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Climate change adaptation (CCA) has recently emerged as a new fundamental dimension to be considered in the planning and management of water resources. Because of the need to consider the already perceived changes in climate trends, variability and extremes, and their interactions with evolving social and ecological systems, water management is now facing new challenges. The research community is expected to contribute with innovative methods and tools to support to decision- and policy-makers. Decision Support Systems (DSSs), have a relatively long history in the water management sector. They are usually developed upon pre-existing hydrologic simulation models, providing interfaces for facilitated use beyond the limited group of model developers, and specific routines for decision making (e.g. optimization methods). In recent years, the traditional focus of DSS research has shifted away from the software component, towards the process of structuring problems and aiding decisions, thus including in particular robust methods for stakeholders' participation. The paper analyses the scientific literature, identifies the main open issues, and proposes an innovative operational approach for the implementation of participatory planning and decision-making processes for CCA in the water domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and resource availability in sufficient quantity and quality for anthropogenic needs represents one of the main challenges in the coming decades. To prepare for upcoming challenges such as increased urbanization and climate change related consequences, innovative and improved resource management concepts are indispensable. In recent years we have developed and applied the urban harvest approach (UHA). The UHA aims to model and quantify the urban water cycle on different temporal and spatial scales. This approach allowed us to quantify the impact of the implementation of water saving measures and new water treatment concepts in cities. In this paper we will introduce the UHA and its application for urban water cycles. Furthermore, we will show first results for an extension to energy cycles and highlight future research items (e.g. nutrients, water-energy-nexus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The premise of this study was to assess the Oregon public's risk perception concerning Oregon's water resources. The state has a long-held reputation of having an overabundance of water; however, water shortages, droughts, and impaired water bodies throughout reveal this is not an accurate perception. Climate change models and population growth are projected to exacerbate Oregon's water situation. A 2010 survey questionnaire was distributed to 1,563 randomly selected Oregon households to elicit the risk perception of ten water-related activities. With a response rate of 51%, the study found the public perceived agricultural and forestry practices as the two greatest risks and private wells as the lowest risk activity. A Risk Perception index found on average the public view the state's water resources at a moderate risk. These findings can assist water resource managers throughout the Western United States as they develop and implement management strategies in response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]