Sound Management Of Water Resources Research Articles

Exploring the ecological security evaluation of water resources in the Yangtze River Basin under the background of ecological sustainable development

The Yangtze River (hereafter referred to as the YZR), the largest river in China, is of paramount importance for ensuring water resource security. The Yangtze River Basin (hereafter referred to as the YRB) is one of the most densely populated areas in China, and complex human activities have a significant impact on the ecological security of water resources. Therefore, this paper employs theories related to ecological population evolution and the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to construct an indicator system for the ecological security of water resources in the YRB. The report evaluates the ecological security status of water resources in each province of the YRB from 2010 to 2019, clarifies the development trend of its water resource ecological security, and proposes corresponding strategies for regional ecological security and coordinated economic development. According to the results of the ecological population evolution competition model, the overall indicator of the ecological security of water resources in the YRB continues to improve, with the safety level increasing annually. Maintaining sound management of water resources in the YRB is crucial for sustainable socioeconomic development. To further promote the ecological security of water resources in the YRB and the coordinated development of the regional economy, this paper proposes policy suggestions such as promoting the continuous advancement of sustainable development projects, actively adjusting industrial structure, continuously enhancing public environmental awareness, and actively participating in international ecological construction and seeking cooperation among multiple departments.

INTEGRATION OF ENGINEERING AND POLITICS IN WATER MANAGEMENT: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ENHANCING PUBLIC

This article explores the evolving concept of water governance across various nations, serving as a reference for effective and sustainable water management. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6, which focuses on Clean Water and Sanitation, Indonesia faces unique challenges due to its dual climate patterns of rainy and dry seasons. These climatic variations necessitate sound water resource management to address water shortages during droughts, prevent drought-related disasters and mitigate flood risks during the rainy season. Utilizing a literature review methodology, this research aims to comprehend the development of knowledge in the water governance concept, incorporating both technical and political dimensions in policy formulation. The findings underscore the significance of collaboration, cooperation, and participation among the government, community, and private sector in implementing effective water governance. Embracing the governance paradigm, the key takeaway is the need for collective efforts to establish robust water resource management, thereby ensuring the success of the clean water and sanitation program nationwide by 2030. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all variants of water governance models can be universally applied, considering the diverse institutional contexts and political cultures across different regions in Indonesia. Despite these challenges, this research underscores the importance of a holistic approach that integrates both technical and political aspects in water management policies, providing a foundation for achieving sustainable water access and sanitation goals.

Identifying baseflow source areas using remotely sensed and ground‐based hydrologic data

AbstractUnderstanding how rainfall and snowmelt influence baseflow, the groundwater‐fed component of streamflow, is essential for sound water resources management. Current approaches to understand the spatial couplings between these processes and baseflow are limited. The most commonly used methods include geochemical tracers and hydrologic models. A key limitation of the first is cost, while the second is limited by the need for simplifying assumptions. This study developed a data‐driven approach which leverages satellite Earth observation data and ground‐based data to assess the degree to which baseflow is influenced by upstream rainfall and snowmelt in California's Sierra Nevada. The procedure involved: (1) separation of baseflow from streamflow time series using a low‐pass filtering technique, (2) quantification of aquifer drainage timescales through baseflow recession analysis, (3) application of time series and information theory methods to identify the areas which have the greatest impacts on baseflow through both rainfall and snowmelt, and (4) characterization of the elevation zones which have a prevailing influence on baseflow. Results suggest that areas which have the strongest impact on baseflow through rainfall and snowmelt are not necessarily the areas which experience the highest annual rates of snowmelt or rainfall; snowmelt occurring in the 3000–3700 m elevation range was found to be the most important driver of baseflow.

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

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

Research on the Change in Prediction of Water Production in Urban Agglomerations on the Northern Slopes of the Tianshan Mountains Based on the InVEST–PLUS Model

Assessing how land use change will affect water production ecosystem services is essential to developing sound water resource management and ecosystem conservation. The results of a coordination analysis of land-use intensity and water yield based on future land-use simulation projections are useful for future land-use planning. To effectively assess water production rates, the PLUS and InVEST models were used to dynamically assess the changes in water production occurring in the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains from 2000 to 2030 under different scenarios of land-use change. The results show that the water-production rates in the study area from 2000 to 2020 were 517.26 × 106 m3, 582.28 × 106 m3, and 456 × 106 m3, showing an increasing and then decreasing trend, with the water production function decreasing from the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains to the north and south, with values of 509.10 × 106 m33, 510.90 × 106 m3, and 502.28 × 106 m3 being presented for the three scenarios in 2030. The rapid economic development scenario presents the lowest water yield values and the ecological conservation development scenario presents the highest water yield values. Changes in water production rates are closely related to changes in land use, which can be verified further by an analysis of the coordination between land- use intensity and water production. For this study area, the ecological conservation development scenario may be more in line with the future urban development pattern, and the results of the present study can provide some scientific references for land-use planning.

Water Supply System Description and Risk Assessment in Brikama Water Treatment Plant System, West Coast Region, Gambia: WHO Water Safety Plan Based Approach

Background: Better water quality, improved sanitation and sound water resource management will improve public health and economic development in low-income countries. Water safety plan-based risk assessment and risk management from catchment to consumers are the modern and efficient approaches to safe drinking water supply established by World Health Organization. Thus, this paper aimed to assess risk from catchment level to consumers in the community of Brikama.
 Methods: This study report assessments of risk or hazards from catchment to consumers in Brikama Water Treatment Plant (BWTP), West Coast Region, The Gambia. The various means of data collection used include water quality monitoring, visual field inspection and questionnaire survey to explore data on where the water supply system goes wrong from catchment to consumers, so as to provide an improvement plan.
 Results: Overall, the day-to-day administration of services at BWTP was very impressive. The fencing of all the 17 boreholes at catchment sites has drastically reduced the risk of contamination including treatment systems and distribution lines. There are less risks observed and constant monitoring of the system was ensured. However, at the consumer end, there are some risks with poor practices associated with water handling, storage and hygiene measures at the household level. Some still use some unclean 20-liter containers to store water and indiscriminately kept drinking cups on the floor and unclean surfaces, and 50% lacked WASH knowledge related to water treatment, such as boiling and filtration at households. The overall perception of water storage, sanitation and hygiene practices could be rated moderately good.
 Conclusion: The overall findings of this study have shown tremendous achievement in the government's commitment to providing potable water to the people in Brikama Local Government Area. WASH education in the study area is recommended to avoid waterborne disease infections.

Analysis of stakeholder perceptions and practices related to climate change adaptation in Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso, like other Sahelian countries, has experienced a profound change in its climatic regime,with the new context characterised by high rainfall variability with an overall downward trend and ashortening of the seasons. The future rainfall pattern anticipates a decrease in the frequency of lowrainfall (0.1 to 5 mm per day), a lengthening of the average duration of dry sequences, and an early endand late start of rainy seasons. The objective of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of stakeholder perceptions about agricultural water (AgWater) resources sustainability, practices in the context of climate variability and change in Burkina Faso. Interviews were held with institutional actors involved in water resources decision making and initiatives (Government, Research, Non-Governmental Organisations) in the country. In addition, based on four main criteria (climate condition, type of farm and crop, type of AgWater sources, reliability of AgWater), three agricultural sites were investigated using household surveys. The results showed that organisations and farmers in Burkina Faso were aware of climate impacts and had initiated and implemented for many years, diverse options and water control mechanisms for AgWater adaptation. However, there were still gaps in strategies for adapting the water sector to climate threats. Institutional bodies had not got yet attained capacity to sustainably anticipate the effects of climate change on AgWater. There was a lack of mainstreaming hydroclimate services at farm levels, especially for the dry season crops; lack of on-farm flood control mechanisms, absence of a clear gender approach and no standardised monitoring system, Farmers also lacked anticipatory resilience strategies, particularly those who used water sources that were considered as “reliable” then. In general, most of the climate adaptation initiatives implemented lacked synergies, sustainability, and were uncertain about sound water resource management such as moving towards “no regret” and “win-win” options.
 

Water Resources Management Policy in Algeria: Strategies and Means

In Algeria, the issue of water management is of great importance and represent a major contest in the context of a chronic shortage of rainfall from global warming. The catastrophic situation of water resources in Algeria during the years 2000 and 2001 was mainly due to drought that has prompted the government to give priority to this vital field. After a diagnosis of the situation of water resources, Algeria has adopted effective institutional, legal and technical arrangements for the sound management of water resources in order to overcome the inconsistencies that have profoundly influenced during antecedent decades. However, the expected results are not yet satisfactory and the state water resources remains negative. In this context, it is necessary to adopt new practices and efficient ways of management "sustainable" our water heritage in the context of a policy of good governance of water resources must go through a dialogue between the different actors and integrated management of all economic and all planning activities.

Preface

WelcomeWater is the source of all lives on the Earth and is a resource that is indispensable for our social and economic activities. Without sound water resources management, human activities can upset the delicate balance between water resources and environmental sustainability. Inland water is one of the important resources of water that should be managed.Inland water in tropical regions is the home for myriad aquatic organisms that interact with each other and also with abiotic components available. Not only are such organisms dependent on this ecosystem but also humans are. Even though inland water contributes inconsiderable portion out of the total water globally, however, it is irrefutable that this ecosystem caters to extensive ranges of goods and services. Numerous goods and services are, then, attributed upon which include water supply for aquaculture, irrigation, household uses, hydroelectric power generation; supply for goods such as fish and clams; and others for instance: transportation, recreational or spiritual purpose, and wildlife habitats. Despite all goods and services that the inland water ecosystem has conferred to us, we often take for granted.List of From Organizing Committee, Organizing Committee, The Conference message, Activity in Pictures are avaialble in this pdf.

A semi-analytical approach for remote sensing of trophic state in inland waters: Bio-optical mechanism and application

The trophic state index (TSI) is a vital parameter for aquatic ecosystem assessment. Thus, information on the spatial and temporal distribution of TSI is critical for supporting scientifically sound water resource management decisions. We proposed a semi-analytical approach to remotely estimate TSI based on Landsat 8 OLI data for inland waters. The approach has two major steps: deriving the total absorption coefficient of optically active constituents (OACs) and building the relationship between the total absorption coefficient and TSI. First, version 6.0 of the Quasi-Analytical Algorithm (QAA_V6, developed by Zhongping Lee) was implemented with Landsat 8 OLI data to derive the total absorption coefficients of the OACs. Second, we modeled TSI using the total absorption coefficients of OACs at 440 nm based on a large in situ measurement dataset. The total absorption coefficient of OACs at 440 nm gave satisfactory validation results for modeling TSI with a mean absolute percent error of 6% and a root-mean-square error of 5.77. Then, we performed this approach in three inland waters with various eutrophic statuses to validate its results, and the approach demonstrated a robust and satisfactory performance. Finally, an application of the approach was demonstrated in Lake Qiandaohu. Our semi-analytical approach has a sound optical mechanism and extensive application for different trophic inland waters.

Optimal water allocation in Iran: a dynamic bi-level programming model

Abstract Water resource scarcity increases societal instability, poverty, and economic recession. Therefore, sound water resource management is vital to alleviating water crises in the agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors. Southeast Iran, which currently lacks good water resource management, is experiencing a severe water crisis. Taking Zabol and Zahedan as examples, this paper seeks to optimize water allocation between the two cities using a dynamic bi-level programming model; the upper level objective minimizes the deviation between water demand and supply, and the lower level objective maximizes the net economic benefits in each sector. A sensitivity analysis is then conducted on the different sources of available water to provide more information on water allocation over time.

The contribution of human agricultural activities to increasing evapotranspiration is significantly greater than climate change effect over Heihe agricultural region

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a major component linking the water, energy, and carbon cycles. Understanding changes in ET and the relative contribution rates of human activity and of climate change at the basin scale is important for sound water resources management. In this study, changes in ET in the Heihe agricultural region in northwest China during 1984–2014 were examined using remotely-sensed ET data with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Correlation analysis identified the dominant factors that influence change in ET per unit area and those that influence change in total ET. Factor analysis identified the relative contribution rates of the dominant factors in each case. The results show that human activity, which includes factors for agronomy and irrigation, and climate change, including factors for precipitation and relative humidity, both contribute to increases in ET per unit area at rates of 60.93% and 28.01%, respectively. Human activity, including the same factors, and climate change, including factors for relative humidity and wind speed, contribute to increases in total ET at rates of 53.86% and 35.68%, respectively. Overall, in the Heihe agricultural region, the contribution of human agricultural activities to increased ET was significantly greater than that of climate change.

Water Quality and Toxicological Impact Assessment Using the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans Bioassay in a Long-Term Intensive Agricultural Area

Due to intensive agricultural activities to meet the growing needs for food, large volumes of water are consumed and an increasing amount of agrochemicals are released into the environment threatening the aquatic ecosystem. In order to ensure a sustainable agricultural management, it is crucial to develop an integrated water assessment plan that includes not only water quantity and quality but also toxicological assessments. The Pergamino River basin (province of Buenos Aires, Argentina) was selected as a representative case of study to monitor and assess the impact of both the long-term intensification of soybean production and fast-growing urban development on surface and groundwater sources. Physicochemical analyses and a Water Quality Index were determined and showed that water quality falls into the marginal category, compromising the irrigation purposes and threatening aquatic life. Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid were detected at least once in all sites. Caenorhabditis elegans toxic bioassays were performed and a toxicological ranking was developed. This analysis proved to be useful to detect toxicity even when water parameters met regulatory requirements and water quality seemed to be satisfactory. This research constitutes a valuable model to be replicated in other river basins that have been impacted by intensive agriculture and growing urban development in order to assess water quality conditions and ensure sound water resources management.

Improving real-time forecasting of water quality indicators with combination of process-based models and data assimilation technique

Water quality indicators can be used to characterize the status and quantify and qualify the change of aquatic ecosystems under different disturbance regimes. Although many studies have been done to develop and assess indicators and discuss interactions among them, few studies have focused on how to improve the predicted indicators and explore their variations in receiving water bodies. Accurate and effective predictions of ecological indictors are critical to better understand changes of water quality in aquatic ecosystems, especially for the real-time forecasting. Process-based water quality models can predict the spatiotemporal variations of the water quality indicators and provide useful information for policy-makers on sound management of water resources. Given their inherent constraints, however, such process models alone cannot actually guarantee perfect results since water quality models generally have a large number of parameters and involve many processes which are too complex to be efficiently calibrated. To overcome these limitations and explore a fast and efficient forecasting method for the change of water quality indictors, we proposed a new framework which combines the process-based models and data assimilation technique. Unlike most traditional approaches in which only the model parameters or initial conditions are updated or corrected and the models are run online, this framework allows the information extracted from observations and outputs of process models to be directly used in a data-driven local/modified local model. The results from the data-driven model are then assimilated into the original process model to further improve its forecasting ability. This approach can be efficiently run offline to directly correct and update the output of water quality models. We applied this framework in a real case study in Singapore. Two of the water quality indicators, namely salinity and oxygen were selected and tested against the observations, suggesting that a good performance of improving the model results and reducing computation time can be obtained. This approach is simple and efficient, especially suitable for real-time forecasting systems. Thus, it can enhance forecasting of water quality indictors and thereby facilitate the effective management of water resources.

Quantitative modeling of the Water Footprint and Energy Content of Crop and Animal Products Consumption in Tanzania

A comprehensive understanding of the link between water footprint and energy content of crop and animal products is vitally important for the sound management of water resources. In this study, we developed a mathematical relationship between water content, and energy content of many crops and animal products by using an improved LCA approach (water footprint). The standard values of the water and energy contents of crops and animal products were obtained from the databases of Agricultural Research Service, UNESCO Institute for water education and Food, and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The water footprint approach was applied to analyze the relationship between water requirement and energy of content of crop and animal products, in which the uncertainty and sensitivity was evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation technique that is contained in the Oracle Crystal Ball Fusion Edition v11.1.1.3.00. The results revealed significant water saving due to changes in food consumption pattern i.e. from consumption of more meat to vegetables. The production of 1kcal of crop and animal products requires about 98% of green, 4.8% blue water and 0.4% of gray water. In which changes in consumption pattern gave annual blue water saving of about 1605 Mm3 that is equivalent to 41.30m3/capita, extremely greater than the standard drinking water requirement for the whole population. Moreover, the projected results indicated, triple increase of dietary water requirement from 30.9 Mm3 in 2005 to 108 Mm3 by 2050. It was also inferred that, Tanzania has a positive virtual water balance of crop and animal products consumption with net virtual water import of 9.1 Mm3 that is the contribution margin to the water scarcity alleviation strategy. Therefore, developed relationship of water footprint and energy content of crops and animal products can be used by water resource experts for sustainable freshwater and food supply.

Groundwater knowledge management for southern Ontario: An example from the Oak Ridges Moraine

The interest surrounding groundwater protection in Southern Ontario has grown considerably since the Walkerton tragedy of May 2000. Since that time, a number of technical studies have been undertaken by the Province to support the preparation of Source Water Protection plans. Underlying all sound water resource management initiatives in Ontario is the need for a renewed focus on the fundamentals, specifically in this case a focus on groundwater knowledge and its management. Using the Oak Ridges Moraine Hydrogeology Program as a unique example of a groundwater “knowledge management” system, this paper presents some unexplored opportunities that merit further consideration in the application of a “knowledge management” philosophy within Ontario’s overall water management framework. Within the Program’s study area, the linkage and integration of the Water Well Information System with other borehole datasets and consulting reports, as well as with water use (e.g. municipal pumping) and water quality databases, has created perhaps the most comprehensive, actively managed groundwater “knowledge management” system in Canada. Ongoing Source Water Protection and other work undertaken through consultants, including data and geological/hydrogeological interpretations, is being re-incorporated, where sound and appropriate, into the program’s existing groundwater knowledge infrastructure. The program’s groundwater “knowledge management” system has been developed with a long-term (i.e. multi-decade) water management time frame in mind and is made accessible to geoscientists undertaking work in the area.

Environmentally Sound Water Resources Management in Catchment Level using DPSIR Model and Scenario Analysis

Maharlou-Bakhtegan Catchment in the southern part of Iran is faced with water scarcity. This problem is exacerbated by environmental degradation, climate change effects, mismanagement of water resources, along with a major dependence of water demand supplies on the limited groundwater resources. In this study, a combined approach of DPSIR model along with the scenario analysis was employed to derive the optimal management strategies for the environmentally sound water resources management of Maharlou-Bakhtegan Catchment considering the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources. Cause-effect relationships were identified by DPSIR framework and 15 scenarios were developed based on them. For evaluating each scenario, 9 integrated water resources management indicators were introduced and evaluated by MODSIM.The results demonstrated that in scenario Scen-14, restriction for the irrigation area development, as well as other management solutions, which led to 100% supply of domestic and industrial water demands and 91% supply of agricultural water demands. Also in the last scenario the value 1.79 kg/ m 3 was received by the Agricultural water productivity indicators. Moreover, by satisfying all IWRM indicators as well as enhancing zero for negative water balance of the aquifers in Scen-14, it is clearly indicated that this scenario revealed more efficient management solutions for the environmentally sound water resources management of the catchment.

Monitoring of Nitrates and Phosphates in Wastewater: Current Technologies and Further Challenges

Consumers expect water supply companies to deliver safe drinking water that meets both health quality standards and aesthetic requirements such as colour, turbidity, taste and odour. Current water quality assessment methods of these parameters, which form the basis for sound water resources management, are mainly laboratory based, require fresh supply of chemicals, trained staff and are time consuming. Real-time water quality monitoring is essential for National and International Health and Safety, as it can significantly reduce the level of damage and also the cost to remedy the problem. This paper critically analyses both commercially available and state-of-the-art research methods and devices suitable for real-time wastewater quality monitoring and suggests further developments in this area. In particular, the focus is made on the monitoring of nitrates and phosphates in wastewater and a novel microwave based method for instantaneous water quality assessment is suggested.

Application of Airborne Electromagnetics to Effective Hydrogeological Modelling of Delicate Coastal Areas

VIEZZOLI, A., TOSI, L and TEATINI, P., 2011. Application of Airborne Electromagnetics to Effective Hydrogeological Modelling of Delicate Coastal Areas. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3–2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 340–343. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749–0208.Understanding the hydrogeological processes is critical for a sound management of water resources in coastal areas. Here lie the majority of human settlements and industrial production. Moreover, human pressure on the environment is constantly increasing, and many studies predict a rising of seawater level in the next 50 years, raging from a few cm up to some tens of cm, depending on location. These are common characteristics of most coastal areas, wetlands, lagoons, and estuaries which also have unique flora and fauna depending on the groundwater-surface water processes. The application of airborne electromagnetics (AEM) for groundwater monitoring and modeling has been steadily rising in the past decade, due to parallel developments of better AEM systems together with processing and inversion methologies. It can greatly improve the data quality and coverage in tidal and coastal areas, together with lagoons, esturaries, and river deltas while cutting significantly the acquisition costs and providing vital informations on issues like saline water intrusion etc. In this paper we present results and applications of AEM to hydrogeological modelling of the Venice lagoon, where the methodology greatly improved the understanding of the general hydrogeology, both within, below and in the proximity of the lagoon.

Review of the Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework for Water Management in Uganda

The water sector is one of the priority sectors in Uganda, as it directly impacts on the quality of life of the people and overall productivity of the population. Uganda is relatively well endowed with water resources with Lake Victoria as the largest fresh water resource in Africa and the second largest in the world. The objective of the water resources management is to attain an integrated sound water resources management practices for sustained linkages in the ecological framework as well as economic and health benefits. The main goal of the water sector in Uganda is to manage and develop the water resources of Uganda in an integrated and sustainable manner so as to secure and provide water of adequate quantity and quality for all social and economic needs for the present and future generations with the full participation of all stakeholders. This paper makes a review of the policy, legal and institutional framework for water management and examines the challenges to water resources management in Uganda and makes recommendations to address some of the challenges for water resources management in Uganda.