Water Conservation Programs Research Articles

Trend and Change-Point Analysis of Streamflow and Sediment Discharge of the Gongshui River in China during the Last 60 Years

The Gongshui River basin exhibits one of the most serious soil erosion areas in southern China, and has always been the key control area of national soil and water conservation programs. This study used daily precipitation, streamflow, and sediment concentration data collected from 1957 to 2015 from the main hydrological stations of the Gongshui River to investigate streamflow and sediment discharge variations and their responses to precipitation and human activities. The Mann-Kendall and Pettitt’s test were used for trend and change-point detection. The double mass curve (DMC) method was employed to quantify the effects of precipitation change and human activities on hydrological regime shifts. The results showed insignificant trends of both annual precipitation and streamflow for all stations, while the sediment discharge of most stations exhibited significant decreasing trends. Change-point analyses revealed that all hydrologic stations except Mazhou had transition years. The estimation via DMC indicated that after the change point years, there was a rapid reduction in sediment discharge at Hanlinqiao, Fengkeng, Julongtan, Xiashan, and Chawu stations, but not at Mazhou, Ruijin, and Yangxinjian stations. Human activity provided a significantly greater contribution to sediment discharge than precipitation. The evidence clearly indicates that the degree and extension of conservation or destruction measures and the construction of large- and medium-sized reservoirs were the major factors significantly decreasing or increasing annual sediment discharge of the Gongshui River. This work could serve as the basis for decision making regarding river basin water resources management to estimate the effects of anthropogenic impacts on water and sediment discharge variations during the last few decades, thereby guiding adaptation and protection of the water resources of the Gongshui River flowing into the Poyang Lake.

Informing water-saving communication in the United States using the situational theory of problem solving

Environmental communication professionals have been conducting water conservation programs across the nation, recognizing the need to conserve water as one of the top issues facing the United States (U.S.). Research has shown the number of people that will be exposed to water scarcity will steadily increase. This research uses the Situational Theory of Problem Solving in an attempt to further understand why and how landscape irrigators (residents that control their home landscape irrigation systems) across the U.S. recognize water as an issue and choose to communicate about water conservation. The findings revealed landscape irrigators recognize water use as an issue but exhibit a low level of communicative action when addressing the issue. In addition, as their perceived level of involvement increases, they are less likely to communicate about water conservation, revealing a sense of cognitive dissonance and discomfort with their behavior to the point they would rather not discuss the problem. Recommendations include encouraging environmental communication professionals to communicate at the community level to discuss community conservation effects, utilize existing clientele to develop a sense of involvement among their circles of influence and encourage the use of social media techniques when communicating to further their reach.

Evaluation of impacts of future climate change and water use scenarios on regional hydrology

Abstract. General circulation models (GCMs) have been widely used to simulate current and future climate at the global scale. However, the development of frameworks to apply GCMs to assess potential climate change impacts on regional hydrologic systems, ability to meet future water demand, and compliance with water resource regulations is more recent. In this study eight GCMs were bias-corrected and downscaled using the bias correction and stochastic analog (BCSA) downscaling method and then used, together with three ET0 methods and eight different water use scenarios, to drive an integrated hydrologic model previously developed for the Tampa Bay region in western central Florida. Variance-based sensitivity analysis showed that changes in projected streamflow were very sensitive to GCM selection, but relatively insensitive to ET0 method or water use scenario. Changes in projections of groundwater level were sensitive to both GCM and water use scenario, but relatively insensitive to ET0 method. Five of eight GCMs projected a decrease in streamflow and groundwater availability in the future regardless of water use scenario or ET method. For the business as usual water use scenario all eight GCMs indicated that, even with active water conservation programs, increases in public water demand projected for 2045 could not be met from ground and surface water supplies while achieving current groundwater level and surface water flow regulations. With adoption of 40 % wastewater reuse for public supply and active conservation four of the eight GCMs indicate that 2045 public water demand could be met while achieving current environmental regulations; however, drier climates would require a switch from groundwater to surface water use. These results indicate a high probability of a reduction in future freshwater supply in the Tampa Bay region if environmental regulations intended to protect current aquatic ecosystems do not adapt to the changing climate. Broad interpretation of the results of this study may be limited by the fact that all future water use scenarios assumed that increases in water demand would be the result of intensification of water use on existing agricultural, industrial, and urban lands. Future work should evaluate the impacts of a range of potential land use change scenarios, with associated water use change projections, over a larger number of GCMs.

Examining the variation in local water sustainability practices

As sustainable development is becoming more important to ensure the economic success and social well-being of any government, without regard to its level, the efficient use and protection of natural resources has increased in importance. And local governments are at the forefront of developing sustainability policy in many ways. This study investigates the factors that influence the variation in local sustainability practices in one critical area, water conservation. The variation in adoption of water sustainability programs in municipalities across the U.S. is hypothesized to rely on three key factors: environmental condition, form of government, and fiscal condition. Our findings from an ordered logistic regression model indicate that municipalities with high drought level, high environmental policy priorities, and high community wealth are likely to adopt more water conservation programs.

Using County Typology Informed by Population Size to Understand Key Audience Characteristics for Tailored Landscape Water Conservation Programs

A major priority for UF/IFAS is the promotion of science-based landscape management practices to conserve water resources. This publication outlines specific opportunities that exist for tailoring landscape water conservation programs to Floridians who live in more and less metropolitan areas. People who live in more populated counties in Florida tend to have longer residency tenure, are more likely to live within a community governed by a homeowners’ association, and to hire a landscape professional. This audience demonstrates increased engagement with specific water conservation practices as compared to other conservation strategies. Understanding these differences among audience subgroups can provide insights to guide impactful Extension programs.

Advances in the Economic Analysis of Residential Water Use: An Introduction

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather evidence on the impact of price policies (PP) and non-price policies (NPP) in shaping residential water use in a context of increased water scarcity. Indeed, a large body of the empirical economic literature on residential water demand has been devoted to measuring the impact of PP (water price increases, use of block rate pricing or peak pricing, etc.). The consensus is that the residential water demand is inelastic with respect to water price, but not perfectly. Given the low water price elasticity, pricing schemes may not always be effective tools for modifying household water behaviors. This is puzzling since increasing the water price is still viewed by public authorities as the most direct economic tool for inducing water conservation behaviors. Additional evidence regarding the use of PP in shaping residential water use is then required. More recently, it has been argued that residential consumers may react to NPP, such as water conservation programs, education campaigns, or smart metering. NPP are based on the idea that residential water users can implement strategies that will result in water savings via changing their individual behaviors. Feedback information based on smart water metering is an example of approach used by some water utilities. There are still large gaps in the knowledge on the residential water demand, and in particular on the impact of PP and NPP on residential water use, household water affordability and water service performance. These topics are addressed in this Special Issue “Advances in the Economic Analysis of Residential Water Use”.

Dr. Ari M. Michelsen: Life Dedicated to Advances in Water Resources Development

Dr. Ari M. Michelsen: Life Dedicated to Advances in Water Resources Development

Evaluating the efficacy of an information-based residential outdoor water conservation program

Abstract Information-based policy instruments are some of the most commonly used tools for influencing consumers' water use in the residential sector. However, their ability to change behavior remains an area in need of further research. This study describes the evaluation of an information-based demand management program, rooted in normative comparison, designed to increase the efficiency of households' residential outdoor water use. Results indicate that the program had an impact on water use among households that received persuasive messages regarding their past consumption, compared to estimates of lawn water requirements and the water use of neighbors. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the treatment effect gets stronger over time and varies among message recipients as a function of baseline water use. Unanticipated effects of the administration of the messages show an increase in water use among the lowest consuming households. Top users reduced their water use significantly as a function of the persuasive message. The findings suggest that utilities seeking to augment users' water consumption through persuasion must be cognizant of the way that messages are framed, and who receives them, or potentially face unanticipated side effects, and that message repetition may have some additionality.

Eco-compensation standards for agricultural water conservation: A case study of the paddy land-to-dry land program in China

Compensation programs ensure the efficacy of water conservation programs and sustainability of interregional water cooperation. Here, a water conservation compensation standard model based on the cost and contribution to benefits regarding water quality and quantity was constructed and then applied to the Paddy Land-to-Dry Land Program (PLDLP) in the Beijing-Hebei region of China. We found that the PLDLP reduced the pollution load of total nitrogen and total phosphorous to downstream areas by 27.63% and 88.53% respectively; runoff to downstream areas increased by 4.22%. Without considering the labor costs of family members, the net income of farmers decreased 41.65%, and the compensation standard was calculated at 5165.41 CNY per ha. From the perspective of social comprehensive value, income generated from becoming migrant worker was treated as an opportunity cost for farmers and under this model the net income of farmers decreased 10.99% and compensation standard was calculated at 1362.95 CNY per ha.

Approach to Groundwater Management towards Sustainable Development in India

The management of groundwater resources for sustainable development is a challenging task in India because of its vast geographical extent (3287000 km2), where about 1250 million people live. As a result, the Country is facing scarcity of drinking water quite often. This situation compels to adopt management practices for the development of sustainable groundwater resources. The objective of the paper is to focus on need of adoption of appropriate management strategies for sustainable development of groundwater resources. In view of this the groundwater situation in India as reflected through published literature has been discussed, in which the causes of scarcity, aquifer situation, and groundwater assessment in India have been explained. Based on this study the future approach for groundwater management to achieve the objective of sustainable development has been suggested. This paper provides insight to all the controlling factors affecting groundwater resources in India. Based on this, suggestions for future implementation of water conservation programmes have also been discussed. The present study shows that despite availability of ample groundwater resources the country faces drinking water scarcity quite often. This fact needs further analysis of scarcity situation to provide everlasting solution of problems related to groundwater.

Native grass ground covers provide multiple ecosystem services in Californian vineyards

Abstract Mechanisms responsible for the success or failure of agricultural diversification are often unknown. Most studies of arthropod pest management focus on enhancing natural enemy effectiveness. However, non‐crop plants can also change crop host quality by reducing or adding soil nutrients or water, and therefore improve or hamper pest suppression. Native perennial ground covers may provide food or habitat to natural enemies and, in terms of competition for soil nutrients or water, be more compatible with crop management than exotic annuals. We conducted a 3‐year vineyard study to examine the impacts of native perennial grasses on pests, natural enemies, crop plant condition and soil properties. We included three ground cover treatments: bare soil with a grower standard drip irrigation; native grasses with drip irrigation; and native grasses with drip irrigation as well as an additional flood irrigation to keep the grasses green and growing during the season. Numbers of leafhopper pests Erythroneura spp. decreased in both native grass treatments, where parasitism rates were higher. Vine petiole nitrate levels were lower in grass treatments, indicating competition for soil nitrogen, which is most often considered to be detrimental. Berry weight was higher in the irrigated treatment but did not differ between the bare soil and non‐irrigated grass treatment. Grape °Brix was similar in the bare soil and native grass treatments, suggesting native grasses did not compromise grape quality. In fact, leaf water stress was lower and soil moisture higher not only in the irrigated grass treatment but, at times, in the non‐irrigated grass treatment, compared with the bare soil treatment. Synthesis and applications. Our work shows that native grasses contribute to a reduction in vineyard leafhopper pests by reducing host quality through competition for soil nitrogen and providing food resources and/or habitat for natural enemies. Native grasses also improve soil water content and may be part of a water conservation program for perennial crops in dry climate regions.

The All Towns Reconciliation Strategies a partnership between water resource management and water services

Abstract In 2012, the South African Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) initiated a study: Continuation of the Northern Planning Region's All Towns Reconciliation Strategies: Phase 1. This study reviewed, prioritised and updated the rudimentary All Towns strategies initially developed by DWS in 2011. The purpose of the strategies was to reconcile water requirements with available resources for the 2011–2035 planning horizon by estimating the projected water requirements, determining available water resources (surface and groundwater) and developing a water balance. Recommendations were made to conserve, manage and administer local water sources as well as to augment water supplies from other sources if required. The recommendations provided actions and options for implementation by the relevant Water Services Authorities and the DWS at a local and regional level, providing the opportunity for integrated and coordinated planning. Bulk and reticulation metering, the implementation of water conservation and demand management programmes and recommendations on the updating of water use allocations were prioritised. Detailed studies required to determine the most feasible water resource augmentation options to ensure a positive water balance were identified. The study coordinated efforts by officials and stakeholders representing both the water resources and water services sectors. The prioritised strategies defined the deficit or surplus of the water resources per water source on a technical level, but also highlighted the need for planning and coordination between the water resources and water services sectors. The strategies are not legally mandated documents, but represent some of the best efforts spanning across various sectors to realise coordinated water infrastructure planning in DWS’ Northern Planning Region. The use of the documents in the local, district and national planning environments should be promoted for integrated planning, and it may be fitting to incorporate the All Towns Reconciliation Strategy documents as a valuable resource to inform the water legislation currently being reviewed.

Impacts of integrated soil and water conservation programs on vegetation regeneration and productivity as indicator of ecosystem health in Guna-Tana watershed: evidences from satellite imagery

BackgroundNorthern Ethiopian Highlands, including Guna-Tana watershed, have experienced profound natural resources degradation which are resulted from coupled natural and anthropogenic factors. To mitigate this problem, Ethiopian government has launched various soil and water conservation programs at different watersheds. Overall objective of this study was to analyze impacts of soil and water conservation programs on vegetation regeneration and ecosystem productivity at in Guna-Tana watershed. As prime data source, the study has utilized Moderate Imaging Spectrometer satellite bi-monthly Enhanced Vegetation Index, 8-day land surface temperature and annual Net Primary Productivity products of the past 17 years starting from 2000. Imagery was processed by using various image preprocessing and analytical techniques. Long-term trend was tested by using Sens slope estimator and Mann–Kendall’s monotonic trend test. Analyzed trend was also segregated into slope and agroecology classes. More importantly, to supplement trend analysis, Vegetation Disturbance Index was developed.ResultsResults have showed that despite of long-term soil and water conservation programs, except small patches, vast expanses of the watershed have showed decrease in vegetation regeneration and primary productivity trend. This observed trend has also spatial variability across slope gradient and agroecological classes of the watershed.ConclusionThough there is tendency of increasing vegetation regeneration and productivity, its observed that significant positive change as a result of watershed conservation programs was very little. This indicates that for better regeneration of vegetation and maintenance of ecosystem health in a watershed, intervention programs should be revised and constraints should be assessed. Taking these into consideration, the study calls further implementation strategies which have accounted agroecology and livelihoods production system.

Community Based Educational Model on Water Conservation Program

The previous research showed that there were indicators of water crisis in the northern and eastern part of Denpasar city and most of coastal area experienced on seawater intrusion. The recommended water conservation programs were rainwater harvesting and educate the community to develop a water saving and environmentally conscious culture. This research was conducted to built the community based educational model on water conservation program through ergonomics SHIP approach which placed the human aspect as the first consideration, besides the economic and technically aspects. The stakeholders involved in the program started from the problem analyses to the implementation and the maintenance as well. The model was built through three main steps, included determination of accepted design; building the recharge wells by involving local communities; guidance and assistance in developing a water saving and environmentally conscious culture for early childhood, elementary and junior high school students, community and industry. The program was implemented based on the “TRIHITA KARANA” concept, which means the relationship between human to God, human-to-human, and human to environment. Through the development of the model, it is expected to grow a sense of belonging and awareness from the community to maintain the sustainability of the program.

Prioritization of W. Mujib Catchment (South Jordan) through Morphometric and Discriminant Analysis, GIS, and RS Techniques

GIS and remote sensing were utilized for prioritizing the W. Mujib catchment. Fifty three fourth-order sub-watersheds were prioritized based on morphometric analysis of linear and shape parameters. ASTER DEM (v.2), topographical maps, and Arc GIS (10.1) software, have been employed to delineate the 53 sub-basins, to extract the drainage networks, and to compute the required basic, linear, and shape parameters, and to compile the necessary thematic maps such as elevation and slope categories. The land use/land cover map was generated using ERDAS Imagine (2015), LANDSAT 8 image, and supervised classification (Maximum Likelihood Method). Soil map was digitized using the Arc GIS tool. Each sub-basin is prioritized by assigning ranks based on the calculated compound parameter (Cp). The final score for each sub-basin is ascribed as per erosion threat. The 53 sub-watersheds were grouped into four categories of priority: very high (15 sub-basins, 28.3% of the total), high (17 sub-basins, 32% of the total), moderate (16 sub-basins, 30.2% of the total), and low (5 sub-basins, 9.5% of the total). Sub-basins categorized as very high and high priority (60.3% of the total) are subjected to high erosion risk, thus, creating an urgent need for applying soil and water conservation measures. The validity of the prioritized four groups was tested statistically by means of Discriminant Analysis (DA), and a significant difference was found between the four priority classes. A relatively complete separation exists between the recognized priority classes; thus, they are statistically valid, distinct, and different from each other. The present results intend to help decision makers pay sufficient attention to soil and water conservation programs, and to encourage tree plantation over the government-owned sloping land. Such procedures are essential in order to minimize soil erosion loss, and to increase soil moisture on farms, thus, reducing the impact of recurrent droughts and the possibility of flooding downstream.

Prioritization of Promising Wadi Wala Watershed (Southern Jordan) Using GIS-Based Morphometric Analysis and Multivariate Statistics

GIS-based morphometric analysis was employed for prioritization of the Wadi Wala catchment, southern Jordan. Twenty three fourth-order sub-basins were prioritized based on morphometric analysis, then appropriate soil and water conservation measures were proposed. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Arc GIS were used to delineate watersheds and to extract the drainage networks, and other required thematic maps (elevation and slope). LANDSAT data was used to prepare land use/land cover map, and a soil map was digitized using Arc GIS software. Linear and shape parameters were computed to prioritize 23 sub-watersheds, and ranks were designated based on the calculated compound parameter (Cp). Sub-basins grouped under a high priority class are exposed to high erosion risk; thus, they are of high potential for applying soil and water conservation measures. The current study substantiates the capability of morphometric analysis method, and geospatial technology in watershed prioritization. The Discriminant Analysis (DA) employed validates the priority classes (high, moderate, and low priority) achieved based on morphometric analysis, where they found statistically distinct from each other. Thus, it can be concluded that prioritization based only on morphometric analysis method is consistent, reliable, and of high capacity using GIS platform. Priority map along with soil, land user/cover, and slope information will help decision makers to execute proper soil and water conservation programs in the rainfed highlands of Jordan.

Water conservation and water recycling program implementations at University of Kashan

University of Kashan was founded in 1974 and is the oldest institution of higher education in Kashan. At the time of its foundation, only undergraduate courses in Physics and Mathematics were offered. The current activities of the university are classified into four sections of education, research, development, and side activities. The university is located on a 530 hectares campus, 15 kilometres outside of the town with several affiliated centres located near or at city of Kashan, Ghamsar, Niasar and Tehran. Presently, the university has nearly 300 staff and university lecturers and it has about 8200 students, studying in over 180 courses. Kashan University has awarded and certificated one of the most active universities in the Green Management. Some of the activities of Green Management of Kashan University includes, CCHP Plant, Sewerage Disposal, and Water saving policy, natural ventilation, using efficient applicants. The current paper studies some of the main activities of University of Kashan in Water conservation and water recycling programs.

Sustainable Water Supply Strategy for Bangalore - A Model for Emerging Cities in India

Water supply for the city of Bangalore in India is always short against the total demand. Surface water is inadequate to meet the demand and the city has to depend on groundwater. Due to rapid urbanization, infiltration of rainwater into the subsoil has decreased drastically and recharging of groundwater has diminished. This scenario requires an alternative source to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Rainwater, which is easily available and is the purest form of water, would be an immediate source to augment the existing water supply by “catching water wherever it falls”. Recycling or reuse of treated water is another source for at least secondary purposes. Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST) is actively participating in the socially relevant, environment friendly water conservation measures and has been providing cost effective solutions since its inception 1975. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Cell at KSCST is established to study the needs of the people and provide sustainable and simple solutions through innovation and implementation pertinent to Rainwater Harvesting and Ground water recharge. Since November 2005 RWH Cell has provided technical support for planning rainwater harvesting systems in over 300 institutions (Public and private sector, Multinationals and Educational Institutions) in Karnataka and other states of India. Several thousand visitors have personally visited KSCST and availed the benefit and technical knowledge on RWH, water conservation and ground water recharge. RWH cell established at KSCST is providing policy support to the Government departments for water conservation and rainwater harvesting programmes in Karnataka and other states in India. RWH App is developed with the support of UNESCO by KSCST for web and Mobile users. Blog Rain Man Speaks from Bengaluru is in the web since April 1st 2014 and has published 81 posts. Quiz and Debate programs are organised to build awareness on rainwater harvesting and water conservation measures among students and faculty of schools and colleges. Case Study 1: 'Sourabha' Ecofriendly home of Bangalore in India is on a plot area of 2400 Sq. ft. This house is entirely dependent on harvested rainwater for all its need including drinking since 1994. Case Study 2: The strategy for sustainable water supply plan for a city like Bangalore should have the combination of conventional river water supply augmented by the 'New Water' supply sources - a. Rainwater harvesting, b. Ground water recharge with sustainable withdrawal and c. Reuse of waste water through treatment.

Why should we save water? Education on water conservation for villagers of Tianyar, Bali

This study examined the household water conservation program for villagers of Tianyar, Bali who experienced water scarcity in arid regions. The educational program consists of several activities followed by three focus group discussions to develop community awareness on the methods to save water for household consumption. The results indicate the rising awareness among villagers on the importance of water conservation and methods to save water while maintaining the healthy living standard.

Using Standardized Evaluation Metrics to Demonstrate Collective Statewide Impacts of Diverse Water Conservation Programming

Although the diversity of Florida Cooperative Extension landscape water conservation programs creates evaluation challenges, it is possible to measure their impacts as a whole. We conducted pilot testing of a statewide evaluation strategy and identified behavior changes resulting in an average monthly water savings of 3,257 gal and utility bill savings of $10.78 per participant. Here we explain the approach we used, providing details about underlying research on water conservation practices and technologies, standardized metrics for demonstrating environmental and economic impacts of behavior/technology adoption, and reporting tools. A focus on statewide impacts based on standardized metrics can be extremely valuable to U.S. Extension professionals.