scholarly journals Seasonal Water Crises and Social Dilemmas in Semi-Arid Areas of the Lake Zone of Tanzania

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 213-226
Author(s):  
L. M Laizer ◽  
R.W Gibson ◽  
E Lukonge
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Common Property ◽  
Social Dilemmas ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Informal Governance ◽  
Economic Resource ◽  
Lake Zone ◽  
Semi Arid

The absence of formal institutions regulating water resources indicated a need to examine how informal governance works in semi-arid areas of the Lake Zone of Tanzania. Ostrom’s theory of common property resources was adapted to develop a questionnaire administered to 162 households using five different water sources (lake/dam, ponds near lake/dam, ponds, wells and waterholes) along with focus group discussions (6), key informant interviews (33) and field observations. The results indicated that communities do not have water management systems where water is abundant (lake/dam and ponds near these water sources). Conversely, where water is scarce (ponds, wells and water holes), communal water management occurs. However, such communal water governances are location specific and limited and, though they appear to function well at preventing water exhaustion, they fail to resolve the complex social dilemmas in that ecological system. Thus, most water resources are dominated by households with sound economic resource base, they take deliberate efforts to establish private wells in wetlands to intercept underground resources, raising issues of equity, contamination of underground water resources and human safety. Sandy river beds seemed to represent the worst ‘tragedy’ of unmanaged common resources, often being located in ‘no-man’s land’ between districts or regions, with uncontrolled competition resulting in enormous water holes dug by local resource users from both sides, and exhaustion by those with the deepest waterholes and access to engine-driven pumps. There are two water main crises: (1) too little is available to meet the current demand during an annual prolonged dry season (6-7 months) and (2) increasing social dilemmas on how to manage the little available. How external interventions could address these issues is discussed.

scholarly journals Greywater as an Alternative Solution for a Sustainable Management of Water Resources—A Review

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 665
Author(s):  
Hanen Filali ◽  
Narcis Barsan ◽  
Dalila Souguir ◽  
Valentin Nedeff ◽  
Claudia Tomozei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Proper Treatment ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Semi Arid

In this paper, a comprehensive review on greywater is presented. Emphasis is given to the techniques used to treat and recover greywater, and special emphasis is placed on the risk of the existence of the novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2” in greywater and the possibility of its spread via the reuse of this water. In general, greywater is considered wastewater collected from domestic sources, with the exclusion of toilet water (which is considered as blackwater). Greywater represents 50 to 80% of the total volume of wastewater all over the world. This review provides various aspects related to greywater, such as origins, characteristics, and existing guidelines for greywater proper treatment and reuse. Several approaches and techniques have been developed to study the performance of different greywater treatment systems. These methods are critically discussed in this article. In the context of sustainable development, water management, and taking into account the scarcity of water resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, the use of treated greywater is one of the alternatives methods that can reduce the burden of withdrawals from the resource. In addition, some successful examples of greywater valuation experiences in Tunisia were examined.

scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the Island of Crete, Greece

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1538 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. A. Tzanakakis ◽  
A. N. Angelakis ◽  
N. V. Paranychianakis ◽  
Y. G. Dialynas ◽  
G. Tchobanoglous
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Total Water ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Treated Effluent ◽  
Critical Issues

Crete, located in the South Mediterranean Sea, is characterized by long coastal areas, varied terrain relief and geology, and great spatial and inter-annual variations in precipitation. Under average meteorological conditions, the island is water-sufficient (969 mm precipitation; theoretical water potential 3284 hm3; and total water use 610 hm3). Agriculture is by far the greatest user of water (78% of total water use), followed by domestic use (21%). Despite the high average water availability, water scarcity events commonly occur, particularly in the eastern-south part of the island, driven by local climatic conditions and seasonal or geographical mismatches between water availability and demand. Other critical issues in water management include the over-exploitation of groundwater, accounting for 93% of the water used in agriculture; low water use efficiencies in the farms; limited use of non-conventional water sources (effluent reuse); lack of modern frameworks of control and monitoring; and inadequate cooperation among stakeholders. These deficiencies impact adversely water use efficiency, deteriorate quality of water resources, increase competition for water and water pricing, and impair agriculture and environment. Moreover, the water-limited areas may display low adaptation potential to climate variability and face increased risks for the human-managed and natural ecosystems. The development of appropriate water governance frameworks that promote the development of integrated water management plans and allow concurrently flexibility to account for local differentiations in social-economic favors is urgently needed to achieve efficient water management and to improve the adaptation to the changing climatic conditions. Specific corrective actions may include use of alternative water sources (e.g., treated effluent and brackish water), implementation of efficient water use practices, re-formation of pricing policy, efficient control and monitoring, and investment in research and innovation to support the above actions. It is necessary to strengthen the links across stakeholders (e.g., farmers, enterprises, corporations, institutes, universities, agencies, and public authorities), along with an effective and updated governance framework to address the critical issues in water management, facilitate knowledge transfer, and promote the efficient use of non-conventional water resources.

scholarly journals Effects of model calibration on hydrological and water resources management simulations under climate change in a semi-arid watershed

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 1247-1266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hagen Koch ◽  
Ana Lígia Chaves Silva ◽  
Stefan Liersch ◽  
José Roberto Gonçalves de Azevedo ◽  
Fred Fokko Hattermann
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resources Management ◽  
Model Calibration ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Resources Management ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Semi Arid

AbstractSemi-arid regions are known for erratic precipitation patterns with significant effects on the hydrological cycle and water resources availability. High temporal and spatial variation in precipitation causes large variability in runoff over short durations. Due to low soil water storage capacity, base flow is often missing and rivers fall dry for long periods. Because of its climatic characteristics, the semi-arid north-eastern region of Brazil is prone to droughts. To counter these, reservoirs were built to ensure water supply during dry months. This paper describes problems and solutions when calibrating and validating the eco-hydrological model SWIM for semi-arid regions on the example of the Pajeú watershed in north-eastern Brazil. The model was calibrated to river discharge data before the year 1983, with no or little effects of water management, applying a simple and an enhanced approach. Uncertainties result mainly from the meteorological data and observed river discharges. After model calibration water management was included in the simulations. Observed and simulated reservoir volumes and river discharges are compared. The calibrated and validated models were used to simulate the impacts of climate change on hydrological processes and water resources management using data of two representative concentration pathways (RCP) and five earth system models (ESM). The differences in changes in natural and managed mean discharges are negligible (< 5%) under RCP8.5 but notable (> 5%) under RCP2.6 for the ESM ensemble mean. In semi-arid catchments, the enhanced approach should be preferred, because in addition to discharge, a second variable, here evapotranspiration, is considered for model validation.

Assessment of groundwater flow system for management of Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Kinoti ◽  
Marc Leblanc ◽  
Albert Olioso ◽  
Maciek Lubczynski
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Flow System ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Transboundary Aquifer ◽  
Aquifer System ◽  
Semi Arid

&lt;p&gt;Groundwater is the main water resource in arid and semi-arid areas. Its evaluation in terms of recharge, discharge, flow system and change in storage is thus vital for management purposes. However, distributed numerical models which are considered as favourable tools for assessment of groundwater resources are often limited by availability of input data especially in arid and semi-arid areas in developing countries where monitoring networks are scarce. Moreover, in case of transboundary aquifers, political, institutional, cultural, socio-economic differences among countries make management of groundwater even more complex.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Remote sensing is a handy tool for monitoring water resources in data scarce areas. This study entails application of remote sensing data in developing a distributed integrated hydrological model for Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System using MODFLOW-NWT coupled with the Unsaturated Zone Flow (UZF1) Package.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer is a multi-layered aquifer system shared between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The aquifer system consists of three aquifers, characterized by low transmissivity and low storage, intercalated by two aquitards. Conceptually, the physical processes taking place in this system are reasonably understood in Namibia and not as much in Botswana and South Africa. However, quantification of water resources and fluxes is still limited.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The aquifer system is mainly exploited in Namibia for socio-economic growth, where abstraction from storage has led to decline in local groundwater level. Water quality constraints have restrained its usage in South Africa, while in Botswana the potential for available resources is likely to be exploited, but there is not enough data for making firm decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A numerical model has been set &amp;#8211; up in transient conditions at daily time step and calibrated with groundwater levels as the state variables and satellite rainfall and potential evapotranspiration as the model driving forces. The calibrated model provides spatio-temporal water flux dynamics as well as water balances and hence an understanding of the groundwater-resource dynamics and replenishment. The results are compared to analysis of GRACE data to further constrain the model. This information is useful for proper management of the transboundary water resource as well as for policy making.&lt;/p&gt;

Water Management

2021 ◽  
pp. 387-400
Author(s):  
Rajan Janardhanan
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Management ◽  
Resource Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
The World

The world faces an unprecedented crisis in water resources management, with profound implications for global food security, protection of human health, and maintenance of all ecosystems on Earth. Large uncertainties still plague quantitative assessments of climate change impacts and water resource management, but what is known for certain is that the climate is changing and that it will have an effect on water resources. Therefore, increased efforts will be needed to plan and manage water supplies in the future through increased monitoring and understanding of the interrelationships between population size, climate change, and water availability. The focus of water management is gradually shifting from developing new water sources to using existing water sources more effectively and efficiently. The world needs policy change in water management. Respect for water resources and their value is the starting point of deliberations. Governments have the essential water management function: to protect and allocate water resources to allow both individual and collective interests to benefit from water. Societies must also lead in understanding, provisioning for mitigating the impact of disasters, ranging from extreme droughts to unprecedented floods, caused by climate change and poor management of water and land. Public funds will likely remain the main source of water sectoral funding. It is up to governments to invest wisely to enhance the crucial role that water has for social and economic development in a country. Integrated water resource management strategy is accepted as a global model for achieving the objective of a sustainable water management system.

scholarly journals Physical–chemical evaluation of groundwater quality in semi-arid areas: case study—Sabzevar plain, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghasem Panahi ◽  
Mahya Hassanzadeh Eskafi ◽  
Hamidreza Rahimi ◽  
Alireza Faridhosseini ◽  
Xiaonan Tang
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
High Salinity ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Agricultural Use ◽  
Anions And Cations ◽  
Semi Arid

AbstractGroundwater is one of the most important water sources in arid and semi-arid areas. With the increasing world population and the water demand for agriculture and urban use, the need for water resources has increased, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, where groundwater resources play a significant role. To prevent the pollution of groundwater resources, various studies for their preservation and maintenance should be carried out, including a detailed plan for proper management of water resources and establishing a balance between water quality and how to use them. It becomes important to understand the spatial change of the quality of groundwater resources. In this study, Sabzevar plain, a typical region of semi-arid climate in Iran, was selected as a case study to assess the groundwater quality of the region, using data from 24 observation wells between 2015 and 2019. Using Arc GIS software, a map of groundwater quality parameters in the study area was prepared for quality assessment and comparison with existing international standards. The results showed that (except pH and HCO3−) the concentration of Sodium, Magnesium, and other anions and cations is higher than the corresponding WHO standard limit, suggesting that the study area is unsuitable for drinking and agricultural use. According to the Wilcox chart, 87.5% of the samples are in the C4S4 class while 8.33% are in the C4S3 class, showing the groundwater unsuitable for agricultural use due to its high salinity and alkalinity. Piper diagrams show that more than 50% of the samples are non-carbonate alkalis, indicating a very high salinity in the area. According to the pie chart, chlorine ion and sodium ion are the dominant anions and cations in the Sabzevar plain, respectively. The Schuler diagram shows that none of the samples examined were in a good class for drinking. Therefore, considering the importance of water for agricultural activities in the study area, it is recommended to have agricultural management solutions to prevent groundwater mixing with freshwater resources.

scholarly journals PROBLEMS OF WATER RESOURCES AND WATER USE IN ARID REGIONS, USING THE EXAMPLE OF ANCIENT AND MODERN ISRAEL

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
В.А. Широкова ◽  
О.А. Александровская ◽  
Э.А. Лихачёва
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Water System ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
History Of

Статья посвящена проблемам водных ресурсов и водопользованию в аридных районах на примере древнего и современного Израиля. При анализе истории водопользования обращается внимание и на рельеф и морфоструктуру территорий, определяющих месторасположение водоисточников и место развития древних городов. Большинство источников воды расположены вдоль зон линеаментов. Рассмотрены водные системы, приуроченные к Иорданской впадине, и, в частности, водные системы конца ханаанских времён (XIV–XIII вв. до н.э.) и начала древнего Израильского царства; эллинский период в истории создания водных систем; система водопользования в древнем Иерусалиме; искусственные водные системы конца старой эры (I в. до н.э.). Выдающиеся достижения инженерной и строительной практики древних израильтян в области водопользования опираются на их хорошее знание местных условий (в первую очередь особенности геологического строения) и умение при остром дефиците пресных вод собирать и сохранять её до следующих зимних дождей, бережно расходуя её в течение года. Опыт древних инженеров и поныне может служить достойным примером продуктивных отношений человека и природы. The article is devoted to problems of water resources and water use in arid regions at the example of ancient and modern Israel. When analyzing the history of water management also drew attention to the relief and morphological structure, defining the location of water sources and development of ancient cities. Most water sources are located along zones of lineament. Discussed the water system, dedicated to the Jordan basin, and in particular, the water system of the late Canaanite era (XIV–XIII centuries BC) and the beginning of the ancient Kingdom of Israel; the Hellenistic period in the history of the water systems; the system of water in ancient Jerusalem; artificial water system of the end of the old era (I century BC). Outstanding achievements of engineering and construction practices of the ancient Israelites in the area of water management based on their good knowledge of local conditions (primarily the features of the geological structure) and ability in acute shortage of fresh water to collect and keep it until the next winter rains, carefully spending it during the year. Experience ancient engineers today can serve as a worthy example of the productive relationship between man and nature.

How much water remains? Incorporating publicly available irrigation data to improve meso-scale hydrological model performance in dryland environments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Voit
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Budget ◽  
Water Withdrawal ◽  
Hydrological Models ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Modelling Process ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Meso Scale ◽  
Irrigation Practices

&lt;p&gt;Being responsible for about 70% of the world&amp;#8217;s freshwater use, agricultural irrigation practices have a strong impact on water budgets in dryland environments and will increase to do so, as an increase in irrigated areas worldwide is expected. In semi-arid catchments, irrigation can account for a substantial proportion of the water budget, especially during the dry season. Consequently, due to the limited water resources, these catchments rely on adequate water management practices. Water withdrawal from groundwater, river flow or reservoirs for irrigation purposes alter the overall hydrological balance. Being aware of such important impacts on the regional (meso-scale) water budget, hydrological models should improve their capability to account for them, including typical operational data availability and constraints. Thus, the answers on water management issues should be addressed, such as, how do these withdrawals alter the rivers&amp;#8217; flow regime and water yield? How do they affect sustainability of regional water resources, both in a seasonal and long-term time scale? Can public irrigation data be used to improve the performance of a catchment model?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To account for this particular anthropogenic interference with the hydrological cycle a novel irrigation module is introduced to improve meso-scale hydrological models&amp;#8217; performance for such hydro-climatic conditions. We implemented this module into WASA-SED, a hydro-sedimentological model tailored for semi-arid catchments on the meso-scale, now enabling to account for irrigation practices in the modelling process. The module allows to represent water abstraction from different sources (ground water, river, reservoirs), inter- and intra- basin transfers and seasonality of irrigation schemes. As a test case, a semi-arid catchment with excellent irrigation data in the Rio Sao Francisco basin, Brazil, was chosen to investigate exemplarily the impact of irrigation operations on the low river flows in the dry season. Using publicly available irrigation data as input for this module, it could be shown, that including irrigation practices into the modelling process helps to improve the model&amp;#8217;s performance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Furthermore, modelling results can be used to estimate the real water withdrawal rates, as there is uncertainty about how much water the users actually withdraw, because irrigation data from the Brazilian authorities shows the maximum withdrawal rates, as defined in contracts for water use for river water, but not the actually used water rates, which might be different (less or sometimes even more) than the contracts&amp;#8217; maximum rates. Whether the users withdraw more or less water than officially granted is uncertain. The model&amp;#8217;s results can be used to estimate realistic withdrawal rates as well as to predict further irrigation potential in the given catchment. Likewise, the effect of exploiting different sources for irrigation water (i.e., rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater) can be analysed in terms of their reliability and effect on the river system.&lt;/p&gt;

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