Water-conservation policies in perspective: insights from a Q-method study in Salta, Argentina

Water Policy ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 897-916 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Iribarnegaray ◽  
M. F. E. de la Zerda ◽  
C. M. Hutton ◽  
C. Brannstrom ◽  
V. I. Liberal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Conservation Policies ◽  
Social Perspectives ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Local Water ◽  
Rate Of Success

Narratives and discourses on issues such as water management and other complex social–ecological systems respond partly to people's worldviews or social perspectives. Knowledge of these perspectives might help increase the rate of success of specific initiatives related to water conservation and could be an important tool to improve water governance. A study performed in the city of Salta, Argentina, revealed the existence of four social perspectives on issues related to water management. Perspectives were obtained with Q methodology by interviewing 29 local stakeholders. Participants sorted 68 statements organized around four themes (service provider; water rights; public participation; water availability) according to their degree of agreement or disagreement. The findings support our contention that there are clear links between social perspectives and the rate of success of some water policies implemented by the local water utility in the past 15 years, in particular the promotion and use of household water meters and awareness campaigns launched to reduce water consumption. We show that the limited success of these initiatives was partly due to ignorance or disregard of social perspectives on water management.

scholarly journals Consolidating the use of reclaimed water for irrigation and infiltration in a semi-arid agricultural valley in Mexico: water management experiences and results

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. Mendoza-Espinosa ◽  
L. W. Daesslé
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plant ◽  
Reclaimed Water ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Monitoring Wells ◽  
Local Water ◽  
San Carlos

Abstract The city of Ensenada (Baja California, Mexico) experiences severe water restrictions for urban and agriculture use, and reclaimed water (RW) for crop irrigation and aquifer infiltration has been identified as a promising water management option. This paper presents the path followed to consolidate the reclamation scheme that included monitoring programs on RW, groundwater, and agricultural soil. Seventy-nine percent of the RW samples complied with the particular discharge permit for El Naranjo wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), yet the local water utility has to have a better control of its wastewater treatment plant to avoid spikes of fecal coliforms. The presence of fecal coliforms in soil samples at surface and 30–60 cm depths indicates that farm workers could be at risk during the handling of the product, so it is highly recommended that workers be provided with clothes that will protect them from direct contact with water and soil. Results from monitoring wells adjacent to Las Ánimas and San Carlos creeks showed, on some occasions, the presence of fecal and total coliforms that could indicate infiltration of RW. In conclusion, technical aspects can be monitored and controlled yet the most challenging aspects that remain are social and political which require extensive negotiation and institutional arrangements.

scholarly journals Challenges of Water Sensitive Cities in México: The case of the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Arturo Gleason ◽  
César Casiano Flores
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Sensitive Stage ◽  
Supply Policy ◽  
Water Sensitive Urban Design

Mexico is currently facing important water management challenges. Cities in the country are facing water scarcity and at the same time, they struggle with floods during the raining season. The water sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach has proved to be helpful in tackling urban water challenges such as floods and water scarcity and it is being implemented in cities around the world. The WSUD approach highlights the role of both the water cycle and the water utilities systems, when transitioning towards a water sensitive stage. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyse the current situation of the water cycle and the water utility (SIAPA). To do so, we have selected the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (MAG) and proposes a case study approach. Within our case of study, we answer two questions: 1) What are the causes of water scarcity and flooding in the MAG? and 2) What are the proposals to solve these problems under a WSUD approach? By answering these questions, we identified that the water management in the MAG corresponds to a single purpose infrastructure. This type of management does not contribute to solve the problems of water scarcity and floods. The water supply policy is based only on the construction of large dams disregarding the storage and use of rainwater, and reuse of greywater, and water-conservation devices. In order to transition towards a water sensitive stage, a WSUD approach that includes multi-purpose infrastructure should be considered. Such as green roofs, swales, rainwater gardens, infiltration trenches, etc.

scholarly journals Infrastructure Alone is Not Enough: Identifying Gaps in the Literature Regarding First Nations Water Governance

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Ellison-Wareing
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Surrounding Water ◽  
International Rights ◽  
Infrastructure Investments ◽  
Local Water

In 2015, the federal government committed to ending drinking water advisories in First Nations communities across Canada by 2021. Their approach involves an increase in monetary commitments to improving water quality infrastructure in priority First Nations communities. The perception surrounding water-based infrastructure investments in First Nations communities is that infrastructure grants will solve the issues related to boil water advisories and allow for all individuals in communities to access clean water. While the investments are overdue and necessary, infrastructure alone does not address the institutional issues related to governance of water for First Nations reserves. Furthermore, as Indigenous peoples have constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights, and international rights (e.g. UNDRIP) of which many are tied to safe water, Indigenous peoples are seeking to incorporate Indigenous laws into their local water governance systems. The goal of this research is to examine gaps in the literature related to First Nations water governance and policy and investigate alternative models of community level water governance. Focusing in Ontario, this research will investigate, the historical context which influences current water governance and created the framework for water management in First Nations communities. By identifying gaps in the planning and implementation projects, this research aims to add to the toolkit of potential solutions and improve the holistic approach to water management within First Nations communities across Ontario.

scholarly journals Challenges of Water Sensitive Cities in Mexico: The Case of the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 601
Author(s):  
Jose Arturo Gleason ◽  
Cesar Casiano Flores
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Water Scarcity ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Water Policy ◽  
Water Cycle ◽  
Water Utilities ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Sensitive Stage

Mexico is currently facing important water management challenges. Cities in the country are facing water scarcity and at the same time they struggle with floods during the raining season. The water sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach has proved to be helpful around the world in tackling urban water challenges such as floods or water scarcity. The WSUD approach highlights the role of both the water cycle and the water utilities systems, when transitioning towards a water sensitive stage. Therefore, the objective of this research is to demonstrate the relevance for cities of a WSUD approach by analyzing the current situation of the water cycle and the water utility in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara (MAG). This research proposes a case study approach. Within our case of study, we focused on the water cycle and the water utilities system (Sistema Intermunicipal de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (SIAPA)) and ask two questions: (1) What are the causes of water scarcity and flooding in the MAG? and (2) What are the proposals to solve these problems under a WSUD approach? By answering these questions, we identified that the water management in the MAG corresponds to a single purpose infrastructure. This type of water management is common in developing cities and does not contribute to solve the problems of water scarcity and floods. The water supply policy is based only on the construction of large dams disregarding the storage and use of rainwater, and reuse of greywater, and water-conservation devices. In order to transition towards a water sensitive stage, changes in the water policy need to take place and a WSUD approach that includes multi-purpose infrastructure, should be considered.

Water Governance and Management in Indus Basin - Challenges & Threats

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marium Sara Minhas Bandeali
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Policy ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
The State ◽  
Indus Basin

Water governance and management are important challenges for the River Indus Basin in Pakistan. Water governance refers to social, political and economic factors that influence water management. The water scarcity and water security are a major concern for the state to control its water resources. The study aims to give Sindh water policy by exploring the challenges to Indus Basin in managing water resources and to identify opportunities Indus Basin can look to improve water management. Interviews were conducted from water experts and analysts having 5 years’ experience or more in the water sector of Pakistan through a semi-structured self-developed questionnaire using purposive sampling technique and transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings show that increasing population, climatic change and rising demand of water are major challenges Indus is facing and Indus with time is getting water-scarce therefore need strong institutions, civil society and legislatures to ensure equitable distribution of water and maintain the ecosystem. The study emphasizes that water governance and management are necessary for sustainable use of water. Pakistan, the water stress country needs to address ‘governance’ at a wider scale to solve problems in the Indus Basin for the livelihood of people. The research will benefit the state, water experts, institutions as well as civil society to promote efficient use of water in Indus Basin.

Counting Fish: Environmental Benefits Calculation for Avoided Costs Analysis in Urban Water Use Efficiency Planning

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Shulte Joung ◽  
Mary Ann Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Water Conservation ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Environmental Benefit ◽  
Conservation Programs ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Water Savings ◽  
Urban Water Use ◽  
Use Efficiency

This report documents a project undertaken for the California Urban Water Conservation Council to create a method to calculate water utility avoided costs and assign economic value to the environmental benefits of raw water savings as a result of implementing urban water conservation programs. It is assumed that water savings associated with implementation of conservation programs can be quantified and represented as a reduction in the demand for water from a particular set of supply sources. This demand reduction may in turn result in a change to the availability of an environmental benefit provided by that source. Environmental valuation, as it is applied here, is relatively new and there are numerous complications, ambiguities, data gaps and differences of opinion in the application of the methodology. For that reason, this report should be considered a pioneering effort to put together all the required elements in a single coherent framework.

A 2050 Vision for Colorado's water supply future

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Rowan ◽  
E. Hecox ◽  
S. Morea
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Colorado River ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
The State ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Water Projects ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Local Water

The last decade has brought many changes to Colorado's water supply outlook. Despite the recent economic recession, the state has experienced significant population growth, and Colorado's population is expected to nearly double within the next 40 years. Other pressures on Colorado's water supply include severe drought, a desire to meet multiple needs (i.e., municipal, environmental, recreational) with existing resources, and impacts to agriculture due to water shortages, urbanization, and transfers to new users. To address these challenges, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has undertaken a visioning process to explore solutions to these future water supply challenges. As part of this process, CWCB has led the state in identifying demand and supply strategies to meet the state's future water needs while considering agriculture and the environment. These strategies have been combined into varying portfolios that include methods such as conservation, local water projects, new Colorado River development, and agricultural transfers. This paper details the development and evaluation of these portfolios and describes stakeholder's efforts to balance meeting Colorado's water needs in the future.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document