Water Crisis Research Articles

Resiliency in the Jackson Water Crisis: Investigating the roles of social vulnerability and U.S. Federal Subsidiarity Assistance

AbstractThe City of Jackson, Mississippi, has faced numerous problems related to its water supply in the last three decades. The most recent water crisis stemmed from the flooding of two water treatment plants, resulting in contamination and the shutting down of the water supply. The study examines antecedents to the Jackson Water Crisis and how it was addressed. The article investigates the following questions: (1) What is the effect of jurisdictional vulnerability on the resiliency of the Jackson Water Crisis, and (2) What role does the subsidiarity principle play in the resiliency of the Jackson Water Crisis? The study draws from social vulnerability theory to investigate Jackson's changing racial demographics starting in 1970 to understand the crisis. It then draws from the subsidiarity principle that underpins federal assistance to subnational governments to explain how multilevel governments cooperate to address social inequity and create a more resilient community.

Climate change risks to water security: Exploring the interplay between climate change, water theft, and water (in)security

Abstract This article explores the interplay between climate change, water theft, and water (in)security and proposes a three-node nexus conceptual framework for understanding the same. Water is essential for the proper functioning of human and natural systems. However, water scarcity that was limited to specific regions of the world in the past has today become a global crisis. The global water crisis is driven by climate change, water theft, overuse, wastage, pollution, poor governance, and population growth among other factors. This study relied on a close reading of existing scholarly literature to explore the interplay between climate change, water theft, and water (in)security. The study found that existing literature predominantly frames the interplay as a two-node nexus either between climate change and water (in)security or water theft and water (in)security. This article argues that a two-node nexus misses the interaction between climate change and water theft – a critical aspect that is crucial for a nuanced understanding of the interplay. The article proposes a three-node nexus conceptual framework for understanding the interplay. Finally, the article applies the ‘new’ framework to case studies of Kenya and Mexico and discusses insights for future policy and research.

Rational engineering of S-scheme CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions for effective photocatalytic destruction of rhodamine B dye under natural solar radiations

Constructing heterojunction to achieve efficient charge separation and transportation is a significant way to enhance the photocatalytic activity to solve many water crisis. In this novel research, rational sonochemical engineering of S-scheme CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions was carried out by hybridizing CeO2 as oxidative photocatalyst (EVB = +2.37 eV) with g-C3N4 nanosheets as reductive photocatalyst (ECB= −1.2 eV) for removal of rhodamine B dye under natural solar radiations. The morphology, nanostructure, textural properties and optical characteristics of the solid samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction [XRD], N2-adsorption isotherms, diffuse reflectance spectrum [DRS], X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS], photoluminescence [PL], scanning electron microscope [SEM], mapping, selected area electron diffraction [SAED] and high resolution transmission electron microscope [HRTEM] analysis. The co-existence of CeO2 and g-C3N4 diffraction peaks and the depression in the surface area to half its value implied the strong interfacial interaction between the two semiconductors due to the remarkable difference in the point of zero charge of both semiconductors. CeO2 nanoparticles transported the heterojunction absorbability to deep visible region compared with pristine g-C3N4. With sonochemical incorporation of various proportions of CeO2 on g-C3N4 sheets, the photocatalytic performance was enhanced and optimized for the heterojunction containing 15 wt% CeO2 that mitigated 98.9% of RhB dye during three hours under natural solar radiations. RhB dye decomposed over heterojunction surface containing 15 wt% CeO2 with pseudo-first-order rate of 0.0312 min−1 which is 16.4 and 34.7 times higher than that of g-C3N4 and CeO2 nanoparticles, respectively. The exceptional enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions was ascribed to the strong absorbability of natural solar radiations, limiting the electron-hole recombination rate and production of S-scheme heterojunction with auspicious redox power. Scavenger experimental results and PL analysis of terephthalic acid directed the mechanism of the photocatalytic charge transportation to S-scheme route. The results emerged from this research work revealed that novel S-scheme CeO2/g-C3N4 heterojunctions with robust oxidative-reductive efficiency are capable for destructing various organic pollutants exist in wastewater.

Hierarchically aligned channels in the distillation membrane enable efficient solar powered desalination

Solar-powered interfacial evaporation attracts enormous attention to solve the water crisis as a low-energy consumption, high energy conversion efficiency, and environmental-friendliness technology. Balancing water transport, water content and interfacial temperature is critical to promote evaporation performance. However, fabrication methods and investigation of dedicatedly-designed structures and channel sizes for solar-powered interfacial evaporation have been rarely reported. Herein, we propose to employ vertically aligned channels with hierarchy sizes to modulate water evaporation and energy efficiency. This unique structure is fabricated by a three-step procedure including freeze-drying, ion cross-linking, and hydrogen bond reconstruction in sequence, which achieves a membrane with vertically aligned channels ranging from 1 nm to tons of micrometers. Our solar-powered distillation membrane with finely-modulated hierarchical structure exhibits a high pure water generation rate of 2.37 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun illumination. Even when treated with seawater, it can achieve a capacity of 2.34 kg m−2 h−1 (10 wt% seawater) and stabilize a high evaporation rate for at least 50 h, which is superior to most reported solar empowered distillation membranes. Our distillation membrane features a high mechanical strength and low cost, making it an appealing candidate for the actual application in desalination.

Inference of the Paramentes of a Bioreactor via Approximate Bayesian Evidence

In the context of the recent water crisis, the development and improvement of technologies for efficiently treating wastewater becomes increasingly necessary. Aligned with this, the activated sludge process is widely used in biological wastewater treatment plants to remove carbon and nutrients from wastewater. Although significant advancements have been achieved in recent years in modelling these processes to improve their performance and energy efficiency, the models are still complex and difficult to calibrate using data from real plants. In this work, we use Bayesian inference frameworks to estimate the parameters of the activated sludge process. We employ Gaussian processes to estimate the solution to the differential equations of the activated sludge process model and we fit this estimation to manufactured data of the observations of the wastewater. We find that the use of the Bayesian inference framework outperforms the classical approach in scenarios where measurements are more strongly affected by noise.

A review on IoT based precision irrigation planning and scheduling

Global warming and climate change are warnings showcasing water crisis. At the same time ever growing population is ultimatum to the food security. In span of such times, world has to be made a sustainable habitat. It is only possible when each ounce of resources is being measured and used judiciously. Maximum responsibility is on farmers and researchers of the world. In times of advanced technologies, Internet of Things (IoT) has surfaced as a saviour. IoT based systems have been stated as success in monitoring and control mechanisms. Thus, this paper was intended to review the control strategies and monitoring systems based on IoT. The literature incorporates basic information as well as recent trends in the field of irrigation management based on IoT.

Clean Water Supply in Cirebon during Colonial Period (1878-1940)

This paper aims to explain the development of clean water supply in Cirebon during colonial period (1878-1940). The method used is the historical method, which includes four stages: heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The research results show that clean water provision in Cirebon is motivated by European residents’ concerns about the clean water crisis and the spread of epidemic. Efforts to explore clean water were carried out in 1878 and ended in 1940. Cirebon has three sources: Sijambu, Sumber, and Cipaniis. Clean water system changed technology and clean water management in Cirebon. Cirebon residents no longer depend on water carrier or natural water sources but use free hydrants or paid plumbing.

A hot Spring for Mexico in 2024

Hot days observed during February 2024, reaching 30oC in Mexico City, have made its inhabitants forget that it was the winter season, characterized by dry and cool weather. While such extreme events are often associated with climate change, the current state of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system indicates the last months of an El Niño state, after an expectation of this to be within the top 5 El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events (https://cutt.ly/rw1h4T26). The effects of ENSO on the seasonal climate have been widely studied (Philander 1990), and their impacts on Mexico have also been documented (Magana, 2004). Recent seasonal forecasts suggest a progression towards a neutral state for the April-June 2024 season. And further projections indicate a 55% of chance of La Niña developing during the rainy season of 2024. This suggests an end to dry and warm conditions and the possibility of increased rainfall. (Magaña et al. 2003). However, with an ongoing drought over most of the Mexican region, and a water crisis affecting central Mexico, it seems that the seasonal forecasts based on ENSO projections set up the stage for a critical situation for most of the country during the Spring season.

Development of an analytical solution for optimum design of RWH systems—A case study in Guangzhou

AbstractThe implementation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) has emerged as a key strategy to cope with the water crisis in urban areas. However, the required design parameters of the RWH system in different buildings vary widely because of the differences in architectural characteristics. In this paper, the relationships between the building characteristics parameters and the optimal tank (Tc) capacity are investigated by simulating the RWH system for more than 120 buildings at different locations in Guangzhou. Explicit expressions relating the optimal storage volume of RWH systems to building characteristics are derived based on nonlinear regression analysis. A set of bivariate exponential equations for estimating the optimal tank size under different building conditions was obtained. The model has a MER of less than 10% for buildings with a C/D ratio between 17.5 and 85. In Guangzhou, the unit cost of an RWH system can be reduced to CNY 2.62/m2 with optimally designed tanks.

Education of Water Crisis Preparedness to Communities in Urban Slum Areas

The availability of clean water is a significant factor in ensuring human survival. When there is insufficient water to supply a population adequately, we say there is a water shortage. The water issue is impacting several metropolitan regions worldwide, including Indonesia. In Padang, 22 sub-districts are included in the list of slum sub-districts, including Pasar Ambacang. The current condition requires more community preparedness to face the water crisis. People must be adequately prepared for water crises or be taught how to use available water supplies efficiently. Increasing knowledge about community preparedness in facing the water crisis is essential because increasing public knowledge will increase community preparedness in facing the water crisis. The effort was carried out by distributing leaflets and giving lectures door to door. This exercise increased the percentage of the community prepared to deal with the water situation before and after receiving instruction. It can lessen the number of potential dangers and casualties during a disaster. If the community is prepared, it will be easier to carry out rescue actions when a disaster occurs.

Decolonizing Indigenous Drinking Water Challenges and Implications: Focusing on Indigenous Water Governance and Sovereignty

Indigenous Peoples in Canada have shown great strength and resilience in maintaining their cultures and ways of life to date in the face of settler colonialism. Centering the Water crises within Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, we explore the impacts these crises have on community members. Particularly, the continuous failure of the Canadian government to end the Water crises in remote Indigenous communities, Star Blanket Cree Nation, is investigated in this paper. What implications have these Water governance gaps had on Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty and self-determination? We adopted an Indigenist theoretical framework to guide the study. Additionally, a community-based participatory research approach was adopted. To achieve our research goals of investigating the implications of the current Water crises for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, specific methods of sharing circles were used to gather knowledge from community members, Elders, and knowledge keepers. The research findings strongly highlight the strength and resilience shown by remote Indigenous communities in the face of the current Water crises and continuous government failure. Solving the current Water crises will involve remote Indigenous communities taking charge of their own Water governance through Indigenous-led Water governance systems. Additionally, taking steps to rebuild trust through genuine reconciliation will be key. Therefore, listening to remote Indigenous communities and taking collaborative action are fundamental.

Water trading markets: Facilitating financial flows through the hydro-social cycle?

The world is facing a global water crisis, a crisis that is increasingly framed as a crisis of water governance. As water activists have successfully problematised neoliberal water governance, the question about what is going to come next remains. While current governance proposals appear somewhat similar to what came before, one key shift is the increasing articulation of water governance to circuits of global finance, seen through a growth in financial investors in the water sector but also the way that water and water services and infrastructures are being rendered legible for inclusion into financial markets – the first water futures market being one example. This article explores the water futures market in dialogue with three long-standing water trading markets (Australia, USA and Chile) in order to untangle the processes involved in, and barriers to, the financialization of water resources. The argument put forward is that although material barriers to the expansion of a water futures market exist, this does not mean that water resources remain immune to these processes. Instead, logics of crisis, risk management, and questions of financing appear to characterise this shifting terrain of global water governance across the hydro-social cycle. Moreover, when explored as a hydro-social cycle the financialization of these nodes are not singular “one-offs” but may instead feed into, facilitate, or conversely hinder further financialization across the hydro-social cycle.

Tree transpiration-inspired cellulose aerogel with engineered cold-evaporated surface for promoting structural stability and minimizing energy loss

Solar-driven evaporation technology could significantly relieve the fresh-water crisis in the world. However, several problems, such as poor structural stability, low photothermal conversion capacity, and single heat source of traditional evaporators limited the promotion of fresh-water production efficiency. Herein, inspired by tree transpiration, we report a hydrophilic three-dimensional (3D) cellulose-based evaporator similar to the root of a tree, which can pump the bottom water to the evaporation surface for vapor generation. The aldehyde-based cellulose nanocrystals/ethylene imine polymer (ACP) aerogel was developed through Schiff base reaction to enhance the chain entangle capacity of the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) aerogel in water. Coating the ACP aerogel with lignin-derived photothermal material created the double-layered solar-driven evaporator (ACP-7LM), achieving a remarkable surface temperature of 35.9 °C in water under 1 sun irradiation for 1 h. The ACP-7LM exhibited an impressive evaporation rate of 1.60 kg m−2 h−1, leveraging its structural stability and excellent photothermal conversion. Increasing the cold evaporation surface (adjusting exposure height from 0 cm to 4 cm) of ACP-7LM aerogel maintained a lower temperature compared to ambient temperature on the side surface during evaporation, which harvest heat energy from environment and minimize energy loss. This enhanced environmental heat absorption boosted the ACP-7LM's evaporation rate to 3.76 kg m−2 h−1, a 2.35-fold increase over the ACP-7LM (0 cm). This solar-driven evaporator offers an efficient, innovative approach to elevate evaporation rates and address the global water crisis by simultaneously enhancing heat absorption capacity and photothermal conversion efficiency.

Spatio-temporal analysis of water sustainability of cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt based on the perspectives of quantity-quality-benefit

An integrated water sustainability assessment is conducive to realizing the optimal allocation and efficient water utilization, and alleviating the water crisis. Existing research mainly appraises water quantity and water quality as unidimensional or in combination, without considering the water benefit, and few studies have assessed the regional water sustainability based on an integrated evaluation multidimensionally. Therefore, this paper innovatively introduces water benefit to construct a three-dimensional quantity-quality-benefit model (QQBM) to evaluate water sustainability in line with the water footprint (WF) theory and water resources balance sheet (WRBS). The impact of the coupled coordination relationship among water quantity, water quality, and water benefit on the water sustainability evaluation is further analyzed by introducing the coupled coordination degree model (CCDM). This paper takes the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as an example and makes a spatio-temporal analysis of the water sustainability in its 11 provincial capitals during 2010-2021 from a single dimension and a three-dimensional perspective, respectively. The results found that: (1) From a single dimension, the water sustainability in the 11 provincial capitals in the YREB during 2010-2021 is at a medium level, with better water benefit sustainability, moderate water quantity sustainability, and horrendous water quality sustainability. Among them, the water sustainability is the best in Guiyang and Hangzhou, while the worst in Shanghai. (2) From a three-dimensional perspective, the water sustainability in the 11 provincial capitals from 2010 to 2021 is horrific. Among them, the water sustainability is the best in Kunming, Changsha, Nanjing and Shanghai, while the worst in Wuhan and Hefei. (3) The degree of coupling coordination between water quantity, water quality and water benefit significantly influence the water sustainability in the 11 provincial capitals of the YREB. The three-dimensional assessment model QQBM constructed in this study is more comprehensive and objective than the single perspective assessment. The findings in this paper can help other regions to conduct similar water sustainability assessments and inform policy recommendations.

A GIS-based approach to determine the priority area for rainwater harvest in Kupang

Kupang, a pivotal economic and administrative hub in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia, faces recurring droughts resulting in crop failures, food insecurity, and health problems. Addressing this water crisis entails rainwater harvesting as a potential solution. This study establishes a comprehensive framework for prioritizing rainwater harvesting areas in Kupang. Using the weighted overlay method and open-source GIS software, our approach involves three stages: identifying drought and flood priority zones, defining suitability indicators, and quantifying the potential of rainwater harvesting systems. By leveraging climatological, geological, and hydrological information, we determine priority areas for drought and flood management. Our analysis of rainwater harvesting suitability integrates climatological information, land use and land cover mapping, runoff potential assessment, and water use index. Quantification of rainwater harvesting system requirements hinges on rooftop area and population data. The entire wards in Kupang are classified as high priorities for drought mitigation. Therefore, rainwater harvesting is a viable strategy for all wards. The most prioritized and in-demand wards, Oesapa, Sikumana, Lasiana, and Liliba, have the potential to install a minimum of 12,000 rainwater harvesting systems, each with a 1500-liter volume barrel.

Safe water crisis and struggle of climate-vulnerable indigenous communities in southwestern coastal Bangladesh

Abstract This study was designed to unearth the beliefs, practices, and management of safe drinking water of Munda and Rajbangshi indigenous communities. To apprehend the safe drinking water-related behaviour and practice, the qualitative approach was followed where 20 in-depth interviews were carried out among the Munda and Rajbangshi communities in Shyamnagar and Kaliganj Upazila (sub-district) of Satkhira district, Bangladesh. Findings indicate that the intrusion of saline water due to climate-induced changes led to a scarcity of potable water for both communities in the last few decades. Despite the existence of centuries-old traditional practices of water purification, the indigenous communities, particularly women, were compelled to collect safe drinking water from, in general, distant sources as the other sources of water were contaminated with saline water. Despite their collective efforts, managing safe water sometimes, particularly in the rainy season, becomes impossible for these marginalized people as it costs a considerable amount of household income. To ensure their access to safe drinking water and to explore the underlying factors, whether social, economic, cultural or environmental, initiatives from both government and non-government organizations are required for a sustainable life for these unheard plain land indigenous communities in Bangladesh.

WATER CRISIS ESCALATION: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND URGENT IMPERATIVES-REVIEW

The world is facing an escalating water crisis, posing significant challenges and urgent imperatives for global sustainability. This review delves into the multifaceted dimensions of this crisis, examining its origins, current status, and potential future trajectories. We analyze the complex interplay of factors driving water scarcity, including population growth, climate change, urbanization, pollution, and unsustainable resource management practices. Moreover, we explore the profound socio-economic and environmental impacts of water scarcity on human health, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems, highlighting its disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities. By synthesizing insights from interdisciplinary research, policy documents, and expert perspectives, we identify key strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the water crisis. These include enhancing water governance frameworks, investing in water infrastructure and technology, promoting water conservation and efficiency measures, and fostering international cooperation and partnerships. Furthermore, we underscore the need for innovative approaches, such as nature-based solutions and integrated water resources management, to build resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertain climatic and demographic trends. Urgent action is required at local, national, and global levels to mitigate the impacts of the water crisis, safeguard water security, and ensure equitable access to this vital resource for current and future generations. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of knowledge and insights to inform policy formulation, planning, and decision-making processes aimed at addressing the critical challenges posed by the escalating water crisis on a global scale.

Evaluate and design public policies to address water supply and quality issues in the water crisis in Monterrey and its metropolitan areas

The present article focuses on the evaluation and design of public policies aimed at addressing the issues of water availability and quality in the water crisis affecting Monterrey and its metropolitan area. As water demand has increased due to population growth and urban development, a situation of water scarcity has emerged, posing a threat to water security and the well-being of the region. The implementation of effective public policies on water is crucial to confront this crisis. Through rigorous evaluation of water availability and quality, it becomes possible to identify problem areas and sources of contamination, enabling concrete measures to be taken for mitigation and control. Additionally, appropriate design of public policies promotes water conservation, encourages sustainable water management practices, and establishes governance mechanisms to ensure their implementation. The successful implementation of these public policies entails a range of benefits and utilities. Firstly, it ensures the provision of potable water to the population, meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life. Moreover, it promotes the conservation of water resources, preventing their overexploitation and ensuring long-term availability. Furthermore, it prevents water pollution, preserving its quality and safeguarding the health of the inhabitants. Encouraging results have been observed as a result of the implementation of effective public policies. There has been a decrease in water scarcity and an improvement in the quality of water available for human consumption and industrial use. Additionally, citizen participation and community engagement in water management have been promoted, strengthening the region's resilience to future water challenges.

Enhancing Low-Flow Forecasts: A Multi-Model Approach for Rainfall–Runoff Models

The expected change in rainfall patterns and the increase in evapotranspiration due to climate change leads to earlier droughts, which aggravate water shortages. To ensure the sustainable management of water resources in these conditions, it is necessary to forecast their evolution. The use of hydrological models is essential for monitoring the water crisis. The conceptual hydrological models used in this study are MEDOR, GR4J, and HBV. They are applied in the Nahr Ibrahim watershed, which is a typical Lebanese Mediterranean basin. While these models simplify complex natural systems, concerns persist about their reliability in addressing drought challenges. In order to reduce the uncertainties, this study develops new robust methods that can improve model simulations. First, a particular series concerning low flows is constructed with the use of hydrological low-flow indices. The multi-model approach is utilized to reach a more accurate unique series while combining the low-flow series generated from the models. This combination is accomplished by using the simple average method, weighted average, artificial neural networks, and genetic algorithms. Better results are generated with the use of these methods. Accordingly, this study led to an improvement in model performances while increasing the reliability of low-flow forecasts.

Climate Change: Effect of Climate change on Water Resources and Adaptation

Introduction: Climate change has an impact on all sectors of water resources. As a real example, there are many droughts in Indonesia. Changes in the water cycle have caused two extreme conditions, namely an increase in drought conditions which will reduce the natural availability of groundwater. Rainwater Harvesting can be an alternative for adaptation to the current water crisis. The water obtained from rainwater harvesting can be used for many things such as watering plants, washing, bathing, and can even be used for cooking if the quality of the water meets health standards. Methods: The author uses the literature review method. The author searches for literature that is in accordance with the topic of the paper, then makes an analysis, then writes a review of the literature. Findings: . In addition to droughts and erratic rains, climate change is making it harder and harder to find clean water. However, the Indonesian water issue can be solved by using rainwater harvesting. This method is appropriate for harvesting since it takes into account Indonesia's comparatively heavy rainfall. Conclusion: This study concludes that the community can employ rainwater gathering as a water-saving technique to supply clean water needs. Rainwater harvesting will be able to support the survival of both the current and future generations by helping to maintain environmental and water sustainability