Water Resources Management Problems Research Articles

WATER RESOURCES AND SOCIAL CHOICES1

ABSTRACT The problem of water resources management can be viewed as one requiring the existence and application of some type of “collective decision” mechanism. Currently, the general water resource decision problem is solved using an “individual decision” format without explicit consideration of the dominant social decision system. This paper demonstrates the need for blending technical planning activities with organized societal processes and then proposes a specific public decision framework to satisfy this requirement. The key element in this planning framework is a generalized “bargaining arena” which serves to link technical activities with the social system. Using this bargaining device we can (1) specify policy at a local level, (2) incorporate “social decision” rules into the planning process, and (3) provide local access to the decision process. A simple case of regional water quality management is used to describe the application of this planning procedure and to offer encouragement for successful use in more complex real‐world cases.

Dan Region, Israel, Sewage-Reclamation Recharge Project: ABSTRACT

The Dan Metropolitan Region, Israel, consists of about 1 million inhabitants, about 50% of whom live in the city of Tel Aviv and the rest in surrounding communities. The industrial, economic, and commercial growth of this region has been rapid in recent years and the effluent End_Page 1593------------------------------ forecast in 1980 is estimated at more than 100,000 cu m (80,000 acre-ft) per year, and 175,000 cu m (140,000 acre-ft) in the year 2000. The sewage-reclamation recharge project was conceived to solve both environmental hazards and water-resources management problems and consists of 2 phases, sewage reclamation and recharge of the reclaimed sewage. The project provides for treatment of the sewage in a series of oxidation ponds and pumping to nearby spreading grounds after detention in the terminal pond. Recharge operations will begin in 1973 with the recharge of 7,500 cu m/year; the scope of these operations is to be stepped up gradually to reach 50,000 cu m by 1980. The spreading grounds cover an area of 250 acres and are about 0.7 mi from the oxidation ponds. The area occupied by the spreading grounds consists of sand dunes, overlying, for the most part, calcareous sandstones. These formations constitute the main aquifer of the region. The reclaimed sewage will be spread alternately to allow the grounds to be dried and cultivated between recharge operations in order to remove the surficial crust and increase infiltration. It is estimated that the rate of percolation will be about 6 in./day. An array of 30 production wells--drilled for the specific purpose of exploiting the recharged water--surrounds the spreading grounds at a distance of 0.3 mi from its perimeter. The quality of the recharged water is satisfactory from the content of nitrogen compounds (less than 10 ppm), phosphates (less than 1 ppm), and bacteria and virus. As an additional precaution, the water will be held in the subsurface for a period of 400 days, during which it will undergo natural filtration and mixing with existing groundwater. Furthermore, the recharge operations will allow regulation of supply and demand according to existing conditions. Following its subsurface movement and mixing, the reclaimed water will be pumped and conveyed to the National Water Carrier for transfer to the southern area of the country for supplementing irrigation requirements. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1594------------

Comment on “river flow forecasting through conceptual models. Parts I, II and III”

In recent years, the concept of water accounting has been applied in wide range of water resources management problems. The importance of water accounting framework has been increased in providing information for use and management of various water related issues. This chapter focuses on the concept of water accounting by bringing together various aspects including purpose, principles and logics, terms and definitions, importance and necessity, methodology, examples in international settings, and footprint. The chapter starts with an introduction and water accounting related studies, followed by important terms of this concept and the principles and logics of water accounting. Then methodology and two examples are discussed in details. Finally, the conclusion is presented in order to discuss the importance of applying this approach in water resources management domain.

Water Resources Monograph Series

AGU will publish a Water Resources Monograph Series in 1971. The monographs are designed to present in depth the results of recent works of various authors in the fields of hydrology and water resources, stressing the application of techniques. They are meant to be an effective medium for disseminating current know‐how in hydrology and water resources planning and management to those engaged in the day‐to‐day problems of water resources management. Although the Series stresses techniques and applications, the coverage of material is in sufficient depth to serve tutorial and state‐of‐the‐art needs of students and researchers. In fundamental contrast with research papers, the monographs will limit discussion of unproven experimental work as well as complex and detailed mathematical manipulations. In general a strong emphasis will be placed on a thorough exposition of the techniques involved.