management. The data were collected by observation and interviews with stakeholders such as national irrigation commissions, provinces, local governments, and water user associations. The results show that there has been a clear division of roles and responsibilities among the stakeholders included in the irrigation commission. However, it is found that there is an asynchronous regulation in implementing irrigation water management at the national, provincial, and local levels. The lack of human resources is another obstacle faced in irrigation water management in Karanganyar Regency.

Pathways towards improved water governance: The role of polycentric governance systems and vertical and horizontal coordination

Persistent challenges in dealing with water management problems arise from complex interdependencies of diverse water uses. Water-related crises, such as prolonged droughts or extreme floods, may have severe impacts across scales and in different sectors. At the same time, numerous, largely independent decisions in different sectors affecting water resources and water-dependent ecosystems introduce further uncertainties. Conceptual consideration and empirical evidence suggest that polycentric governance systems have a high capacity to deal with such challenges. Polycentric governance systems combine decentralization of authority and decision-making with some kind of coordination of the different (semi-)autonomous governance units. However, the nature of and pathways towards polycentric governance are still quite poorly understood. This paper analyses requirements (1) for governance systems to become polycentric and (2) for such systems to effectively tackle water management challenges. The analyses are based on a data set of 26 cases from developed and less developed countries. Results from Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) confirm the hypothesis that polycentric governance systems are characterized by high performance in supporting effective coordination. Fragmented as well as centralized, not coordinated (rent-seeking) regimes show poor performance. The QCA analyses highlight further the importance of high institutional capacity for the effectiveness of formal coordination instruments. Results show as well a strong interdependence between vertical coordination and horizontal coordination. The results from QCA analyses are substantiated with findings from in-depth studies of selected cases from the larger data set.

Investments and innovations in sustainable management of green economy in the Kyrgyz Republic (agricultural aspects)

Climate change, exacerbating water management and environmental problems, threatening public health, food safety and economic and social development, is a global concern. The adoption of green economy approach can provide the Kyrgyz Republic with a framework for strengthening the in-country and inter-regional cooperation. Faced with the climate change realities and the clear evidence of the fact that continued “brown economy” will only lead to further environmental degradation and ultimately threaten not only the economic growth but also the overall survival of the humanity, the public at large is becoming aware of the urgency and relevance of responding to these challenges. A growing number of influential opinions state that the “business-as-usual” approach cannot be practiced as before and some new ways must be found to drive the economic growth and development at the national, regional and global level. Against this background, the green economy approach is gaining traction in the Kyrgyz Republic, being considered as a very important contribution to the search for new ways to achieve sustainable growth viewed as the growth that meets the requirements of environmental sustainability and social justice.