Environmental flow requirements assessment in the Halda River,Bangladesh

Abstract

Environmental flows have scarcely been considered in river water management in Bangladesh. This study attempts to assess the environmental flow requirements in the Halda River, Bangladesh. Thus, the objectives are to estimate the Halda River flow with different return periods/probabilities, which was done using the log-Pearson Type III distribution (LPIII), and to mitigate the environmental problems in the Halda River using the building block method. The LPIII distribution was used to estimate the expected extreme and satisfactory flows for fish habitat at Panchpukuria station and the expected extreme water levels at Panchpukuria, Narayanhat, Telpari and Enayethat stations. It was found that floods are likely to occur at least once in 2.1, 1.02, 1.75 and 1.25 years at Panchpukuria, Narayanhat, Telpari and Enayethat stations, respectively. The results of flow and water quality analyses suggest that environmental flow requirements cannot be achieved in this river throughout the year. The environmental flow requirements and conservation of fish resources can be achieved by implementing the suggestions provided in conjunction with a comprehensive awareness programme, investigations and trade-off analyses being among the suggestions.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor B. Sivakumar

Citation Akter, A. and Ali, Md. H., 2012. Environmental flow requirements assessment in the Halda River, Bangladesh. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (2), 326–343.     

The role of science in setting water resource use limits: case studies from New Zealand

Abstract

Water resource use limits ensure protection of environmental values and define the availability and reliability of water supply for out-of-channel use. We examined how three types of scientific tools (environmental flow setting methods, hydrological analyses for setting total allocations and spatial frameworks) have been used to define limits across jurisdictional regions comprising multiple catchments in New Zealand. We found that recently developed minimum flow and total allocation setting tools are widely used. Spatial frameworks are increasingly used to discriminate and account for variation in environmental characteristics, thereby increasing the specificity of water resource use limits. The uptake of scientific tools has enabled improvements in the clarity of water management objectives and the transparency of limits defined by regional water management plans. We argue that more integrated use of scientific tools could improve the clarity and transparency of regional limits by explicitly demonstrating the trade-off between out-of-channel use and protection of environmental values.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Guest editor M. Acreman

Citation Snelder, T.H., Rouse, H.L., Franklin, P.A., Booker, D.J., Norton, N., and Diettrich, J., 2014. The role of science in setting water resource use limits: case studies from New Zealand. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (3–4), 844–859.     

Educating the compassionate water engineer–a remedy to avoid future water management failures? / Former des spécialistes de l’eau citoyens–une solution pour éviter de futurs échecs en gestion de l’eau?

Abstract

Abstract The number of local and regional-scale water management failures appears steadily to increase despite an apparently higher level of engineering solutions at hand. The objective of this paper is to examine the challenges the existing education system needs to meet in order to produce water engineers capable of responding to the complexity of contemporary and future water problems in relation to societal needs. The next generation of water engineers may stay in their professional functions until 2040 or 2050. It is likely that in this period more critical water management and environmental problems will be experienced than have been encountered so far. The question then arises whether the present water engineers have the proper background education to understand environmental, hydrological, ecological and socio-economic problems to resolve related water management problems. Future water engineers must, to a greater extent, include socio-economic consequences in planned and/or designed water management systems and convey greater transparency regarding risks and societal effects.     

Traditional irrigation techniques in MENA with a focus on Tunisia

ABSTRACT

Due to their efficiency, revitalized traditional techniques for irrigation management of scarce water resources have been suggested as a way to at least partially cope with the present water crises in the Middle East. A better irrigation management includes re-using treated wastewater in agriculture. Treated wastewater should also be used in industrial processes, thus contributing to a more efficient overall water management. However, the most important change leading to better water management is improving water efficiency in agricultural irrigation. Traditional water management techniques have an important role in many Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. Besides bringing more water to a thirsty population, they can also contribute to the societal awareness, and recognition of the great diversity of cultural and social values water has to human civilization.

EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis; ASSOCIATE EDITOR P. Hubert     

Water and post-conflict peacebuilding

ABSTRACT

Water-management issues cut across all sectors of governance and have a critical bearing on many post-conflict challenges. The imperative of adequate water supply and the weakness of the state in a post-conflict period provide a nexus which demands comprehensive and well thought-out policy planning, for the short term as well as for the long term. However, very little research has been conducted on the nexus between water management and sustainable development in war-torn societies that are undergoing processes of peacebuilding. This article, after critically reviewing the contribution of water scarcity to security challenges and peacemaking, makes an attempt to contribute to the policy debate on how carefully planned interventions in the water sector can significantly contribute to the post-conflict peacebuilding process, from immediate recovery and rebuilding to long-term sustainable development goals and lasting peace.

EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis GUEST EDITOR K. Aggestam     

Time–frequency analysis to profile hydrological regimes: application to Haiti

Abstract

Comprehensive characterization of its flow rates is prerequisite to a proper understanding and water management of a given hydrological region. Several studies question the soundness of stationarity in time series and suggest the need for a quantification of the events and non-stationary features in flow rate time series. In this study, we combine statistical and time–frequency (TF) analyses to characterize and classify the flow rates of an understudied region, namely Haiti. Wavelet transforms and cyclostationarity analyses were combined with principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering to identify three groups of hydrological regimes in the country, suggesting similar management: (1) relatively stable flow rates with TF behaviour; (2) periodic and strongly seasonal flow rates; and (3) unstable flow rates. We argue that the TF methodology can yield additional information in regard to flow events and multiscale behaviour, even for short records. Flow rate characterization would benefit from the exhaustive approach described here.

EDITOR Z.W. Kundzewicz ASSOCIATE EDITOR E. Toth     

Hydrological changes in the Ganges system in Bangladesh in the post-Farakka period

Abstract

The basin area of the Ganges River in Bangladesh is extremely dependent on a regular water supply from upstream to meet requirements for agriculture, fisheries, navigation, salinity control, and domestic and industrial sectors. In 1975, India commissioned a barrage on the Ganges River at Farakka to divert a significant portion of the dry season flow in order to make the Calcutta Port navigable. Statistical analyses of discharge and water level data have been carried out to determine if significant changes have occurred in the hydrology of the Ganges system in Bangladesh in the post-Farakka period. Siltation of the Gorai River (an offtake of the Ganges River) has also been examined using the stage-discharge relationship and regression analysis. The analyses show that the diversion has caused considerable hydrological changes in the Ganges system in Bangladesh. The water supply in the dry season has been reduced substantially, while siltation of the Gorai River has increased significantly.     

Depoliticizing water conflict: functional peacebuilding in the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance project

ABSTRACT

This article analyses the nexus of technocracy–peacebuilding and its implications on water conflicts and hydropolitics. It is a conceptual exploration which advances an interdisciplinary approach by combining theories from two distinct research fields: peacebuilding and transboundary water management. It probes the argument that synergies between water management, development and peacebuilding frequently lead to technocratic and functional solutions. As empirical case illustration, the transboundary project, the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance (RSDSWC) is analysed regarding its peacebuilding and peace promoting potential. Three concluding remarks are drawn from the conceptual and empirical analysis. First, strong emphasis on technocratic solutions is inclined to favour supply-oriented options rather than solutions based on ethics of sustainable development and rights-based distribution. Second, functional solutions to water conflicts downplay at times complex hydro-political and asymmetrical relations between adversaries. Third, wider trends of privatization in the water sector coincide with similar developments in the field of peacebuilding, where new transnational actors are gaining influence as “new peacemakers”, which are likely to have long-term consequences on power relations and the resolution of water conflict.

EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis; ASSOCIATE EDITOR not assigned     

A review of methods and frameworks used to determine the environmental water requirements of estuaries

Abstract

Environmental flow requirements of estuaries have been ignored in the past, mostly because of the lack of long-term monitoring data or understanding of the responses to changes in freshwater inflow. In some cases, it was incorrectly assumed that the minimum flows determined for rivers would protect downstream processes and in others the omission of environmental water requirement studies for estuaries was as a result of the sectoral management of water resources or lack of applicable legislation. Three main countries have developed methods for estuaries, i.e. Australia, South Africa and the USA, from practical applications and a learning-by-doing approach. Recent methods take a holistic and adaptive standpoint and are presented as frameworks that include a number of steps and have elements of risk assessment and adaptive management. Most approaches are data rich and emphasize long-term monitoring. This review showed that, although methods are available, implementation is slow and will require strong governance structures, stakeholder participation, monitoring and feedback in an adaptive management cycle.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Guest editor M. Acreman     

Regional models of flow-duration curves of perennial and intermittent streams and their use for calibrating the parameters of a rainfall–runoff model

Abstract

One of the main challenges faced by hydrologists and water engineers is the estimation of variables needed for water resources planning and management in ungauged river basins. To this end, techniques for transposing information, such as hydrological regional analyses, are widely employed. A method is presented for regionalizing flow-duration curves (FDCs) in perennial, intermittent and ephemeral rivers, based on the extended Burr XII probability distribution. This distribution shows great flexibility to fit data, with accurate reproduction of flow extremes. The performance analysis showed that, in general, the regional models are able to synthesize FDCs in ungauged basins, with a few possible drawbacks in the application of the method to intermittent and ephemeral rivers. In addition to the regional models, we summarize the experience of using synthetic FDCs for the indirect calibration of the Rio Grande rainfall–runoff model parameters in ungauged basins.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis

Citation Costa, V., Fernandes, W., and Naghettini, M., 2013. Regional models of flow-duration curves of perennial and intermittent streams and their use for calibrating the parameters of a rainfall–runoff model. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (2), 262–277.     

Implementing environmental flows in integrated water resources management and the ecosystem approach

Abstract

In many of the world’s river basins, the water resources are over-allocated and/or highly modified, access to good quality water is limited or competitive and aquatic ecosystems are degraded. The decline in aquatic ecosystems can impact on human well-being by reducing the ecosystem services provided by healthy rivers, wetlands and floodplains. Basin water resources management requires the determination of water allocation among competing stakeholders including the environment, social needs and economic development. Traditionally, this determination occurred on a volumetric basis to meet basin productivity goals. However, it is difficult to address environmental goals in such a framework, because environmental condition is rarely considered in productivity goals, and short-term variations in river flow may be the most important driver of aquatic ecosystem health. Manipulation of flows to achieve desired outcomes for public supply, food and energy has been implemented for many years. More recently, manipulating flows to achieve ecological outcomes has been proposed. However, the complexity of determining the required flow regimes and the interdependencies between stakeholder outcomes has restricted the implementation of environmental flows as a core component of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). We demonstrate through case studies of the Rhône and Thames river basins in Europe, the Colorado River basin in North America and the Murray-Darling basin in Australia the limitations of traditional environmental flow strategies in integrated water resources management. An alternative ecosystem approach can provide a framework for implementation of environmental flows in basin water resources management, as demonstrated by management of the Pangani River basin in Africa. An ecosystem approach in IWRM leads to management for agreed triple-bottom-line outcomes, rather than productivity or ecological outcomes alone. We recommend that environmental flow management should take on the principles of an ecosystem approach and form an integral part of IWRM.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis

Citation Overton, I.C., Smith, D.M., Dalton J., Barchiesi S., Acreman M.C., Stromberg, J.C., and Kirby, J.M., 2014. Implementing environmental flows in integrated water resources management and the ecosystem approach. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (3–4), 860–877.     

Impact of warming climate on water management for the Ariège River basin (France)

Abstract

The French national project IMAGINE2030 aims to assess future water availability in the Garonne River basin (southwest France) by taking account of changes in both climate and water management in the 2030s. Within this project, two mountainous drainage basins located in the Pyrenees were examined to assess the specific impact of climate change on reservoir management. The Salat River basin at Roquefort, is considered as a proxy (representative of a natural basin), whereas the Ariège River at Foix is influenced by hydropower production in winter and by water releases to sustain low flows in summer. The Cequeau rainfall–runoff model, combined with a simplified model of reservoir management operations, was calibrated on present-day conditions and forced with climate projections derived from the IPCC AR4 report. The results show that a warming climate over the basins induces a decrease in mean annual runoff, a shift to earlier snow melting in mountainous areas and more severe low-flow conditions. The simulations show a decrease in electricity generation. Under two water management scenarios (one “business-as-usual” and the other incorporating an increased downstream water demand in compliance with requirements for increased minimum flow), simulations for the Ariège River basin suggest an earlier filling of the reservoir is necessary in winter to anticipate the increased release from reservoirs in summer to support minimum flow farther downstream.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor D. Hughes

Citation Hendrickx, F. and Sauquet, E., 2013. Impact of warming climate on water management for the Ariège River basin (France). Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (5), 976–993.     

Regional spatial pattern of deep soil water content and its influencing factors

Abstract

Plant root systems can utilize soil water to depths of 10 m or more. Spatial pattern data of deep soil water content (SWC) at the regional scale are scarce due to the labour and time constraints of field measurements. We measured gravimetric deep SWC (DSWC) at depths of 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 and 1000 cm at 382 sites across the Loess Plateau, China. The coefficient of variation was high for soil water content (SWC) in the horizontal direction (48%), but was relatively small for SWC in the vertical direction (9%). Semivariogram ranges for DSWC at different depths were between 198 and 609 km. Kriged distribution maps indicated that deep soil layers became moister along northwest to southeast transects. Multiple statistical analyses related DSWC to plant characteristics (e.g. plant age explained >21% of the variability), geographical location and altitude (8–13%), soil texture and infiltrability, evaporation zone and eco-hydrological processes (P < 0.05). Regional land management decisions can be based on our DSWC distribution data to determine land uses and plant species appropriate for the soil type and location that would maintain a stable soil water balance. Maintaining infiltrability is of great importance in this and other water-scarce regions of the world.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Associate editor J. Simunek

Citation Wang, Y.Q., Shao, M.A., Liu, Z.P. and Warrington, D.N., 2012. Regional spatial pattern of deep soil water content and its influencing factors. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (2), 265–281.     

THE WATER RESOURCES OF THE RIO GRANDE DE TARCOLES BASIN,COSTA RICA

ABSTRACT

Standard hydrological methods have been used to evaluate the water balance of a Central American river basin located in Costa Rica, for the purpose of appraising its water resources potential.

Estimates are made of the present utilization of water by each major sectorial user, and a comparison of demand and supply is presented that enables the determination of the degree of present utilisation of water resources.     

Numerical groundwater modelling as an effective tool for management of water resources in arid areas

Abstract

Groundwater, possibly of fossil origin, is used for water supply in some arid regions where the replenishment of groundwater by precipitation is low. Numerical modelling is a helpful tool in the assessment of groundwater resources and analysis of future exploitation scenarios. To quantify the groundwater resources of the East Owienat area in the southwest of the Western Desert, Egypt, the present study assesses the groundwater resources management of the Nubian aquifer. Groundwater withdrawals have increased in this area, resulting in a disturbance of the aquifer’s natural equilibrium, and the large-scale and ongoing depletion of this critical water reserve. Negative impacts, such as a decline in water levels and increase in salinity, have been experienced. The methodology includes application of numerical groundwater modelling in steady and transient states under different measured and abstraction scenarios. The numerical simulation model developed was applied to assess the responses of the Nubian aquifer water level under different pumping scenarios during the next 30 years. Groundwater management scenarios are evaluated to find an optimal management solution to satisfy future needs. Based on analysis of three different development schemes that were formulated to predict the future response of the aquifer under long-term water stress, a gradual increase in groundwater pumping to 150% of present levels should be adopted for protection and better management of the aquifer. Similar techniques could be used to improve groundwater management in other parts of the country, as well as other similar arid regions.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Associate editor X. Chen     

Coal mine water management: optimization models and field application in North China

Abstract

This paper considers the complexity in resolving the conflicts between mine drainage, water supply, and environmental protection for the coal basin of North China, and presents a management optimization framework that addresses these multiple conflicting issues simultaneously in the most cost effective manner. Due to the various unpredictable accidents which may occur in the coal mining process, such as water bursts, gas leaks, fire and collapse of coal beds, the beneficial use of drainage water from the coal mines is generally low. This case study attempts to address the problem of low beneficial usage for drainage water using the Jiaozuo coal mining district in Henan Province, China. By combining a finite-element groundwater simulation model with an optimization code, the economic benefits of using the drainage water as a stable water supply is maximized, while the adverse impact of mine drainage on the environment is controlled. The results indicate that the management model developed in this study achieves an excellent economic outcome and can serve as a potentially powerful tool for solving mining-related water management problems in the coal basin of North China.

Citation Wu, Q., Hu, B. X., Wan, L. & Zheng, C. (2010) Coal mine water management: optimization models and field application in North China. Hydrol. Sci. J. 55(4), 609–623.     

Integrating water management,habitat modelling and water quality at the basin scale and environmental flow assessment: case study of the Tormes River,Spain

Abstract

Multidisciplinary models are useful for integrating different disciplines when addressing water planning and management problems. We combine water resources management, water quality and habitat analysis tools that were developed with the decision support system AQUATOOL at the basin scale. The water management model solves the allocation problem through network flow optimization and considers the environmental flows in some river stretches. Once volumes and flows are estimated, the water quality model is applied. Furthermore, the flows are evaluated from an ecological perspective using time series of aquatic species habitat indicators. This approach was applied in the Tormes River Water System, where agricultural demands jeopardize the environmental needs of the river ecosystem. Additionally, water quality problems in the lower part of the river result from wastewater loading and agricultural pollution. Our methodological framework can be used to define water management rules that maintain water supply, aquatic ecosystem and legal standards of water quality. The integration of ecological and water management criteria in a software platform with objective criteria and heuristic optimization procedures allows realistic assessment and application of environmental flows to be made. Here, we improve the general methodological framework by assessing the hydrological alteration of selected environmental flow regime scenarios.

Editor D. Koutsoyiannis; Guest editor M. Acreman

Citation Paredes-Arquiola, J., Solera, A., Martinez-Capel, F., Momblanch, A., and Andreu, J., 2014. Integrating water management, habitat modelling and water quality at the basin scale and environmental flow assessment: case study of the Tormes River, Spain. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (3–4), 878–889.     

Un exemple de collaboration internationale en hydrologie

Summary

Forecasts of the discharge of the Rhine at Basel have been studied in Zurich since 1954.

In this programme have cooperated hydro-power companies of Switzerland, Germany and France, French shipping-firms, and the Dutch water management authorities. For the Netherlands the forecast of the summer yield of the Rhine is of great concern, since it is the main resource of fresh water.

The studies have resulted in:

— since 1955, annual forecasts of the yield from snowmelt for periods of one to eight months beginning with March, and monthly and bi-monthly forecasts in winter

— since 1960, forecasts issued 2 to 5 times per week for the next three days, from October to March.

The forecast method is the least squares multiple regression, based on the observations of more than 50 years.

For the short term forecasts, the significant predictors are discharge and rainfall, eventually the snow cover percentage on the Swiss midland plateau. The largest errors of forecast were encountered in thawing conditions. Meteorological forecasts are provided by the Swiss Meteorological Institute.

For the long range forecasts, the alpine snow pack (in practice represented by the cumulative winter precipitations) and the levels of the Swiss lakes play an important role.

The forecasts are used by the hydro-power plants in their operation programmes for maintenance planning, and for proper timing of construction work.

In the future, the probability graduation of these forecasts will also be introduced in the optimisation of power production according to the methods of operations research.     

An assessment of the surface water resources of the Juba-Shabelle basin in southern Somalia

Abstract

The water resources of the Juba and Shabelle rivers in southern Somalia are important for irrigation and food production, but are influenced by seasonal floods. Prior to the outbreak of civil war in 1991, the Somali Ministry of Agriculture successfully operated a hydrometric network covering the Juba and the Shabelle, data from which provided input to a flow forecasting model. The war resulted in the neglect and abandonment of monitoring stations and an enforced cessation of data collection and management. In 2001 and 2002, part of the pre-war hydrometric network was reinstated and water levels were again recorded at some stations. This paper examines the implications of the 11-year hiatus in data collection, and the now much reduced monitoring network, for assessing and managing the surface water resources. The problems faced have relevance to other basins, within Africa and elsewhere, where there has been a similar decline in data collection.

Citation Houghton-Carr, H. A., Print, C. R., Fry, M. J., Gadain, H. & Muchiri, P. (2011) An assessment of the surface water resources of the Juba-Shabelle basin in southern Somalia. Hydrol. Sci. J. 56(5), 759–774.     

Effects of climate and land-use change on green-water variations in the Middle Yellow River,China

Abstract

Water resources management should cover both blue water and green water. For green-water management at the river drainage basin scale, the green-water coefficient (C _gw) is adopted, defined as the ratio of annual green water to annual precipitation. Based on data from the Middle Yellow River basin, China, for the period 1950 to 2007, we studied the temporal variation in C _gw in response to some influencing factors. A decreasing trend in C _gw was found. The influence of changes in land management on C _gw, reflected by an increase in the area (A _sw) of soil and water conservation measures, is emphasized. Using multiple regression analysis, the contributions of A _sw and the 5-year moving averages of annual precipitation and air temperature were estimated as 51, 37 and 12%, respectively. The results may provide useful information for better management of water resources, including green and blue water flows in the Yellow River basin.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor D. Gerten

Citation Xu, J.-X., 2013. Effects of climate and land-use change on green-water variations in the Middle Yellow River, China. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (1), 1–12.