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Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Green roofs are promising tools in sustainable urban planning, offering benefits such as stormwater management, energy savings, aesthetic appeal, and recreational spaces. They play a crucial role in creating sustainable and resilient cities, providing both environmental and economic advantages. Despite these benefits, concerns persist about their impact on water quality, especially for non-potable use, as conflicting results are found in the literature. This study presents a comparative analysis of the quantity and quality of water drained from an extensive green roof against an adjacent conventional rooftop made of fiber–cement tiles in subtropical Brazil. Over a 14-month period, the water drained from both roofs was evaluated based on physical (turbidity, apparent color, true color, electrical conductivity, total solids, total dissolved solids, suspended solids), chemical (pH, phosphate, total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, chlorides, sulfates, and BOD), microbiological (total coliforms and E. coli), and metal (copper, iron, zinc, lead, and chrome) concentration parameters. The discharge from the green roof was 40% lower than its counterpart measured at the control roof, while the water quality from both roofs was quite similar. However, the green roof acted as source of chlorides, electrical conductivity, color, BOD, total hardness, E. coli, phosphate, sulfate, and turbidity. On the other side, the green roof neutralized the slightly acidic character of rainwater, showcasing its potential to mitigate the effects of acid rain. The study's results underscored that the water discharged from the green roof generally aligned with non-potable standards mandated by both Brazilian and international regulations. However, the findings emphasized the imperative need for pre-treatment of the green roof discharge before its utilization, specifically adjusting parameters like turbidity, BOD, total coliforms, and E. coli, which were identified as crucial to ensure water safety and compliance with non-potable use standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources are essential for both human livelihood and environmental services. Demand for resources has led to increasing water conflicts because of how water is managed and governed. Many developing countries like Tanzania experience conflicts based on competing water uses. This paper examines conflicts on various competing water uses in the Tobora Sub-catchment of the Mara River Basin in Tanzania. It analyses factors that contribute to water conflicts among water users. It further highlights conflict resolution and mitigation measures that the basin can adopt for proper water management. The study used explanatory and descriptive research design using mixed methods approaches. Different types of data were collected using focused group discussions, household interviews and key informants' interviews. Most of the respondents mentioned water conflicts to be mainly caused by land scarcity associated with population growth and increased competing water uses among various water users. Additionally, conflicts were linked to politics whereby politicians allowed water users to conduct economic activities 60m within water sources, which contradicts the water policy. Conflicts between farmers and herders were more evident due to competing water uses for irrigation and livestock keeping. Water conflicts were resolved through by-laws and laws adherence, mediation, resource use guidelines, public awareness campaigns, land use plans to demarcate farming and grazing land, legal land ownership rights and customary laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olt River represents one of the most complex hydrographic system, both in terms of the natural factors of the flow and the uses that influence the natural flow. Hydrometric stations on the main course provide good monitoring of the runoff. The most important uses are water supplies and reservoirs. The analysis refers to the degree of runoff influence and the type of influenced runoff. The degree of runoff influence is analysed at all seven hydrometric stations in absolute and relative values. The type of flow affected indicates relative constancy and does not change along the main course.

El objetivo del artículo es analizar la regulación de la fractura hidráulica (fracking) en el orden jurídico mexicano. Se documentan antinomias normativas generadas con la aprobación explícita de la referida técnica, de forma particular, las relativas al orden de prelación de usos del agua y la inyección de sustancias químicas hacia el subsuelo. Se describe el paradigma constitucional de aprovechamiento de los hidrocarburos en términos de la reforma energética de 2013 y el régimen derivado. Se concluye que la reglamentación de la extracción de hidrocarburos no convencionales generó desajustes legales que permanecen irresueltos.

Páramos are high mountain ecosystems strategic for water provision in South America. Currently, páramos are under threat due to agricultural intensification that impairs surface water sources. This research analyzed the effect of agriculture (spring onion—Allium fistulosum, potato—Solanum tuberosum, and livestock farming) on water quality in páramo ecosystems. A Hydrographic Unit upstream of the Jordan river catchment (Colombia) was selected and monitored in two different rainfall regimes, following the paired catchments and upstream-downstream approaches to compare water quality from natural and anthropic areas. Twenty-two parameters related to agricultural activities were analyzed (nutrients, salts, organic matter, sediments, and pathogens). The studied agricultural activities increased loads of surface water in quality in nitrates (0.02 to 2.56 mg N-NO3/L), potassium (0.13 to 1.24 mg K/L), and Escherichia coli (63 to 2718 FCU/100 mL), generating risks on the human health and promoting eutrophication. Total nitrogen and organic matter in the rainy season were higher than dry. BOD5, COD, turbidity, and E. coli were above international standards for direct human consumption. However, water could be used for irrigation, livestock watering, and aquatic life ambient freshwater. The results show that a small land-use change of almost 15% from natural páramo vegetation to agricultural uses in these ecosystems impairs water quality, limiting its uses, and the need to harmonize small-scale livelihoods in the páramo with the sustainability of ecosystem service provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economía, Sociedad y Territorio is the property of El Colegio Mexiquense and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Irrigated fields produce a large share of the world's crops, but in many river basins agriculture faces growing competition from other water users. This paper focuses on the intensity of irrigation water use, i.e., the volume of water applied per unit of irrigated land, in the ten irrigation districts located on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande-Bravo Basin. Based on the analysis of historical production data for the districts' main crops, results show that irrigation intensity varies widely among the districts and through time. Local environmental conditions (aridity and seasonal availability of water) explain most of this variability; however, districtlevel organizational characteristics (plot sizes and the land tenure regime) also play a role. These features of agricultural water use within the water-stressed river basin point to substantial opportunities for using water transfers to meet nonagricultural water needs (including environmental uses) without affecting overall crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olt River represents one of the most complex hydrographic system, both in terms of the natural factors of the flow and the uses that influence the natural flow. Hydrometric stations on the main course provide good monitoring of the runoff. The most important uses are water supplies and reservoirs. The analysis refers to the degree of runoff influence and the type of influenced runoff. The degree of runoff influence is analysed at all seven hydrometric stations in absolute and relative values. The type of flow affected indicates relative constancy and does not change along the main course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Engineer Military Bulletin / Muszaki Katonai Közlöny is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Luna Azul is the property of Universidad de Caldas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Bridging the gap between the predictions of coarse-scale climate models and the fine-scale climatic reality is a key issue of hydrological research and water management. While many advances have been realized in developed countries, the situation is contrastingly different in most tropical regions where we still lack information on potential discrepancies between measured and modeled climatic conditions. Consequently, water managers in these regions often rely on non-academic expertise to help them plan their future strategies. This issue is particularly alarming in tropical mountainous areas where water demand is increasing rapidly and climate change is expected to have severe impacts. In this article, we addressed this issue by evaluating the limitations and prospects in using regional climate models for evaluating the impact of climate change on water availability in a watershed that provides Quito, the capital of Ecuador, with about 30% of its current water needs. In particular, we quantified the temporal and spatial discrepancies between predicted and observed precipitation and temperature, and explored underlying mechanisms at play. Our results provide a strong critique of the inappropriate use of regional models to inform water planning with regard to adaptation strategies to face climate change. As a multidisciplinary group composed of hydrologists, ecologists and water managers, we then propose a framework to guide future climate change impact studies in tropical mountain watersheds where hydro-climatological data are scarce. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Water managers rely on regional climatic models to plan future strategies. • We found strong biases in climatic model predictions compared to observed data. • Regional models are inappropriate to inform water planning to face climate change. • We need to improve monitoring and ecohydrological knowledge in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hotel sector causes significant environmental stress in both natural and built up areas due to their consumption of water and energy. In addition, the production of large volumes of liquid and solid waste results in a significant environmental footprint. The use of water and energy by hotels is strongly linked (e.g. energy is consumed for hot water, operation of the pool, preparation of meals, etc.) and usually referred to as the water – energy nexus. Thus, for big consumers like hotels, water and energy consumption should be addressed collectively as water-saving measures can lead to a reduction in energy consumption. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental performance of mid-sized hotel units by analyzing and quantifying their use of water. An analysis using a two-step approach was made of 8 accommodation facilities located on Samos Island, Greece: (i) a mapping of water use by adopting an end-use approach, and then (ii) an assessment of saving practices using three main criteria: savings, cost of investment and payback time. The preliminary results indicate that for small sized lodging units, water consumed inside the guest rooms accounts for the majority of all the water used and low-cost water saving measures and actions can reduce the pressure on water resources without disturbing guests, while increasing the financial profitability of a hotel.

In the perspective of the long history of a wetlands environment, the article proposes to monitor the recent and rapid changes (1960 to present) in water use on a territory that has shifted from a rural to an urban area. The study site, Lattes, is an upper middle-class suburban neighborhood located in southeastern France on the Mediterranean coast that has experienced very rapid growth. It was developed on wetlands and still remains vulnerable to flash floods. Our analysis focuses on the changes in the relationship between inhabitants and water over time and its implications for the local risk culture. From the former agricultural area – where local inhabitants adjusted to the irregularity of the river regime, their lives tuned to the river floods that were constraining as well as fertilizing – to the current urban and popular neighborhood – where inhabitants have settled for the geographical and landscape values offered both by the environment and the availability of inter-city, sea and transport connections, while actively controlling flood risks. In this situation, the term "riparian inhabitant" has lost its meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to highlight existing confusion over the terms used in assessments on water uses : needs, demands, supply, consumption, withdrawals. We suggest a terminological framework adapted to the challenges of water uses quantification, necessary to monitor integrated water resources management (IWRM). A state-of-the-art first draws an overview of synonyms of water use and their different interpretations. A proposal of consistent terminology is then provided based on the water use cycle concept, in order to illustrate the specificities of each term. Results show that confusions mainly arise at the water use stage itself, for which several different terms are used (need, demand, supply and consumption). Differences that distinguish these notions are described on a generic scheme of the water use cycle, where demand is the central notion. Features related to specific water uses are then presented through this cycle : drinking water, irrigation and environmental uses. A geologist, geographer, hydrologist and economist jointly conducted this reflection, thus feeding the debate on water uses’ terminology and synthesizing on what is meant by "water use" in an interdisciplinary manner.

Copyright of Menoufia Journal of Agricultural Economic & Social Science is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Given a limited volume of freshwater resources and increasing water demand in China, a relatively equal final water use distribution among different provinces is necessary to mitigate water scarcity faced by a great proportion of population. In this study, the Gini coefficient is used to measure inequality of provincial water footprints (WFs), which are computed based on the China multi-regional input–output table in 30 provinces. The inequality analysis indicates that in China, albeit improved equality of the WF via virtual water (VW) transfers in comparison to the real water use, provincial WFs still present inequality (with Gini coefficient 0.22). Inequality decomposition techniques are used to examine the main sectoral contributor and drivers of WF inequality. The decomposition of inequality in the total WF by sectoral water use types indicates that agricultural WF is the largest contributor, contributing 45.7% of the total inequality, followed by industrial WF (36.9%), tertiary WF (11.1%) and domestic water use (6.3%). Inequality decomposition in the total WF by drivers shows that the effect of natural water availability is insignificant. The main drivers of inequality in agricultural WF are real water use and water use efficiency, with the inter-class effect overwhelming inter-class effect based on classification according to these factors. Inequality in industrial and tertiary WFs is mainly driven by real water use and economic level. Policy inferences are given towards a more equal distribution of WF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of VertigO is the property of La Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement VertigO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research aims to assess the current situation of water sources for human consumption and productive activities in the Southeastern area in the "25 de Mayo" Department, Province of San Juan (Argentina). For this purpose, physiographic units were first identified based on visual interpretation of a LANDSAT 8 OLI/TIRS 232 82 satellite image, dated 12/20/2014, and a preexisting map. Samples of each water source were collected and the appropriate physicochemical and bacteriological analyses were carried out. Thirteen goat farming units, known as El Rincón Community, were identified. Five water sources were found there: 4 of groundwater (3 from drillings and 1 from bucket-well) and 1 superficial. From analyses performed on the afore described water sources, it is concluded that only a bucket-well with appropriate water management techniques can be used to provide drinking water to animals; water from San Juan River proved to be fit for irrigation and animal consumption, though when human consumption is concerned it is recommended to give further consideration to bacteriological tests. Water from the reservoir is supplied by the Municipal Water Service and it proved to be fit for human consumption, irrigation, and animal consumption. However, the volume of water supplied is low: 19 liters per person per day, according to water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and water security are linked, not only through the direct effects of water shortages on each water users' access to water, but also because of water conflicts generated. Climate change is predicted to raise temperatures in the Mediterranean region and reduce rainfall, leading to a reduction in water yield and possibly worsening the situation of water resource shortages that Mediterranean regions are already experiencing. In its dissemination strategy, the EU FP7 CLIMB project addressed water security threats through an analysis of water uses and water use rivalries within a few target catchments distributed over the Mediterranean region. The present work explores whether climate change is locally perceived by stakeholders (water users and managers) as a key issue for their water uses and water security. Individual interviews, meetings, and compilation of questionnaires were conducted at five sites located in the Mediterranean region. The methodology permitted an analysis of water use and its evolution in the water management context, an identification of the state of awareness of local stakeholders and of the pressures on water use and water use rivalries, and a prioritization of water uses. Currently, the main response to increasing water demand in the Mediterranean region, while not yet considering climate change as a driving force, is a progressive externalization of water resources, with limits represented by national borders and technological possibilities. Overall, ‘climate change’ was not mentioned by stakeholders during both interviews and in answers to the questionnaires. Even the prospect of decreasing precipitation was not considered a relevant or threatening issue in the coming 20 years. This confirms the need to continue all efforts to disseminate the state of knowledge on climate change impacts in the Mediterranean region, such as water scarcity, especially to local water managers, as initiated by various research programs of the European Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hotel sector causes significant environmental stress in both natural and built up areas due to their consumption of water and energy. In addition, the production of large volumes of liquid and solid waste results in a significant environmental footprint. The use of water and energy by hotels is strongly linked (e.g. energy is consumed for hot water, operation of the pool, preparation of meals, etc.) and usually referred to as the water - energy nexus. Thus, for big consumers like hotels, water and energy consumption should be addressed collectively as water-saving measures can lead to a reduction in energy consumption. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental performance of mid-sized hotel units by analyzing and quantifying their use of water. An analysis using a two-step approach was made of 8 accommodation facilities located on Samos Island, Greece: (i) a mapping of water use by adopting an end-use approach, and then (ii) an assessment of saving practices using three main criteria: savings, cost of investment and payback time. The preliminary results indicate that for small sized lodging units, water consumed inside the guest rooms accounts for the majority of all the water used and low-cost water saving measures and actions can reduce the pressure on water resources without disturbing guests, while increasing the financial profitability of a hotel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing water supply sustainability is crucial to meet stakeholders' needs, notably in the Mediterranean. This region has been identified as a climate change hot spot, and as a region where water demand is continuously increasing due to population growth and the expansion of irrigated areas. The Hérault River catchment (2500 km 2 , France) is a typical example and a negative trend in discharge has been observed since the 1960s. In this context, local stakeholders need to evaluate possible future changes in water allocation capacity in the catchment, using climate change, dam management and water use scenarios. A modelling framework that was already calibrated and validated on this catchment over the last 50 years was used to assess whether water resources could meet water demands at the 2030 horizon for the domestic, agricultural and environmental sectors. Water supply sustainability was evaluated at the sub-basin scale according to priority allocations using a water supply capacity index, frequency of unsatisfactory years as well as the reliability, resilience and sustainability metrics. Water use projections were based on the evolution of population, per-unit water demand, irrigated areas, water supply network efficiency, as well as on the evaluation of a biological flow. Climate projections were based on an increase in temperature up to 2 °C and a decrease in daily precipitation by 20%. Adaptation strategies considered reducing per-unit water demand for the domestic sector and the importation of water volume for the agricultural sector. The dissociated effects of water use and climatic constraints on water supply sustainability were evaluated. Results showed that the downstream portions would be the more impacted as they are the most exploited ones. In the domestic sector, sustainability indicators would be more degraded by climate change scenarios than water use constraints. In the agricultural sector the negative impact of water use scenarios would be stronger. The environmental sector would be hardly satisfied especially in summer with low resilience levels. The adaptation strategies considered in this study would not be sufficient to cope with both anthropogenic and climate changes. Other strategies were discussed based on known examples in the Mediterranean context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International water law, which regulates the uses of international watercourses that are situated partly in different States, is a highly topical sector of law. In 2014, two conventions covering the subject matter entered into force globally. At the same time, a water-food-energy nexus has become part and parcel of the development canon that emphasises the importance of the complex relationship between water, energy and food. In this article, it is discussed whether international water law supports the water-food-energy nexus approach, which aims to reconcile the different water uses in international basins. The analysis also covers the human rights to water and food from the nexus viewpoint. The legal regime of the Mekong River is used as an example of the possibilities and challenges of the nexus approach in international water law. It is concluded that despite its deficiencies international water law provides a very useful platform for the cooperation between States and different sectors that aim at guaranteeing water, food and energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of the connections within an economic system can only be reliably reflected in academic research if powerful methods are used. Researchers have used structural path analysis (SPA) to capture not only the linkages within the production system but also the propagation of the effects into different channels of impacts. However, the SPA literature has restricted itself to showing the relations among sectors of production, while the connections between these sectors and final consumption have attracted little attention. In order to consider the complete set of channels involved, in this paper we propose a structural path method that endogenously incorporates not only sectors of production but also the final consumption of the economy. The empirical application comprises water usages, and analyses the dissemination of exogenous impacts into various channels of water consumption. The results show that the responsibility for water stress is imputed to different sectors and depends on the hypothesis used for the role played by final consumption in the model. This highlights the importance of consumers' decisions in the determination of ecological impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Case C-525/12 the European Court of Justice concludes that cost recovery for water services as outlined in Article 9 of the Water Framework Directive is only one of the instruments for Member States to strive for a rational water use. It furthermore concludes that the wfd environmental objectives not necessarily imply that cost recovery should be applicable to all water-related activities mentioned in Article 2 (38) wfd. In this underlying contribution a number of critical remarks to this judgment are provided. In view of the authors, the European Court of Justice reduces the effectivity of the cost recovery principle too rigorously by reducing the principle of cost recovery for water services to a practically voluntary tool for Member States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape and climate alterations foreshadow global-scale shifts of river flow regimes. However, a theory that identifies the range of foreseen impacts on streamflows resulting from inhomogeneous forcings and sensitivity gradients across diverse regimes is lacking. Here, we derive a measurable index embedding climate and landscape attributes (the ratio of the mean interarrival of streamflow-producing rainfall events and the mean catchment response time) that discriminates erratic regimes with enhanced intraseasonal streamflow variability from persistent regimes endowed with regular flow patterns. Theoretical and empirical data show that erratic hydrological regimes typical of rivers with low mean discharges are resilient in that they hold a reduced sensitivity to climate fluctuations. The distinction between erratic and persistent regimes provides a robust framework for characterizing the hydrology of freshwater ecosystems and improving water management strategies in times of global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades extreme water situations increasingly occurred on the Danube catchment area. In June, 2013 the highest flood wave of any time run off on the German, Austrian, Slovakian and Hungarian sections. During the floods in 2002 and 2006 on the upper Danube section new records were registered only until Budapest. In June, 2013, the Danube overstepped the maximum flood levels ever registered on almost the entire length in Hungary. From 2002 this was the fourth time the Danube overstepped the 800 cm level, in the 20th century this level was overstepped only two times by iceless floods. The water quantity could be maintained inside the high water bed and between the dams, it did not flood any settlements or any large areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the decoupling elasticity model, this paper studies the decoupling relationships (DRs) of total water uses (TWU) and provincial GDP, agricultural water uses (AWU) and agricultural added value (AAV), as well as industrial water uses (IWU) and industrial added value (IAV) respectively in Yunnan and Guizhou during the first ten years for the implementation of the Great Western Development Strategy. The results indicate that the DRs of water uses and economic development are highly undesirable in both provinces. Among the three groups, the DRs of AWU and AAV are the worst of all, with strong or weak coupling in 5 of the 10 years; the DRs of IWU and IAV are slightly better with strong coupling respectively in 3 of the 10 years in Yunnan and in 2 of the 10 years in Guizhou; and the DRs of TWU and GDP are the best, with strong or weak decoupling in 7 of the 10 years in both provinces. The DRs have improved in the period of 2006-2010 if compared with that in the period of 2001-2005. It is concluded that slow economic growth, low efficiency and poor structure of water uses are the main reasons for the worse status of DRs, and the development of economy and water uses efficiency promotes the DRs getting better. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the last fifty years, many mountain watersheds in temperate countries have known a progressive change from self-standing agro-silvo-pastoral systems to leisure dominated areas characterized by a concentration of tourist accommodations, leading to a drinking water peak during the winter tourist season, when the water level is lowest in rivers and sources. The concentration of water uses increases the pressure on 'aquatic habitats' and competition between uses themselves. Consequently, a new concept was developed following the international conferences in Dublin (International Conference on Water and the Environment - ICWE) and Rio de Janeiro (UN Conference on Environment and Development), both in 1992, and was broadly acknowledged through international and European policies. It is the concept of Integrated Water Resource Management ( IWRM). It meets the requirements of different uses of water and aquatic zones whilst preserving the natural functions of such areas and ensuring a satisfactory economic and social development. This paper seeks to evaluate a local water resources management system in order to implement it using IWRM in mountain watersheds. The assessment method is based on the systemic approach to take into account all components influencing a water resources management system at the watershed scale. A geographic information system was built to look into interactions between water resources, land uses, and water uses. This paper deals specifically with a spatial comparison between hydrologically sensitive areas and land uses. The method is applied to a French Alps watershed: the Giffre watershed (a tributary of the Arve in Haute-Savoie). The results emphasize both the needs and the gaps in implementing IWRM in vulnerable mountain regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many analyses of water uses and their impacts on available resources fail to reflect the contribution of return flow to existing supply, misuse the term 'efficiency', and assume immediate savings by changes in irrigation. Sound resources management requires a method of analysis applicable to all classes of offstream water uses. Drawing on previous analysis, a Water Uses Assessment Equation is proposed: a methodology founded on the principle of rigorous water accounting. Examples of applications are provided together with misleading analyses and conclusions that might be avoided in the future through use of the equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lmost all of the world's glaciers in the tropical latitudes are located in the Central Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia). Due to their high altitude, to the high level of radiation and to the tropical climate dynamics, they all are particularly threatened by climate change, as a result of not only warming, but also of changing variability of precipitation. Many glaciers are of crucial importance for the livelihood of the local populations and even for three capitals, Lima (Peru), La Paz (Bolivia) and Quito (Ecuador), which depend on them for water and energy supplies. This paper shows that after a period of increased flow due to the glacier melt disequilibrium, the available water resource will decrease along with the rapid shrinking of the glaciers considered as water reservoirs. The case of the Cordillera Blanca (Peru) is analyzed more in detail with the mid-term (20 years) and long-term (1-2 centuries) impact of the glacier shrinking on the local water resources. Associated risks for the population and consequences for the human activities (tourism, hydropower, agriculture and stock-breeding, large-scale irrigation) are described at each stage of the mountain range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Greek regions of Crete and of the Aegean Islands are of the southernmost river basin districts (RBDs) of the European Union. They both have limited water resources, and water demand often surpasses water availability. The geographical fractionation, particularly for the region of the Aegean Islands, is a major constrain for the implementation of an integrated water management plan. This article aims at presenting the current status of water resources in the above regions, and the existing water management plans. The article summarizes the pressures on the water resources of the above geographical regions, and investigates the possibility for utilization of nonconventional water resources, like desalinated seawater, reclaimed wastewater and brackish water. One of the conclusions among others is that the development of novel processes on water resources management should be one of the primary aims of any integrated water management plan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An optimal control approach is used to analyze the tradeoff between the use of water resources for electricity generation versus other economic uses (irrigation, industry, etc.). For that purpose, a dynamic model is presented which establishes relationships between economic growth, water resources management, and energy policy in the context of the aforementioned tradeoff, in an economy whose energy matrix is heavily dependent upon hydroelectric power. Among other results, the analysis establishes that in the market, the price of water for non-energy uses should be twice the price of the energy goods, indicating the necessity of substituting other sources of energy for hydroelectric power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the interaction between water resources management and the environment. It argues that an integrated, holistic approach to water management is beneficial for the environment but also that environmental concerns are not to be ignored for integrated water management to be effective. To this purpose the paper introduces the interactions between different water uses and why it is important to address these interactions for sustainable water resources management. It explains how the environment is being effected by the use of water by other sectors, and the benefits and implications of an integrated management system for the environment. Illustrated by several practical cases in Asia, Southern Africa and small island developing states, the paper makes a strong case for IWRM to be an effective approach for sustainable management at river basin level. It also demonstrates that stakeholder engagement form the start. and the process being driven by local interests and addressing real needs are elements of IWRM without which it will not work. The paper argues that addressing environmental is essential for sustainable use of water resources, and that strong political support and institutional backing is required for IWRM to be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work investigates the ecological modifications induced by the annual water level change as a consequence of hydrological regime and power production in Sélingué, a monomictic reservoir in Mali (West Africa). High waters occur from November, after the flood, while low waters occur from June, at the end of the dry season. Decrease of water level is linked to environmental factors (marked hydrological pattern, both for river flow and rain) and to human management of the reservoir during the dry season (irrigation, high hydropower demand). Difference in elevation between the high water and the low water phases is 9m. To assess the ecological impact of such water level variations, environmental and biological descriptors were studied on water sampled biweekly from November 2000 to November 2001 in stations representative of the north part of this water body. As a consequence of high water and of regional meteorology (NE trade winds), the water column in Sélingué is stratified from March to May. Stratification can act as a trap for nutrients in the hypolimnion, preventing the euphotic epilimnion to be realimented in dissolved P and N mineral components. This process lasts until the beginning of the monsoon (SW trade winds) when progressive warming and energetic inputs through storms allow vertical mixing. The sink-phase is then replaced by a spring-phase when the water column is not anymore stratified and when the water level is low enough to allow wind-induced resuspension and vertical mixing. At the end of the low water phase, phytoplankton blooms are observed, allowed by the proximity of the productive euphotic layer and the deep mineralization layer and their possible mixing. Water level is also important for fisheries, since fishes are “diluted” in high water (i.e., more difficult to catch with the artisanal tools operated by the local fishermen) but are “concentrated” in low water (i.e., more easily over fished in the minor riverbed, where most fishes are sheltered at the end of the dry season). Irrigation was until now a secondary purpose of the Sélingué project, behind power production. Sélingué is now of secondary importance for power production in Mali (behind Manantali) and the planned extension of irrigated areas in the Office du Niger is about to seriously increase the need of water from Sélingué, the only impoundment upstream. During a hydrological cycle, the only conditions possibly leading to ecological unbalance are met at the end of the low water period. As long as the water level is high enough to allow vertical stratification and vertical separation of the productive euphotic layer from the sink in the bottom layer, Sélingué trophic status varies from oligotrophy to mesotrophy. The low water phase is very sensitive, and wise management rules should limit its duration. But the projects leading to a more intensive and time-shifted use of Sélingué water could have as consequences an early dewatering of the reservoir and an early shift toward eutrophic conditions. Therefore, there is a need to define and to apply multipurpose rules of water level management that could help to minimize or to prevent these ecological consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Water quality in Galápagos has been deteriorating by increased human impacts over the past few decades. Water quality is a key environmental component and issue in need to be evaluated in the Pelican Bay Watershed, the biggest urban and economic development of Santa Cruz Island, for better management and regulation of water resources. This study assesses coastal and ground water bodies of Pelican Bay by employing a 9-year dataset obtained during a local water quality monitoring program conducted by the Galápagos National Park. Physical-chemical and microbial parameters were evaluated with respect to national and international water quality standards. A statistical integrated approach was performed to calculate environmental background levels of water quality parameters and to explore their seasonal and spatial variation. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of changes in tourism and residents in San Cruz Island in the degradation of water sources. Results highlighted are: (a) water is not suitable for drinking and domestic use at some inland sites; (b) saline water is used for irrigation in the highlands; (c) the presence of parameters of concern at coastal sites represent a risk for human and ecosystem health; (d) background levels may serve for defining site-specific limits to control water quality, and; (e) the influence of population change on water quality conditions varied at each site with a higher effect at coastal sites relatively to inland sites. This study provided valuable information of the water quality status in Santa Cruz Island and can serve as a baseline for effective water management and control of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]