Water

16 pages, 7498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Drainage System Improvement for Climate Change Adaptation

by Narae Kang¹

, Soojun Kim^2,*

, Yonsoo Kim³, Huiseong Noh⁴, Seung Jin Hong¹ and Hung Soo Kim¹

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea

² Columbia Water Center, Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA

³ ERS Division, Insurance Business Service Group LIG System Co., Ltd., Seoul 06153, Korea

⁴ Department of Water Resources Research Division, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT), Goyang 10223, Korea

Water 2016, 8(7), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070268 - 28 Jun 2016

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 13026

Abstract

Recently, urban areas have experienced frequent, large-scale flooding, a situation that has been aggravated by climate change. This study aims to improve the urban drainage system to facilitate climate change adaptation. A methodology and a series of mitigation strategies are presented to efficiently [...] Read more.

Recently, urban areas have experienced frequent, large-scale flooding, a situation that has been aggravated by climate change. This study aims to improve the urban drainage system to facilitate climate change adaptation. A methodology and a series of mitigation strategies are presented to efficiently improve the urban drainage system in light of climate change. In addition, we assess the impact of climate change and predict the scale of potential future flood damage by applying the methodology and mitigation strategies to urban areas. Based on the methodology presented, urban flood prevention measures for Gyeyang-gu (Province), Incheon, Korea, was established. The validity of the proposed alternatives is verified by assessing the economic feasibility of the projects to reduce flood damage. We expect that the methodology presented will aid the decision-making process and assist in the development of reasonable strategies to improve the urban drainage system for adaptation to climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Challenges)

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19 pages, 2994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Approach for Estimating the Recurrence Intervals of Channel-Forming Discharges

by Andy Ward^1,* and Molly Moran²

¹ Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

² Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070269 - 28 Jun 2016

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5712

Abstract

Channel-forming discharges typically are associated with recurrence intervals less than five years and usually less than two years. However, the actual frequency of occurrence of these discharges is often several times more frequent than the statistical expectation. This result was confirmed by using [...] Read more.

Channel-forming discharges typically are associated with recurrence intervals less than five years and usually less than two years. However, the actual frequency of occurrence of these discharges is often several times more frequent than the statistical expectation. This result was confirmed by using the Log-Pearson Type 3 statistical method to analyze measured annual series of instantaneous peaks and peak daily means for 150 catchments in six states in the North Central Region of the United States. Discharge records ranged from 39 to 102 years and catchment sizes ranged from 29 to 6475 km². For each state, mean values of the ratio of the calculated to the expected occurrences exceeded 1.0, for recurrence intervals from two years to 100 years with R-squared values varying from 0.64 to 0.97, respectively. However, catchment-by-catchment variability was too large for the relationships for each state to be useful. We propose a method, called Full Daily Distribution (FDD), which used all of the daily values for the available period of records. The approach provided ratios of calculated to expected occurrences that were approximately 1.0. For recurrence intervals less than five years, the FDD calculated discharges were much greater than those obtained by using the Log-Pearson Type 3 approach with annual series of instantaneous peaks or peak daily means. The method can also calculate discharges for recurrence intervals less than one year. The study indicates a need to enhance the Log-Pearson Type 3 method to provide better estimates of channel-forming discharges and that the proposed FDD could be a useful tool to this purpose. Full article

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21 pages, 7939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Vertical Distribution Law of Precipitation Area: Case of the Xulong Hydropower Station Reservoir, Southwestern China

by Chen Cao

, Qing Wang, Jianping Chen^*, Yunkai Ruan, Lianjing Zheng, Shengyuan Song and Cencen Niu

College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070270 - 28 Jun 2016

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 6404

Abstract

This study focused on landslide susceptibility analysis mapping of the Xulong hydropower station reservoir, which is located in the upstream of Jinsha River, a rapidly uplifting region of the Tibetan Plateau region. Nine factors were employed as landslide conditioning factors in landslide susceptibility [...] Read more.

This study focused on landslide susceptibility analysis mapping of the Xulong hydropower station reservoir, which is located in the upstream of Jinsha River, a rapidly uplifting region of the Tibetan Plateau region. Nine factors were employed as landslide conditioning factors in landslide susceptibility mapping. These factors included the slope angle, slope aspect, curvature, geology, distance-to-fault, distance-to-river, vegetation, bedrock uplift and annual precipitation. The rapid bedrock uplift factor was represented by the slope angle. The eight factors were processed with the information content model. Since this area has a significant vertical distribution law of precipitation, the annual precipitation factor was analyzed separately. The analytic hierarchy process weighting method was used to calculate the weights of nine factors. Thus, this study proposed a component approach to combine the normalized eight-factor results with the normalized annual precipitation distribution results. Subsequently, the results were plotted in geographic information system (GIS) and a landslide susceptibility map was produced. The evaluation accuracy analysis method was used as a validation approach. The landslide susceptibility classes were divided into four classes, including low, moderate, high and very high. The results show that the four susceptibility class ratios are 12.9%, 35.06%, 34.11%and 17.92% of the study area, respectively. The red belt in the high elevation area represents the very high susceptibility zones, which followed the vertical distribution law of precipitation. The prediction accuracy was 85.74%, which meant that the susceptibility map was confirmed to be reliable and reasonable. This susceptibility map may contribute to averting the landslide risk in the future construction of the Xulong hydropower station. Full article

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25 pages, 5871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Model Approach Using Statistical Index and Information Criteria to Evaluate the Adequacy of the Model Geometry in a Fissured Carbonate Aquifer (Italy)

by Marco Giacopetti^1,*, Ezio Crestaz², Marco Materazzi¹

, Gilberto Pambianchi¹ and Kristijan Posavec³

¹ School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, Geology Division, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy

² DISTeVA, Dpartment of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Via Cà le Suore, 2/4, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy

³ Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, Zagreb 10000, Croatia

Water 2016, 8(7), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070271 - 28 Jun 2016

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6090

Abstract

A conceptual model related to a mountain aquifer that is characterized by a lack of data of hydrogeological parameters and boundary conditions, which were based on a single available observational dataset used for calibration, was studied using numerical models. For the first time, [...] Read more.

A conceptual model related to a mountain aquifer that is characterized by a lack of data of hydrogeological parameters and boundary conditions, which were based on a single available observational dataset used for calibration, was studied using numerical models. For the first time, a preliminary spatial-temporal analysis has been applied to the study area in order to evaluate the real extension of the aquifer studied. The analysis was based on four models that were characterized by an increasing degree of complexity using a minimum of two zones and a maximum of five zones, which consequently increased the number of adjustable parameters from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 22, calibrated using the parameter estimation code PEST. Statistical index and information criteria were calculated for each model, which showed comparable results; the information criteria indicated that the model with the low number of adjustable parameters was the optimal model. A comparison of the simulated and observed spring hydrographs showed a good shape correspondence but a general overestimation of the discharge, which indicated a good fit with the rainfall time series and a probably incorrect extension of the aquifer structure: the recharge contributes more than half of the total outflow at the springs but is not able to completely feed the springs. Full article

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15 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Sensitive Urban Design: An Investigation of Current Systems, Implementation Drivers, Community Perceptions and Potential to Supplement Urban Water Services

by Ashok K. Sharma^1,2,*

, David Pezzaniti³, Baden Myers³

, Stephen Cook², Grace Tjandraatmadja², Priya Chacko⁴, Sattar Chavoshi³, David Kemp³, Rosemary Leonard⁵, Barbara Koth³ and Andrea Walton⁶

¹ Institute of Sustainability and Innovation, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

² CSIRO Land and Water, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia

³ University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Adelaide, SA 5095, Australia

⁴ CSIRO Land and Water, Waite campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia

⁵ CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Floreat Campus, Floreat, WA 6913, Australia

⁶ CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, ESP, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia

Water 2016, 8(7), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070272 - 28 Jun 2016

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 19917

Abstract

Large scale centralised water, wastewater and stormwater systems have been implemented for over 100 years. These systems have provided a safe drinking water supply, efficient collection and disposal of wastewater to protect human health, and the mitigation of urban flood risk. The sustainability [...] Read more.

Large scale centralised water, wastewater and stormwater systems have been implemented for over 100 years. These systems have provided a safe drinking water supply, efficient collection and disposal of wastewater to protect human health, and the mitigation of urban flood risk. The sustainability of current urban water systems is under pressure from a range of challenges which include: rapid population growth and resulting urbanisation, climate change impacts, and infrastructure that is ageing and reaching capacity constraints. To address these issues, urban water services are now being implemented with Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) approaches. WSUD systems can deliver multiple benefits including water conservation, stormwater quality improvement, flood control, landscape amenity and a healthy living environment. These systems can be provided as stand-alone systems or in combination with centralised systems. These systems are still novel and thus face knowledge gaps that are impeding their mainstream uptake. Knowledge gaps cover technical, economic, social, and institutional aspects of their implementation. This paper is based on the outcomes of a comprehensive study conducted in South Australia which investigated impediments for mainstream uptake of WSUD, community perceptions of WSUD and potential of WSUD to achieve water conservation through the application of alternative resources, and in flood management. The outcomes are discussed in this paper for the benefit of water professionals engaged with WSUD planning, implementation, community consultation and regulation. Although the paper is based on a study conducted in South Australia, the comprehensive framework developed to conduct this detailed study and investigation can be adopted in any part of the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Drainage and Urban Stormwater Management)

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20 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Participation in Water Planning in the Ebro River Basin (Spain) and Tucson Basin (U.S., Arizona): Impact on Water Policy and Adaptive Capacity Building

by Alba Ballester^1,* and Kelly E. Mott Lacroix²

¹ Institut de Govern i Polítiques Públiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus UAB-Edifici MRA, Bellaterra 08193, Spain

² Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona, 350 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070273 - 29 Jun 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 10366

Abstract

The benefits of public participation in water management are recognized by governments, scholars, and stakeholders. These benefits, however, do not result from all engagement endeavors. This leads to the question: What are the determinants for effective public participation? Given a list of criteria [...] Read more.

The benefits of public participation in water management are recognized by governments, scholars, and stakeholders. These benefits, however, do not result from all engagement endeavors. This leads to the question: What are the determinants for effective public participation? Given a list of criteria for achieving the transformational capacity of participation, we analyze the benefits (including the influence on public policies) gained through public participation and the determinant factors for obtaining these benefits in the Ebro River Basin in Spain and in the Tucson Basin in Arizona (U.S.). Furthermore, and considering that droughts and floods are major water management challenges in both case studies, we focus on the potential of participation to build adaptive capacity. Our analysis of these case studies concludes that influence on public policies is determined more by the context of the participatory process, i.e., legal framework, political leadership, and social awareness, whereas influence on adaptive capacity building depends more on the characteristics of the participatory process, particularly the existence of active on-site consultation and deliberation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management)

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25 pages, 966 KiB

Open AccessReview

Intermittent Domestic Water Supply: A Critical Review and Analysis of Causal-Consequential Pathways

by S. E. Galaitsi^1,*, Robert Russell², Amahl Bishara³, John L. Durant⁴

, Jennifer Bogle⁵ and Annette Huber-Lee^1,4

¹ US-Center, Stockholm Environment Institute, Medford, MA 02155, USA

² Strategic Environmental Consulting, 9 Spruce Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

³ Department of Anthropology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA

⁴ Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA

⁵ Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070274 - 30 Jun 2016

Cited by 145 | Viewed by 16681

Abstract

Communities in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, face obstacles in supplying continuous water to household consumers. Authorities often cite water scarcity as the cause, but we demonstrate that environmental constraints constitute only one aspect of a multi-dimensional problem. By [...] Read more.

Communities in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, face obstacles in supplying continuous water to household consumers. Authorities often cite water scarcity as the cause, but we demonstrate that environmental constraints constitute only one aspect of a multi-dimensional problem. By asking what causes intermittent domestic water supply, this literature review (129 articles) identifies 47 conditions of intermittent systems and the causal-consequential pathways between them that can reinforce intermittency. These pathways span several disciplines including engineering, government administration and anthropology, and when viewed together they (1) emphasize the human drivers of intermittency; (2) suggest generalized interventions; and (3) reveal a gap in the literature in terms of meaningful categorizations of the reliability of intermittent supplies. Based on the reliability of consumers’ water access, we propose three categories of intermittency—predictable, irregular, and unreliable—to facilitate comparisons between case studies and transfers of solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Challenges)

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20 pages, 3569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Participatory Stakeholder Process to Plan Water Development in Koraro, Ethiopia

by Katherine Alfredo^1,*

, Franco A. Montalto², Timothy Bartrand^2,3, Tsegay Wolde-Georgis⁴ and Upmanu Lall¹

¹ Columbia Water Center, Earth Institute, Columbia University, 500 W120 Street, New York, NY 10027, USA

² Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

³ Corona Environmental Consulting, 150 Monument Rd., Suite 207, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, USA

⁴ Consortium for Capacity Building at INSTAR, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070275 - 30 Jun 2016

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6985

Abstract

This article reports the results of a one-day participatory workshop in Koraro, Ethiopia conducted prior to major development interventions in the region. The methodology of the workshop, structured to generate data useful for understanding the physical and social systems integral to water resources [...] Read more.

This article reports the results of a one-day participatory workshop in Koraro, Ethiopia conducted prior to major development interventions in the region. The methodology of the workshop, structured to generate data useful for understanding the physical and social systems integral to water resources planning, provides a framework for future water need explorations in similar settings in Ethiopia and elsewhere. The use of only improved water sources as a metric for access to water under-represents the situation in Koraro, as many rely on streambeds for water due to the perceived cleanliness and low salinity of this unimproved water source. The reliance on metrics common in the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, such as a minimum distance to a water source and the categorization of potable water based on type of water source, using varying figures (from as many as 30 to as few as four) can lead to assessments regarding the amount of additional sources necessary to allow access to specific locales, that are not consistent with actual need. Since the workshop, the Millennium Village Project has constructed over 30 wells in the region, following the most commonly used distance and source type metrics with less than desirable results. The water access evaluations alone do not address the needs of Koraro residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management)

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22 pages, 4671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Moisture Retrieval Based on GPS Signal Strength Attenuation

by Franziska Koch^1,*, Florian Schlenz¹, Monika Prasch¹, Florian Appel²

, Tobias Ruf² and Wolfram Mauser¹

¹ Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Luisenstr 37, Munich 80333, Germany

² Vista GmbH, Gabelsbergerstr 51, Munich 80333, Germany

Water 2016, 8(7), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070276 - 2 Jul 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9865

Abstract

Soil moisture (SM) is a highly relevant variable for agriculture, the emergence of floods and a key variable in the global energy and water cycle. In the last years, several satellite missions have been launched especially to derive large-scale products of the SM [...] Read more.

Soil moisture (SM) is a highly relevant variable for agriculture, the emergence of floods and a key variable in the global energy and water cycle. In the last years, several satellite missions have been launched especially to derive large-scale products of the SM dynamics on the Earth. However, in situ validation data are often scarce. We developed a new method to retrieve SM of bare soil from measurements of low-cost GPS (Global Positioning System) sensors that receive the freely available GPS L1-band signals. The experimental setup of three GPS sensors was installed at a bare soil field at the German Weather Service (DWD) in Munich for almost 1.5 years. Two GPS antennas were installed within the soil column at a depth of 10 cm and one above the soil. SM was successfully retrieved based on GPS signal strength losses through the integral soil volume. The results show high agreement with measured and modelled SM validation data. Due to its non-destructive, cheap and low power setup, GPS sensor networks could also be used for potential applications in remote areas, aiming to serve as satellite validation data and to support the fields of agriculture, water supply, flood forecasting and climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Soil Moisture)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retention of Silica Nanoparticles in a Lab-Scale Membrane Bioreactor: Implications for Process Performance and Membrane Fouling

by Mark Larracas Sibag¹, Soo Mi Lee¹, Hee Jun Kim² and Jinwoo Cho^1,*

¹ Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-747, Korea

² JIU Corporation, Yangcheon-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul 157-801, Korea

Water 2016, 8(7), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070277 - 4 Jul 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6234

Abstract

In conventional activated sludge (CAS) involving aerobic biological processes, the retention of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) has no detrimental effect on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃–N) removal. However, for the membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, which is also [...] Read more.

In conventional activated sludge (CAS) involving aerobic biological processes, the retention of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) has no detrimental effect on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃–N) removal. However, for the membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, which is also based on the activated sludge process in addition to the membrane separation process, it has implications not only on the process performance but also on membrane fouling. To investigate these two implications in lab-scale experiments, we continuously operated a control MBR and two experimental MBRs, in which the 28 nm SiO₂ NPs and 144 nm SiO₂ NPs were added separately to the influent at a final concentration of 100 mg/L. Although the retention of SiO₂ NPs in the MBR, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, did not compromise the COD and NH₃–N removal, it resulted in substantial increases in the transmembrane pressure (TMP) suggesting the onset of membrane fouling. Analyses by batch-dead end filtration revealed the same fouling trend as observed during the continuous MBR experiments; membrane fouling is aggravated in the presence of SiO₂ NPs. This was evident from permeate flux decline of between 30% and 74% at very low TMP (5 kPa) and the further increases in the total resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Membranes for Water Treatment)

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Graphical abstract

23 pages, 2792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Rainfall Characteristics on Total Suspended Solids in Urban Runoff: A Case Study in Beijing, China

by Yongwei Gong¹, Xiaoying Liang¹, Xiaoning Li², Junqi Li^1,*, Xing Fang^2,3

and Ruining Song⁴

¹ Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China

² Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5337, USA

³ Beijing Cooperative Innovation Research Center on Architectural Energy Saving and Emission Reduction, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China

⁴ Beijing Water Science and Technology Institute, Beijing 100048, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070278 - 7 Jul 2016

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 11452

Abstract

An urban rainfall-runoff water quality model was developed to simulate total suspend solids (TSS) using the stormwater management model (SWMM) for a 3.8 ha university campus in Beijing (approximately 76.5% impervious), and calibrated and validated against data from two observed rainfall events (221.2 [...] Read more.

An urban rainfall-runoff water quality model was developed to simulate total suspend solids (TSS) using the stormwater management model (SWMM) for a 3.8 ha university campus in Beijing (approximately 76.5% impervious), and calibrated and validated against data from two observed rainfall events (221.2 and 16.6 mm rainfall). Model performance is satisfactory (Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency 0.8 and 0.72 for flow and 0.74 and 0.51 for TSS concentration, respectively). A series of sensitivity model runs were conducted using the calibrated SWMM to study the influences of rainfall characteristics (rainfall hyetographs, depths and durations) and surface flooding on the TSS concentration in outlet runoff of the catchment. The Pilgrim and Cordery rainfall distribution defines a first-quartile storm (the most severe) and results in the highest peak discharge and TSS concentration at the outlet but the lowest outlet TSS load because of the highest TSS flood loss (32.3%). The simulated TSS pollutograph resulting from the Keifer and Chu rainfall distribution (with r = 0.5) is almost identical to that resulting from the alternating block rainfall distribution. Under the same rainfall hyetograph, simulated peak discharge and outlet TSS load are positively correlated (R² = 0.95) to the rainfall depth as a function of the return period. Full article

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23 pages, 2657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Validation of Cisco Lethal Conditions in Minnesota Lakes under Past and Future Climate Scenarios Using Constant Survival Limits

by Liping Jiang and Xing Fang^*

Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5337, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070279 - 7 Jul 2016

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5921

Abstract

Fish habitat in lakes is strongly constrained by water temperature (T) and available dissolved oxygen (DO) that are changed under climate warming. A one dimensional, dynamic water quality model MINLAKE2012 was used for T and DO simulation over 48 years. A [...] Read more.

Fish habitat in lakes is strongly constrained by water temperature (T) and available dissolved oxygen (DO) that are changed under climate warming. A one dimensional, dynamic water quality model MINLAKE2012 was used for T and DO simulation over 48 years. A fish habitat model FishHabitat2013 using simulated T and DO profiles as input was developed to determine lethal conditions of cisco Corgenous artedi in Minnesota lakes. Twenty-three lakes that had observations of cisco mortality or survival in the unusually warm summer of 2006 were used for model validation. The cisco habitat model used a lethal temperature of 22.1 °C and DO survival limit of 3 mg/L determined through model validation and sensitivity analysis. Cisco lethal conditions in 12 shallow, 16 medium-depth, and 30 deep virtual lakes were then simulated. Isopleths of total number of years with cisco kill and average cisco kill days for the years with kills under past (1961–2008) and future climate were generated to understand/extrapolate climate impacts on cisco in 620 Minnesota lakes. Shallow and medium-depth lakes are projected to not be good candidates for cisco refuge lakes, but deep lakes are possible cisco refuge lakes based on lethal condition projection under future warmer climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Effects on Freshwater Organisms and Ecosystems)

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17 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conflict Management in Participatory Approaches to Water Management: A Case Study of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River Regulation

by Alison Furber^*, Wietske Medema

, Jan Adamowski

, Murray Clamen and Meetu Vijay

Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, 845 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada

Water 2016, 8(7), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070280 - 8 Jul 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8983

Abstract

The International Joint Commission (IJC) has been involved in a 14-year effort to formulate a new water regulation plan for the Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River (“LOSLR”) area that balances the interests of a diverse group of stakeholders including shipping and navigation, hydropower, [...] Read more.

The International Joint Commission (IJC) has been involved in a 14-year effort to formulate a new water regulation plan for the Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River (“LOSLR”) area that balances the interests of a diverse group of stakeholders including shipping and navigation, hydropower, environment, recreational boating, municipal and domestic water supply, First Nations, and shoreline property owners. It has embraced the principles of collaborative and participatory management and, applying a Shared Visioning Planning (SVP) approach, has worked closely with stakeholders throughout all stages of this process; however, conflicts between competing stakeholders have delayed and complicated this effort. The overarching aim of this paper is to consider the extent to which the SVP approach employed by the IJC was effective in managing conflict in the LOSLR context. Audio recordings and transcriptions of public and technical hearings held by the IJC in 2013 have been systematically analysed using stakeholder mapping and content analysis methods, to gain insight into the stakeholder universe interacting with the IJC on Plan 2014. The principal conclusions of this paper are that (a) the Shared Vision Planning approach employed by the IJC had some significant successes in terms of conflict management—particularly notable is the success that has been achieved with regards to integration of First Nation concerns; (b) there is a distinct group of shoreline property owners, based in New York State, who remain opposed to Plan 2014—the IJC’s public outreach and participation efforts have not been successful in reconciling their position with that of other stakeholders due to the fact that this stakeholder group perceive that they can only lose out from any regulation change and are therefore unlikely to be motivated to engage productively in any planning dialogue; and (c) a solution would require that the problem be reframed so that this stakeholder can see that they do in fact have something to gain from a successful resolution, which may necessitate bringing the prospect of compensation to the table. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management)

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20 pages, 7259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Satellite Precipitation Products with Rain Gauge Data at Different Scales: Implications for Hydrological Applications

by Ruifang Guo^1,2

and Yuanbo Liu^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Watershed Geographic Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 73 East Beijing Road, Nanjing 210008, China

² University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070281 - 9 Jul 2016

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 7585

Abstract

Rain gauge and satellite-retrieved data have been widely used in basin-scale hydrological applications. While rain gauges provide accurate measurements that are generally unevenly distributed in space, satellites offer spatially regular observations and common error prone retrieval. Comparative evaluation of gauge-based and satellite-based data [...] Read more.

Rain gauge and satellite-retrieved data have been widely used in basin-scale hydrological applications. While rain gauges provide accurate measurements that are generally unevenly distributed in space, satellites offer spatially regular observations and common error prone retrieval. Comparative evaluation of gauge-based and satellite-based data is necessary in hydrological studies, as precipitation is the most important input in basin-scale water balance. This study uses quality-controlled rain gauge data and prevailing satellite products (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43, 3B42 and 3B42RT) to examine the consistency and discrepancies between them at different scales. Rain gauges and TRMM products were available in the Poyang Lake Basin, China, from 1998 to 2007 (3B42RT: 2000–2007). Our results show that the performance of TRMM products generally increases with increasing spatial scale. At both the monthly and annual scales, the accuracy is highest for TRMM 3B43, with 3B42 second and 3B42RT third. TRMM products generally overestimate precipitation because of a high frequency and degree of overestimation in light and moderate rain cases. At the daily scale, the accuracy is relatively low between TRMM 3B42 and 3B42RT. Meanwhile, the performances of TRMM 3B42 and 3B42RT are highly variable in different seasons. At both the basin and pixel scales, TRMM 3B43 and 3B42 exhibit significant discrepancies from July to September, performing worst in September. For TRMM 3B42RT, all statistical indices fluctuate and are low throughout the year, performing worst in July at the pixel scale and January at the basin scale. Furthermore, the spatial distributions of the statistical indices of TRMM 3B43 and 3B42 performed well, while TRMM 3B42RT displayed a poor performance. Full article

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18 pages, 4304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Tree-Based Models for Multi-Variate Flood Damage Assessment in Australia

by Roozbeh Hasanzadeh Nafari^1,*

, Tuan Ngo² and Priyan Mendis³

¹ Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety (CDMPS), Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

² Director of the Advanced Protective Technologies for Engineering Structures (APTES) Group, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

³ Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

Water 2016, 8(7), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070282 - 9 Jul 2016

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8354

Abstract

Flood is a frequent natural hazard that has significant financial consequences for Australia. In Australia, physical losses caused by floods are commonly estimated by stage-damage functions. These methods usually consider only the depth of the water and the type of buildings at risk. [...] Read more.

Flood is a frequent natural hazard that has significant financial consequences for Australia. In Australia, physical losses caused by floods are commonly estimated by stage-damage functions. These methods usually consider only the depth of the water and the type of buildings at risk. However, flood damage is a complicated process, and it is dependent on a variety of factors which are rarely taken into account. This study explores the interaction, importance, and influence of water depth, flow velocity, water contamination, precautionary measures, emergency measures, flood experience, floor area, building value, building quality, and socioeconomic status. The study uses tree-based models (regression trees and bagging decision trees) and a dataset collected from 2012 to 2013 flood events in Queensland, which includes information on structural damages, impact parameters, and resistance variables. The tree-based approaches show water depth, floor area, precautionary measures, building value, and building quality to be important damage-influencing parameters. Furthermore, the performance of the tree-based models is validated and contrasted with the outcomes of a multi-parameter loss function (FLFA_rs) from Australia. The tree-based models are shown to be more accurate than the stage-damage function. Consequently, considering more parameters and taking advantage of tree-based models is recommended. The outcome is important for improving established Australian flood loss models and assisting decision-makers and insurance companies dealing with flood risk assessment. Full article

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16 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fall and Rise of the Kishon River

by Tal Golan

Department of History, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0104, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070283 - 9 Jul 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8719

Abstract

This paper recounts the environmental history of a main waterway in Northern Israel—the Kishon, and deploys this history to examine the evolution of Israel water policy as it struggled to bridge the growing gap between its ambitions of development and the realities of [...] Read more.

This paper recounts the environmental history of a main waterway in Northern Israel—the Kishon, and deploys this history to examine the evolution of Israel water policy as it struggled to bridge the growing gap between its ambitions of development and the realities of its limited water supply. The first part of the paper describes the decay of the Kishon since the early 1950s, and the multiple scientific, political and legal attempts to alleviate its misfortunes, and discusses the reasons for their failings. Some of these reasons were administrative by nature, but the paper suggests a deeper reason, rooted in the ideological core of the infant state that was overwhelmingly concerned with the development of its infrastructure, and invited the pioneering Israeli society to consider the demise of the Kishon as a necessary sacrifice for progress. The second part of the paper describes the late-20th century developments that allowed for the recovery of the ailing river. Changing social mores, the growing importance of environmental politics, the advance of Israel’s water technologies, and an environmental scandal that endowed the rehabilitation of the Kishon with a new political and moral meaning, have all contributed to the rehabilitation of the river. Once a testament for the sacrifices involved in a struggle to create a viable state, the Kishon has become a theater for a confident society that has triumphed in its struggle against nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainable Water Resources Management)

26 pages, 3626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flood Adaptation Measures Applicable in the Design of Urban Public Spaces: Proposal for a Conceptual Framework

by Maria Matos Silva^*

and João Pedro Costa

Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Arquitetura, CIAUD, Centro de Investigação em Arquitetura, Urbanismo e Design, Rua Sá Nogueira, Pólo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, Lisbon 1349-063, Portugal

Water 2016, 8(7), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070284 - 12 Jul 2016

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 13208

Abstract

Assuming the importance of public space design in the implementation of effective adaptation action towards urban flooding, this paper identifies and systematizes a wide range of flood adaptation measures pertinent to the design of public spaces. It presents findings from both a systematic [...] Read more.

Assuming the importance of public space design in the implementation of effective adaptation action towards urban flooding, this paper identifies and systematizes a wide range of flood adaptation measures pertinent to the design of public spaces. It presents findings from both a systematic literature review and an empirical analysis retrieved from concrete public space design precedents. It concludes with the presentation of a conceptual framework that organizes the identified measures in accordance to their main, and secondary, infrastructural strategies. The intention behind the disclosed framework is to aid a multitude of professionals during the initial exploratory phases of public space projects that incorporate flooding adaptation capacities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Challenges)

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19 pages, 3064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Salinity on Saint-Augustin Lake, Canada: Remediation Measures at Watershed Scale

by Gaëlle Guesdon^*, Ana De Santiago-Martín, Sébastien Raymond, Hamdi Messaoud, Arthur Michaux, Samuel Roy and Rosa Galvez

Department of Civil and Water Engineering, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada

Water 2016, 8(7), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070285 - 11 Jul 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7702

Abstract

Winter road network management is a source of anthropogenic salinity in the Saint-Augustin Lake watershed (Quebec City, QC, Canada). To prevent the potential impact caused by road runoff involving de-icing salts (NaCl) and trace metals (Cd and Pb) on the watershed, a full-scale [...] Read more.

Winter road network management is a source of anthropogenic salinity in the Saint-Augustin Lake watershed (Quebec City, QC, Canada). To prevent the potential impact caused by road runoff involving de-icing salts (NaCl) and trace metals (Cd and Pb) on the watershed, a full-scale treatment chain system (including a detention basin, a filtering bed, and a constructed wetland) was built. Average Cl and Na concentrations in groundwater were higher in wells affected by road network (125 mg/L Cl and 64 mg/L Na) than in control wells (13 mg/L Cl and 33 mg/L Na) suggesting a contamination by de-icing salts. The monitoring of influent and effluent surface water in the treatment system has shown a seasonal dependence in NaCl concentrations and electrical conductivity values, being the highest in summer, linked with the lower precipitation and higher temperature. Concentration ranges were as follows: 114–846 mg/L Na and 158–1757 mg/L Cl (summer) > 61–559 mg/L Na and 63–799 mg/L Cl (spring and autumn). The treatment system removal efficiency was significant, however with seasonal variations: 16%–20% Cl, 3%–25% Na, 7%–10% Cd and 7%–36% Pb. The treatment system has shown an interesting potential to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic salinity at watershed scale with higher expected performances in the subsequent years of operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Watershed Protection and Management)

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14 pages, 1456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isotopic Characterization of River Waters and Water Source Identification in an Inland River, Central Asia

by Yuting Fan^1,*, Yaning Chen², Qing He¹, Weihong Li² and Yun Wang²

¹ Key Laboratory of Tree-Ring Physical and Chemical Research of China Meteorological Administration/Xinjiang Laboratory of Tree Ring Ecology, Institute of Desert Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Urumqi 830002, China

² State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, CAS, Urumqi 830011, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070286 - 12 Jul 2016

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7604

Abstract

Understanding runoff generation and dynamics is the basis for water resource management, while water isotopic ratios are a potential tool for studying the mechanism on a large scale. In this paper, spatial variations of δ¹⁸O and δD of river water and [...] Read more.

Understanding runoff generation and dynamics is the basis for water resource management, while water isotopic ratios are a potential tool for studying the mechanism on a large scale. In this paper, spatial variations of δ¹⁸O and δD of river water and their sources within a large region of the Tarim River were investigated. The results showed obvious spatial variations of both water isotope values along the river flow direction, and significant seasonal variation occurred within the river water isotopes. This indicated that different proportions of rain and melt water entering river water should lead to spatial variation, and for mid-stream and downstream regions, the transformation relationship between surface water and groundwater should consider less input of melt water. Furthermore, we quantitatively determine the ratio of different water sources using the stable isotope mass balance method and other stable tracer elements. Results showed the contribution of ice-snowmelt water varied from 14.97% to 40.85%, that of rain varied from 9.04% to 54.80%, and that of groundwater varied from 15.34% to 58.85%, and they also showed that baseflow is a factor connecting melt water and groundwater, which meant the Hotan River and the Yarkand River are melt water–dependent rivers, and seasonal precipitation is the main water supply source of baseflow in the Aksu River and the Kaidu River. Full article

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15 pages, 1161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bayesian Regression and Neuro-Fuzzy Methods Reliability Assessment for Estimating Streamflow

by Yaseen A. Hamaamin^1,2, Amir Pouyan Nejadhashemi^1,*

, Zhen Zhang³, Subhasis Giri¹ and Sean A. Woznicki¹

¹ Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

² Department of Civil Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq

³ Physical Sciences Division, Department of Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070287 - 13 Jul 2016

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6040

Abstract

Accurate and efficient estimation of streamflow in a watershed’s tributaries is prerequisite parameter for viable water resources management. This study couples process-driven and data-driven methods of streamflow forecasting as a more efficient and cost-effective approach to water resources planning and management. Two data-driven [...] Read more.

Accurate and efficient estimation of streamflow in a watershed’s tributaries is prerequisite parameter for viable water resources management. This study couples process-driven and data-driven methods of streamflow forecasting as a more efficient and cost-effective approach to water resources planning and management. Two data-driven methods, Bayesian regression and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), were tested separately as a faster alternative to a calibrated and validated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to predict streamflow in the Saginaw River Watershed of Michigan. For the data-driven modeling process, four structures were assumed and tested: general, temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal. Results showed that both Bayesian regression and ANFIS can replicate global (watershed) and local (subbasin) results similar to a calibrated SWAT model. At the global level, Bayesian regression and ANFIS model performance were satisfactory based on Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies of 0.99 and 0.97, respectively. At the subbasin level, Bayesian regression and ANFIS models were satisfactory for 155 and 151 subbasins out of 155 subbasins, respectively. Overall, the most accurate method was a spatiotemporal Bayesian regression model that outperformed other models at global and local scales. However, all ANFIS models performed satisfactory at both scales. Full article

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16 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Freshwater Provisioning for Different Ecosystem Services in the Upper Mississippi River Basin: Current Status and Drivers

by Ping Li^1,2, Indrajeet Chaubey^2,3, Rebecca L. Muenich⁴ and Xiaomei Wei^1,*

¹ College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, 23 Weihui Road, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China

² Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

³ Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 South University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

⁴ Graham Sustainability Institute, University of Michigan, 214 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070288 - 13 Jul 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7045

Abstract

With the high demand for freshwater and its vital role in sustaining multiple ecosystem services, it is important to quantify and evaluate freshwater provisioning for various services (e.g., drinking, fisheries, recreation). Research on ecosystem services has increased recently, though relatively fewer studies apply [...] Read more.

With the high demand for freshwater and its vital role in sustaining multiple ecosystem services, it is important to quantify and evaluate freshwater provisioning for various services (e.g., drinking, fisheries, recreation). Research on ecosystem services has increased recently, though relatively fewer studies apply a data driven approach to quantify freshwater provisioning for different ecosystem services. In this study, freshwater provisioning was quantified annually from 1995 to 2013 for 13 watersheds in the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB). Results showed that the annual freshwater provision indices for all watersheds were less than one indicating that freshwater provisioning is diminished in the UMRB. The concentrations of sediment and nutrients (total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) are the most sensitive factors that impact freshwater provisioning in the UMRB. A significant linear relationship was observed between precipitation and freshwater provisioning index. During wet periods freshwater provisioning generally decreased in the study watersheds, primarily because of relatively high concentrations and loads of sediment and nutrients delivered from nonpoint sources. Results from this study may provide an insight, as well as an example of a data-driven approach to enhance freshwater provisioning for different ecosystem services and to develop a sustainable and integrated watershed management approach for the UMRB. Full article

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19 pages, 1975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Probability of Surface Artificialization in Zêzere Watershed (Portugal) Using Environmental Data

by Bruno M. Meneses^1,*

, Eusébio Reis¹, Maria J. Vale² and Rui Reis²

¹ Centre for Geographical Studies, Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning, Universidade de Lisboa, Edif. IGOT, Rua Branca Edmée Marques, 1600-276 Lisboa, Portugal

² General Directorate for Territorial Development (DGT), Rua da Artilharia Um, 107, 1099-052 Lisboa, Portugal

Water 2016, 8(7), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070289 - 13 Jul 2016

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6562

Abstract

The land use and land cover (LUC) of the Zêzere watershed (Portugal) have undergone major changes in recent decades, with the increase of artificial surfaces. This trend is quantified in some studies, but the probability of the increase of this type of LUC, [...] Read more.

The land use and land cover (LUC) of the Zêzere watershed (Portugal) have undergone major changes in recent decades, with the increase of artificial surfaces. This trend is quantified in some studies, but the probability of the increase of this type of LUC, nor the places where the next transitions or land use/cover changes (LUCC) for artificial surfaces will have high probability of occurrence has not yet been assessed. This research presents an evaluation of these two aspects, by means of bivariate statistical models (fuzzy logic and information value) and environmental data. The artificialization probability by sectors within the same watershed is also evaluated, to further understand which areas will require greater attention, taking into account the environmental conditions favorable to the occurrence of this process and bearing in mind the conditions under which this process took place in the past. The results obtained using these models were assessed independently, through curves of success, noting that the modeling through the fuzzy gamma presents slightly better efficiency in determining the probability of artificialization surfaces in the study area. The area with the highest probability of artificialization is mostly located in the SW of this watershed, but high probabilities are also present in the upstream sector, being those areas that require further preventive measures once they have influence on the water quality and quantity in the main reservoirs of this watershed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Watershed Protection and Management)

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14 pages, 4113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Upstream Detention Reservoir Facilities for Downstream Flood Mitigation in Urban Areas

by Thi Thuy Ngo¹

, Do Guen Yoo², Yong Sik Lee¹ and Joong Hoon Kim^1,*

¹ Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-713, Korea

² K-Water Research Institute, Korea Water Resources Corporation, 200 Sintangin-Ro, Daedeok-Gu, Daejeon 34350, Korea

Water 2016, 8(7), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070290 - 14 Jul 2016

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9567

Abstract

A detention reservoir is one of the most effective engineered solutions for flood damage mitigation in urban areas. Detention facilities are constructed to temporarily store storm water and then slowly drain when the peak period has passed. This delayed drainage may coincide with [...] Read more.

A detention reservoir is one of the most effective engineered solutions for flood damage mitigation in urban areas. Detention facilities are constructed to temporarily store storm water and then slowly drain when the peak period has passed. This delayed drainage may coincide with upstream floods and aggravate the flood risk downstream. Optimal operation and design are needed to improve the performance of detention reservoirs for flood reduction. This study couples hydrologic simulation software (EPA-SWMM) with an evolutional optimizer (extraordinary particle swarm optimization, EPSO) to minimize flood damage downstream while considering the inundation risk at the detention reservoir. The optimum design and operation are applied to an urban case study in Seoul, Korea, for historical severe flooding events and designed rainfall scenarios. The optimal facilities outperform the present facilities in terms of flood damage reduction both downstream and in the detention reservoir area. Specifically, the peak water level at the detention pond under optimal conditions is significantly smaller than that of the current conditions. The comparison of the total flooded volume in the whole watershed shows a dramatic reduction of 79% in a severe flooding event in 2010 and around 20% in 2011 and in 180 min designed rainfall scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydroinformatics and Urban Water Systems)

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24 pages, 1448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Existing Opportunities to Adapt the Rio Grande/Bravo Basin Water Resources Allocation Framework

by Luzma Fabiola Nava^1,*

, Christopher Brown², Katalin Demeter³, Frédéric Lasserre⁴

, Maria Milanés-Murcia^5,6, Stephen Mumme⁷ and Samuel Sandoval-Solis⁸

¹ International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg A-2361, Austria

² Department of Geography, New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA

³ Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria

⁴ Department of Geography, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada

⁵ McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA

⁶ New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA

⁷ Department of Political Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA

⁸ Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070291 - 15 Jul 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 13385

Abstract

The study of the Rio Grande/Bravo (RGB) Basin water allocation demonstrates how the United States (U.S.) and Mexico have consolidated a transboundary framework based on water sharing. However, the water supply no longer meets the ever-increasing demand for water or the expectations of [...] Read more.

The study of the Rio Grande/Bravo (RGB) Basin water allocation demonstrates how the United States (U.S.) and Mexico have consolidated a transboundary framework based on water sharing. However, the water supply no longer meets the ever-increasing demand for water or the expectations of different stakeholders. This paper explores opportunities for an enhanced management regime that will address past problems and better examine how to balance demands for a precious resource and environmental needs. Based on an overview of the RGB Basin context and the water allocation framework, as well as a discussion on stakeholders’ ability to achieve solutions, this paper explores three key questions: (1) Does the current binational water allocation framework meet current and future human and environmental needs? (2) How can the U.S.-Mexico water allocation framework be adapted to balance social and environmental water demands so it can support and preserve the RGB Basin ecosystem? (3) What are the main opportunities to be explored for expanding the U.S.-Mexico water resources allocation framework? The U.S.-Mexico water resources framework is subject to broad interpretation and may be adapted to the circumstances taking the fullest advantage of its flexibility. Policy recommendations highlight the existing flexibility of the binational framework, the potential to move forward with an ad hoc institutional arrangement, and the creation of political will to achieve change through stakeholders recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources Management: Innovation and Challenges in a Changing World)

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17 pages, 2537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Field Pollutant Load Estimation Module and Linkage of QUAL2E with Watershed-Scale L-THIA ACN Model

by Jichul Ryu¹

, Won Seok Jang², Jonggun Kim³

, Younghun Jung⁴

, Bernard A. Engel² and Kyoung Jae Lim^5,*

¹ Water Pollution Load Management Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Seogu, Incheon 22689, Korea

² Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2093, USA

³ Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA

⁴ Water Resources Research Centre, K-Water Institute, Daejeon 34350, Korea

⁵ Department of Regional Infrastructure Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea

Water 2016, 8(7), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070292 - 15 Jul 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6564

Abstract

The Long Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA) model was previously improved by incorporating direct runoff lag time and baseflow. However, the improved model, called the L-THIA asymptotic curve number (ACN) model cannot simulate pollutant loads from a watershed or instream water quality. In [...] Read more.

The Long Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA) model was previously improved by incorporating direct runoff lag time and baseflow. However, the improved model, called the L-THIA asymptotic curve number (ACN) model cannot simulate pollutant loads from a watershed or instream water quality. In this study, a module for calculating pollutant loads from fields and through stream networks was developed, and the L-THIA ACN model was combined with the QUAL2E model (The enhanced stream water quality model) to predict instream water quality at a watershed scale. The new model (L-THIA ACN-WQ) was applied to two watersheds within the Korean total maximum daily loads management system. To evaluate the model, simulated results of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were compared with observed water quality data collected at eight-day intervals. Between simulated and observed data for TN pollutant loads in Dalcheon A watershed, the R² and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) were 0.81 and 0.79, respectively, and those for TP were 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. In the Pyungchang A watershed, the R² and NSE were 0.66 and 0.64, respectively, for TN and both statistics were 0.66 for TP, indicating that model performed satisfactorily for both watersheds. Thus, the L-THIA ACN-WQ model can accurately simulate streamflow, instream pollutant loads, and water quality. Full article

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16 pages, 4825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sea Level Acceleration in the China Seas

by Yongcun Cheng^*

, Tal Ezer

and Benjamin D. Hamlington

Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070293 - 15 Jul 2016

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7966

Abstract

While global mean sea level rise (SLR) and acceleration (SLA) are indicators of climate change and are informative regarding the current state of the climate, assessments of regional and local SLR are essential for policy makers responding to, and preparing for, changes in [...] Read more.

While global mean sea level rise (SLR) and acceleration (SLA) are indicators of climate change and are informative regarding the current state of the climate, assessments of regional and local SLR are essential for policy makers responding to, and preparing for, changes in sea level. In this work, three acceleration detection techniques are used to demonstrate the robust SLA in the China Seas. Interannual to multidecadal sea level variations (periods >2 years), which are mainly related to natural internal climate variability and significantly affect estimation of sea level acceleration, are removed with empirical mode decomposition (EMD) analysis prior to the acceleration determination. Consistent SLAs of 0.085 ± 0.020 mm·yr⁻² (1950–2013) and 0.074 ± 0.032 mm·yr⁻² (1959–2013) in regional tide gauge records are shown to result from the three applied approaches in the Bohai Sea (BS) and East China Sea (ECS), respectively. The SLAs can be detected in records as short as 20 years if long-term sea level variability is adequately removed. The spatial distribution of SLA derived from a sea level reconstruction shows significant SLA in the BS, Yellow Sea (YS) and Yangtze River Estuary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sea Level Changes)

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21 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessReview

Stormwater Management: Calculation of Traffic Area Runoff Loads and Traffic Related Emissions

by Maximilian Huber and Brigitte Helmreich^*

Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany

Water 2016, 8(7), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070294 - 15 Jul 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7759

Abstract

Metals such as antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc can be highly relevant pollutants in stormwater runoff from traffic areas because of their occurrence, toxicity, and non-degradability. Long-term measurements of their concentrations, the corresponding water volumes, the catchment areas, and the [...] Read more.

Metals such as antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc can be highly relevant pollutants in stormwater runoff from traffic areas because of their occurrence, toxicity, and non-degradability. Long-term measurements of their concentrations, the corresponding water volumes, the catchment areas, and the traffic volumes can be used to calculate specific emission loads and annual runoff loads that are necessary for mass balances. In the literature, the annual runoff loads are often specified by a distinct catchment area (e.g., g/ha). These loads were summarized and discussed in this paper for all seven metals and three types of traffic areas (highways, parking lots, and roads; 45 sites). For example, the calculated median annual runoff loads of all sites are 355 g/ha for copper, 110 g/ha for lead (only data of the 21st century), and 1960 g/ha for zinc. In addition, historical trends, annual variations, and site-specific factors were evaluated for the runoff loads. For Germany, mass balances of traffic related emissions and annual heavy metal runoff loads from highways and total traffic areas were calculated. The influences on the mass fluxes of the heavy metal emissions and the runoff pollution were discussed. However, a statistical analysis of the annual traffic related metal fluxes, in particular for different traffic area categories and land uses, is currently not possible because of a lack of monitoring data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Drainage and Urban Stormwater Management)

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15 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Lymnaea stagnalis Embryo Test for Toxicity Bioindication of Acidification and Ammonia Pollution in Water

by Robert Mazur^1,*, Wu Shubiao²

, Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz³, Dawid Bedla⁴ and Agata Nowak³

¹ Department of Geoinformation Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing of Environment, Faculty of Mining Surveying and Environmental Engineering, AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow 30-059, Poland

² Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, China

³ Department of Ecology and Agricultural Environment Protection, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań 60-649, Poland

⁴ Department of Ecology, Climatology and Air Protection, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Land Surveying, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow 30-059, Poland

Water 2016, 8(7), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070295 - 16 Jul 2016

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 10284

Abstract

The paper presents a study leading to a new acute toxicity test on embryonic and juvenile organisms of the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis Linnaeus). Sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and ammonium hydroxide were used as waterborne toxicants in laboratory experiments. The exposure [...] Read more.

The paper presents a study leading to a new acute toxicity test on embryonic and juvenile organisms of the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis Linnaeus). Sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and ammonium hydroxide were used as waterborne toxicants in laboratory experiments. The exposure time was 24 h. Tests were conducted in 5–10 replications for each toxicant. The toxicity of the substances was classified according to different scales and the test’s sensitivity was compared to that of the commonly used bioindicator Daphnia magna Straus. The assessment of toxicity impact was supported by microscopic observations. The probit method was used as a parametric statistical procedure to estimate LC₅₀ and the associated 95% confidence interval. Our study showed that the early developmental stages of Lymnaea stagnalis are very sensitive bioindicators, making it possible to detect even very low levels of the above-mentioned water toxicants. The highest toxicity is shown by ammonium hydroxide with LC_50/24h values, respectively, 24.27 for embryos and 24.72 for juvenile forms, and the lowest is shown by nitric acid ions with LC_50/24h values, respectively, 105.19 for embryos and 170.47 for juvenile forms. It is highly cost-effective due to simple and efficient breeding and the small size of the organisms in the bioassay population. Compared with Daphnia magna, relatively low concentrations of toxicants caused a lethal effect on embryonic and juvenile organisms of the great pond snail. Owing to their common occurrence and sensitivity, early developmental forms of Lymnaea stagnalis can be a valuable new tool in biomonitoring of the freshwater environment. Full article

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16 pages, 2916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variability in the Water Quality of Poyang Lake and Its Associated Responses to Hydrological Conditions

by Bing Li^1,2, Guishan Yang^1,*, Rongrong Wan¹, Yanhui Zhang¹, Xue Dai^1,2 and Yuwei Chen¹

¹ Key Laboratory of Watershed Geography Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China

² University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070296 - 18 Jul 2016

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 7954

Abstract

Determining the spatiotemporal water quality patterns and their corresponding driving factors is crucial for lake water quality managements. This study analyzed hydrological data and concentrations of 11 water quality parameters, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and chlorophyll–a (Chl–a), for water samples [...] Read more.

Determining the spatiotemporal water quality patterns and their corresponding driving factors is crucial for lake water quality managements. This study analyzed hydrological data and concentrations of 11 water quality parameters, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and chlorophyll–a (Chl–a), for water samples collected from 15 sampling sites between 2009 and 2014. The water quality of sites in the northern Poyang Lake–Yangtze River waterway was influenced by different environmental parameters compared to sites in central lake, especially for Chl–a concentration. All pollutant parameters were significantly higher in the river phase (water level <14 m) than in the lake phase (water level >14 m) (p < 0.05). These results were confirmed via principal component analysis, which identified three principal components that explained over 79% of the dataset variance. Among all the parameters related to climatic factors, eutrophication and organic pollution were the most important contributors in water quality. Dilution was the controlling factor that drove the seasonal variability in the water quality of the Poyang Lake, China. This work further indicated that regulating pollutant effluents in tributaries and water level within the lake could improve the water quality in Poyang Lake, which may give some impetus for water quality management. Full article

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23 pages, 6579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generalized Linear Models to Identify Key Hydromorphological and Chemical Variables Determining the Occurrence of Macroinvertebrates in the Guayas River Basin (Ecuador)

by Minar Naomi Damanik-Ambarita^1,*, Gert Everaert¹

, Marie Anne Eurie Forio¹

, Thi Hanh Tien Nguyen^1,2, Koen Lock¹, Peace Liz Sasha Musonge¹, Natalija Suhareva^1,3, Luis Dominguez-Granda⁴, Elina Bennetsen¹, Pieter Boets^1,5

and Peter L. M. Goethals¹

¹ Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Ghent University, Jozef Plateaustraat 22, Ghent 9000, Belgium

² Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 1, Dinh Bang, Tu Son, Bac Ninh, Vietnam

³ Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Voleru Street 4, Riga LV-1007, Latvia

⁴ Centro del Agua y Desarrollo Sustentable, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km. 30.5 Via Perimetral, Guayaquil 09-01-5863, Ecuador

⁵ Provincial Centre of Environmental Research, Godshuizenlaan 95, Ghent 9000, Belgium

Water 2016, 8(7), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070297 - 18 Jul 2016

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 9015

Abstract

The biotic integrity of the Guayas River basin in Ecuador is at environmental risk due to extensive anthropogenic activities. We investigated the potential impacts of hydromorphological and chemical variables on biotic integrity using macroinvertebrate-based bioassessments. The bioassessment methods utilized included the Biological Monitoring [...] Read more.

The biotic integrity of the Guayas River basin in Ecuador is at environmental risk due to extensive anthropogenic activities. We investigated the potential impacts of hydromorphological and chemical variables on biotic integrity using macroinvertebrate-based bioassessments. The bioassessment methods utilized included the Biological Monitoring Working Party adapted for Colombia (BMWP-Col) and the average score per taxon (ASPT), via an extensive sampling campaign that was completed throughout the river basin at 120 sampling sites. The BMWP-Col classification ranged from very bad to good, and from probable severe pollution to clean water based on the ASPT scores. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and sensitivity analysis were used to relate the bioassessment index to hydromorphological and chemical variables. It was found that elevation, nitrate-N, sediment angularity, logs, presence of macrophytes, flow velocity, turbidity, bank shape, land use and chlorophyll were the key environmental variables affecting the BMWP-Col. From the analyses, it was observed that the rivers at the upstream higher elevations of the river basin were in better condition compared to lowland systems and that a higher flow velocity was linked to a better BMWP-Col score. The nitrate concentrations were very low in the entire river basin and did not relate to a negative impact on the macroinvertebrate communities. Although the results of the models provided insights into the ecosystem, cross fold model development and validation also showed that there was a level of uncertainty in the outcomes. However, the results of the models and sensitivity analysis can support water management actions to determine and focus on alterable variables, such as the land use at different elevations, monitoring of nitrate and chlorophyll concentrations, macrophyte presence, sediment transport and bank stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stream Ecosystems and Restoration: Linking Bioassessments to Improved Planning and Design Strategies)

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9 pages, 1171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consideration of Water Uses for Its Sustainable Management, the Case of Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

by Burul Alymkulova^1,2,3,*, Jilili Abuduwaili^1,3,*

, Gulnur Issanova^3,4 and Lamek Nahayo^1,5

¹ State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 818 South Beijing Road, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China

² University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China

³ CAS Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, China

⁴ Research Centre of Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan

⁵ Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, POB Box 6392, Kigali, Rwanda

Water 2016, 8(7), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070298 - 19 Jul 2016

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8557

Abstract

Water is an essential element for life, and development would not be possible without its availability. This study identified the main water consumers and their likely impact on water lake level for the case of Issyk-Kul Lake Basin, Kyrgyzstan. Data on precipitation, lake [...] Read more.

Water is an essential element for life, and development would not be possible without its availability. This study identified the main water consumers and their likely impact on water lake level for the case of Issyk-Kul Lake Basin, Kyrgyzstan. Data on precipitation, lake level, irrigation, household and industrial water consumption from 1980 to 2014 were provided by the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The input data was analyzed with OriginPro 8.5 for Statistical Analysis. The results indicated a decreasing irrigation water consumption from 2029.42 to 461.76 million·m³ in 1980 and 2014, respectively. Likewise, households consumed 27.02 million·m³ in 1980 falling to 16.55 million·m³ in 2014, similar to the manufacture’s water consumption. However, it was noted that agriculture is a high water consumer, whose water demand for irrigation rises from April to August, the period during which the precipitation also increases. Nevertheless, manufactures and household water consumption do not have timed limits of use like in agriculture, which in turn affects the lake water level. Therefore, as the rainfall increases by April to August, we suggest to harvest and only use the rainfall water during its abundance period. This would help in restoring the lake’s water level during the time of rainwater uses, and leads to water consumption balance, flood management and lake biodiversity conservation as well. Full article

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12 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stormwater Pollutant Process Analysis with Long-Term Online Monitoring Data at Micro-Scale Sites

by Dominik Leutnant^1,*, Dirk Muschalla²

and Mathias Uhl¹

¹ Institute for Water Resources Environment (IWARU), Muenster University of Applied Sciences, Corrensstr. 25, Muenster 48149, Germany

² Institute of Urban Water Management and Landscape Water Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 10/I, 8010 Graz, Austria

Water 2016, 8(7), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070299 - 20 Jul 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6801

Abstract

Stormwater runoff quality was measured with online turbidity sensors at four common types of small urban subcatchments: (i) a flat roof; (ii) a parking lot; (iii) a residential catchment; and (iv) a high-traffic street. Samples were taken to estimate site-specific correlations between total [...] Read more.

Stormwater runoff quality was measured with online turbidity sensors at four common types of small urban subcatchments: (i) a flat roof; (ii) a parking lot; (iii) a residential catchment; and (iv) a high-traffic street. Samples were taken to estimate site-specific correlations between total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity. Continuous TSS time series were derived from online turbidity measurements and were used to estimate event loads and event mean concentrations. Rainfall runoff event characteristics were subjected to correlation analysis to TSS loads. Significant correlations were found for rainfall intensities at sites with high imperviousness and decrease with increasing catchment size. Antecedent dry weather periods are only correlated at the parking lot site. Intra-event TSS load distributions were studied with M (V)-curves. M (V)-curves are grouped at runoff quantiles and statistically described with boxplots. All sites show, in general, a more pronounced first-flush effect. While wash-off of the flat roof tends to be source-limited, the parking lot and high-traffic street sites show a more transport-limited behavior. Wash-off process of the residential catchment appears to be influenced by a composition of different subcatchments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Drainage and Urban Stormwater Management)

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21 pages, 4713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Effects of Ship Induced Waves on the Littoral Zone with Field Measurements and CFD Modeling

by Gábor Fleit¹, Sándor Baranya^1,*, Nils Rüther², Hans Bihs³

, Tamás Krámer¹

and János Józsa^1,4

¹ Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, Budapest 1111, Hungary

² Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 1, Trondheim 7491, Norway

³ Deparmtnet of Civil and Transport Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 1, 7491 Trondheim 7491, Norway

⁴ Water Management Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences—Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Nádor utca 7, Budapest 1051, Hungary

Water 2016, 8(7), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070300 - 19 Jul 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8194

Abstract

Waves induced by ship movement might be harmful for the habitat in the littoral zone of rivers due to the temporally increasing bed shear stress, the high-energy breaking waves and the consequently related detachment of benthic animals. In order to understand the complex [...] Read more.

Waves induced by ship movement might be harmful for the habitat in the littoral zone of rivers due to the temporally increasing bed shear stress, the high-energy breaking waves and the consequently related detachment of benthic animals. In order to understand the complex hydrodynamic phenomena resulting from littoral waves, we present the testing of a novel methodology that incorporates field observations and numerical tools. The study is performed at a section of the Danube River in Hungary and analyzes the influence of different ship types. The field methods consist of parallel acoustic measurements (using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV)) conducted at the riverbed and Large Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) of the water surface. ADV measurements provided near-bed flow velocities based on which the wave induced currents and local bed shear stress could be estimated. The LSPIV was able to quantify the dynamics of the breaking waves along the bank. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was successfully applied to simulate the propagation and the breaking of littoral waves. The used techniques complement each other well and their joint application provides an adequate tool to support the improvement of riverine habitats. Full article

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19 pages, 1703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecosystem Services Valuation of Lakeside Wetland Park beside Chaohu Lake in China

by Tan Li^1,* and Xiang Gao²

¹ Department of Statistics, School of Science, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China

² Department of Spatial Information Science, School of Science, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei 230036, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070301 - 19 Jul 2016

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 10591

Abstract

Wetland ecosystems are one of the three great ecosystems on Earth. With a deepening of research on wetland ecosystems, researchers have paid more and more attention to wetland ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, climate control, pollution prevention, soil-erosion prevention, biodiversity maintenance, and [...] Read more.

Wetland ecosystems are one of the three great ecosystems on Earth. With a deepening of research on wetland ecosystems, researchers have paid more and more attention to wetland ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, climate control, pollution prevention, soil-erosion prevention, biodiversity maintenance, and bio-productivity protection. This study focuses on a lakeside wetland ecosystem in Hefei, a city in central China, and estimates the value of ecosystem services such as material production, air purification, water conservation, biodiversity, recreation, species conservation, education and scientific research. We adopted the market value method, carbon tax method, afforestation cost method, shadow engineering method and contingent value method (CVM) using questionnaire survey data during the study period. The results show that the total value of the ecosystem services of Lakeside Wetland Park was 144 million CNY in 2015. Among these services, the value of society service is the maximum at 91.73 million CNY, followed by ecological service and material production service (42.23 million CNY and 10.43 billion CNY in 2015 respectively). When considering wetland ecosystems for economic development, other services must be considered in addition to material production to obtain a longer-term economic value. This research reveals that there is scope for more comprehensive and integrated model development, including multiple wetland ecosystem services and appropriate handling of wetland ecosystem management impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tackling Complex Water Problems in China under Changing Environment)

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16 pages, 1214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drinking and Cleaning Water Use in a Dairy Cow Barn

by Michael Krauß^1,*, Katrin Drastig¹

, Annette Prochnow^1,2

, Sandra Rose-Meierhöfer³ and Simone Kraatz¹

¹ Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim, Max-Eyth-Allee 100, Potsdam 14469, Germany

² Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Hinter der Reinhardtstr. 8-18, Berlin 10115, Germany

³ Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Brodaer Strasse 2, Neubrandenburg 17033, Germany

Water 2016, 8(7), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070302 - 20 Jul 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 13305

Abstract

Water is used in dairy farming for producing feed, watering the animals, and cleaning and disinfecting barns and equipment. The objective of this study was to investigate the drinking and cleaning water use in a dairy cow barn. The water use was measured [...] Read more.

Water is used in dairy farming for producing feed, watering the animals, and cleaning and disinfecting barns and equipment. The objective of this study was to investigate the drinking and cleaning water use in a dairy cow barn. The water use was measured on a well-managed commercial dairy farm in North-East Germany. Thirty-eight water meters were installed in a barn with 176 cows and two milking systems (an automatic milking system and a herringbone parlour). Their counts were logged hourly over 806 days. On average, the cows in the automatic milking system used 91.1 (SD 14.3) L drinking water per cow per day, while those in the herringbone parlour used 54.4 (SD 5.3) L per cow per day. The cows drink most of the water during the hours of (natural and artificial) light in the barn. Previously published regression functions of drinking water intake of the cows were reviewed and a new regression function based on the ambient temperature and the milk yield was developed (drinking water intake (L per cow per day) = −27.937 + 0.49 × mean temperature + 3.15 × milk yield (R² = 0.67)). The cleaning water demand had a mean of 28.6 (SD 14.8) L per cow per day in the automatic milking system, and a mean of 33.8 (SD 14.1) L per cow per day in the herringbone parlour. These findings show that the total technical water use in the barn makes only a minor contribution to water use in dairy farming compared with the water use for feed production. Full article

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29 pages, 6094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating towards Decoupled Aquaponic Systems: A System Dynamics Design Approach

by Simon Goddek^1,2,*, Carlos Alberto Espinal³, Boris Delaide⁴, Mohamed Haissam Jijakli⁴, Zala Schmautz⁵

, Sven Wuertz⁶ and Karel J. Keesman¹

¹ Biobased Chemistry and Technology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 17, Wageningen 6700 AA, The Netherlands

² Aquaponik Manufaktur GmbH, Geldener Str. 139, Issum 47661, Germany

³ LandIng Aquaculture, Evenheuvel 4, 5688 LZ Oirschot, The Netherlands

⁴ Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology Laboratory, Université de Liége, Avenue Maréchal Juin 13, Gembloux 5030, Belgium

⁵ Institute for Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Science (ZHAW), Grüental, Wädenswil 8820, Switzerland

⁶ IGB, Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin 12587, Germany

Water 2016, 8(7), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070303 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 122 | Viewed by 34693

Abstract

The classical working principle of aquaponics is to provide nutrient-rich aquacultural water to a hydroponic plant culture unit, which in turn depurates the water that is returned to the aquaculture tanks. A known drawback is that a compromise away from optimal growing conditions [...] Read more.

The classical working principle of aquaponics is to provide nutrient-rich aquacultural water to a hydroponic plant culture unit, which in turn depurates the water that is returned to the aquaculture tanks. A known drawback is that a compromise away from optimal growing conditions for plants and fish must be achieved to produce both crops and fish in the same environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to develop a theoretical concept of a decoupled aquaponic system (DAPS), and predict water, nutrient (N and P), fish, sludge, and plant levels. This has been approached by developing a dynamic aquaponic system model, using inputs from data found in literature covering the fields of aquaculture, hydroponics, and sludge treatment. The outputs from the model showed the dependency of aquacultural water quality on the hydroponic evapotranspiration rate. This result can be explained by the fact that DAPS is based on one-way flows. These one-way flows results in accumulations of remineralized nutrients in the hydroponic component ensuring optimal conditions for the plants. The study also suggests to size the cultivation area based on P availability in the hydroponic component as P is an exhaustible resource and has been identified one of the main limiting factors for plant growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaponics: Toward a Sustainable Water-Based Production System?)

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24 pages, 3111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping with Pluvial Floods by Private Households

by Viktor Rözer^1,*, Meike Müller², Philip Bubeck³, Sarah Kienzler³, Annegret Thieken³

, Ina Pech³, Kai Schröter¹

, Oliver Buchholz⁴ and Heidi Kreibich¹

¹ Section 5.4 Hydrology, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany

² Deutsche Rückversicherung AG, Hansaallee 177, 40549 Düsseldorf, Germany

³ Institute of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24–25, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany

⁴ Hydrotec GmbH, Bachstraße 62-64, 52066 Aachen, Germany

Water 2016, 8(7), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070304 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 28574

Abstract

Pluvial floods have caused severe damage to urban areas in recent years. With a projected increase in extreme precipitation as well as an ongoing urbanization, pluvial flood damage is expected to increase in the future. Therefore, further insights, especially on the adverse consequences [...] Read more.

Pluvial floods have caused severe damage to urban areas in recent years. With a projected increase in extreme precipitation as well as an ongoing urbanization, pluvial flood damage is expected to increase in the future. Therefore, further insights, especially on the adverse consequences of pluvial floods and their mitigation, are needed. To gain more knowledge, empirical damage data from three different pluvial flood events in Germany were collected through computer-aided telephone interviews. Pluvial flood awareness as well as flood experience were found to be low before the respective flood events. The level of private precaution increased considerably after all events, but is mainly focused on measures that are easy to implement. Lower inundation depths, smaller potential losses as compared with fluvial floods, as well as the fact that pluvial flooding may occur everywhere, are expected to cause a shift in damage mitigation from precaution to emergency response. However, an effective implementation of emergency measures was constrained by a low dissemination of early warnings in the study areas. Further improvements of early warning systems including dissemination as well as a rise in pluvial flood preparedness are important to reduce future pluvial flood damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Challenges)

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12 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact Evaluation of Low Flow Showerheads for Hong Kong Residents

by Ling-tim Wong

, Kwok-wai Mui^* and Yang Zhou

Department of Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070305 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8073

Abstract

The voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) on showers for bathing in Hong Kong is a water conservation initiative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. As shower water consumption has been identified as a potential area for carbon emissions reductions, [...] Read more.

The voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) on showers for bathing in Hong Kong is a water conservation initiative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. As shower water consumption has been identified as a potential area for carbon emissions reductions, this study examines, from a five-month measurement survey of the showering practices of 37 local residents, a range of showerheads with resistance factors k = 0.54–4.05 kPa·min²·L⁻² with showering attributes including hot shower temperature, temperature difference between hot and cold water supply, flow rate and water consumption and shower duration. A Monte Carlo model is proposed for evaluating the water consumption and carbon-reducing impacts of WELS on showers for bathing at confidence intervals with input parameters determined from the measurement survey. The simulation results indicate that full implementation of WELS rated showerheads with k ≥ 4.02 can reduce water consumption by 37%, energy use by 25% and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 26%. This study is also a useful source of reference for policymakers and practitioners to evaluate the impacts of water efficient showerheads on water consumption, energy use, and CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Economics and Policy)

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21 pages, 4563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Long-Term Water Level Variation in Dongting Lake, China

by Qiaoqian Han^1,2

, Shuanghu Zhang², Guoxian Huang^3,4,* and Rui Zhang^2,5

¹ College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China

² State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China

³ Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

⁴ State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China

⁵ Department of Water Resources and Flood Control, School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

Water 2016, 8(7), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070306 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 10435

Abstract

The water level of Dongting Lake has changed because of the combined impact of climatic change and anthropogenic activities. A study of the long-term statistical properties of water level variations at Chenglingji station will help with the management of water resources in Dongting [...] Read more.

The water level of Dongting Lake has changed because of the combined impact of climatic change and anthropogenic activities. A study of the long-term statistical properties of water level variations at Chenglingji station will help with the management of water resources in Dongting Lake. In this case, 54 years of water level data for Dongting Lake were analyzed with the non-parametric Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope test, and the Pettitt test. The results showed the following: (1) Trends in annual maximum lake water level (WLM), annual mean lake water level (WL), and annual minimum lake water level (WLm) increased from 1961 to 2014; however, the three variables showed different trends from 1981 to 2014; (2) The annual change trends in Dongting Lake between 1961–2014 and 1981–2014 were found to be from approximately 0.90 cm/year to −2.27 cm/year, 1.65 cm/year to −0.79 cm/year, and 4.58 cm/year to 2.56 cm/year for WLM, WL, and WLm, respectively; (3) A greater degree of increase in water level during the dry season (November–April) was found from 2003 to 2014 than from 1981 to 2002, but a smaller degree of increase, even to the point of decreasing, was found during the wet season (May–October); (4) The measured discharge data and numerical modeling results showed the operation of Three Gorge Reservoir (TGR) pushed to influence partly the recent inter-annual variation of water level in Dongting Lake region, especially in the flood and dry seasons. The analysis indicated that the water level of Dongting Lake has changed in the long term with decreasing of range between WLM and WLm, and may decrease the probability of future drought and flood events. These results can provide useful information for the management of Dongting Lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lake Restoration and Management in a Climate Change Perspective)

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1 pages, 142 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Ryu, J., et al. Development of a Watershed-Scale Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment Model with the Asymptotic Curve Number Regression Equation. Water 2016, 8, 153

by Jichul Ryu¹

, Won Seok Jang², Jonggun Kim³

, Joong Dae Choi⁴, Bernard A. Engel², Jae E. Yang⁵ and Kyoung Jae Lim^4,*

¹ Water Pollution Load Management Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Seogu, Incheon 22689, Korea

² Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2093, USA

³ Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA

⁴ Department of Regional Infrastructure Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24341, Korea

⁵ Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon 24341, Korea

Water 2016, 8(7), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070307 - 21 Jul 2016

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4036

Abstract

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: The author name “Bernard A. Engle” should be “Bernard A. Engel”[...]
Full article

20 pages, 4398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of a Flood Event through a Sediment Analysis: The Tescio River Case Study

by Silvia Di Francesco¹

, Chiara Biscarini^2,*

and Piergiorgio Manciola³

¹ Civil Engineering Section, Niccolò Cusano University, Rome 00166, Italy

² UNESCO Chair in Water Resources Management and Culture, University for Foreigners of Perugia, Perugia 06125, Italy

³ Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Perugia 06125, Italy

Water 2016, 8(7), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070308 - 22 Jul 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7873

Abstract

This paper presents the hydrological analysis and grain size characteristics of fluvial sediments in a river basin and their combination to characterize a flood event. The overall objective of the research is the development of a practical methodology based on experimental surveys to [...] Read more.

This paper presents the hydrological analysis and grain size characteristics of fluvial sediments in a river basin and their combination to characterize a flood event. The overall objective of the research is the development of a practical methodology based on experimental surveys to reconstruct the hydraulic history of ungauged river reaches on the basis of the modifications detected on the riverbed during the dry season. The grain size analysis of fluvial deposits usually requires great technical and economical efforts and traditional sieving based on physical sampling is not appropriate to adequately represent the spatial distribution of sediments in a wide area of a riverbed with a reasonable number of samples. The use of photographic sampling techniques, on the other hand, allows for the quick and effective determination of the grain size distribution, through the use of a digital camera and specific graphical algorithms in large river stretches. A photographic sampling is employed to characterize the riverbed in a 3 km ungauged reach of the Tescio River, a tributary of the Chiascio River, located in central Italy, representative of many rivers in the same geographical area. To this end, the particle size distribution is reconstructed through the analysis of digital pictures of the sediments taken on the riverbed in dry conditions. The sampling has been performed after a flood event of known duration, which allows for the identification of the removal of the armor in one section along the river reach under investigation. The volume and composition of the eroded sediments made it possible to calculate the average flow rate associated with the flood event which caused the erosion, by means of the sediment transport laws and the hydrological analysis of the river basin. A hydraulic analysis of the river stretch under investigation was employed to verify the validity of the proposed procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Watershed Sediment Process)

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22 pages, 1970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Maize Transpiration, Water Use and Productivity for Developing Improved Supplemental Irrigation Schedules in Western Uruguay to Cope with Climate Variability

by Luis Giménez¹, Mário García Petillo^2,†, Paula Paredes^3,*

and Luis Santos Pereira³

¹ Departamento de Producción Vegetal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Paysandú 60000, Uruguay

² Departamento de Suelos y Aguas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 12900, Uruguay

³ LEAF—Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food, Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1349-017, Portugal

^† Dr. Mário García Petillo is deceased.

Water 2016, 8(7), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070309 - 22 Jul 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8819

Abstract

Various maize irrigation treatments including full and deficit irrigation were used to calibrate and validate the soil water balance and irrigation scheduling model SIMDualKc at Paysandú, western Uruguay. The model adopts the dual crop coefficient approach to partition actual evapotranspiration (ET_{c act} [...] Read more.

Various maize irrigation treatments including full and deficit irrigation were used to calibrate and validate the soil water balance and irrigation scheduling model SIMDualKc at Paysandú, western Uruguay. The model adopts the dual crop coefficient approach to partition actual evapotranspiration (ET_{c act}) into actual transpiration (T_{c act}) and soil evaporation (E_s). Low errors of estimation were obtained for simulating soil water content (Root mean square errors (RMSE) ≤ 0.014 cm³·cm⁻³ with calibrated parameters, and RMSE ≤ 0.023 cm³·cm⁻³ with default parameters). The ratio E_s/T_{c act} ranged from 26% to 33% and E_s/ET_{c act} varied from 20% to 25%, with higher values when the crop was stressed offering less soil coverage. Due to rainfall regime, runoff and deep percolation were quite large. The Stewarts phasic model was tested and used to predict maize yield from T_{c act} with acceptable errors, in the range of those reported in literature. Water productivity values were high, ranging 1.39 to 2.17 kg·m⁻³ and 1.75 to 2.55 kg·m⁻³ when considering total water use and crop ET, respectively. Using a 22-year climatic data series, rainfed maize was assessed with poor results for nearly 40% of the years. Differently, alternative supplemental irrigation schedules assessed for the dry and very dry years have shown good results, particularly for mild deficit irrigation. Overall, results show appropriateness for using SIMDualKc to support the irrigation practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Water Management in Agriculture)

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16 pages, 2027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Local Stormwater Infrastructure Use and Stormwater Management Paradigms over the 20th Century

by Rebecca L. Hale

Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8007, Pocatello, ID 83209-8007, USA

Water 2016, 8(7), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/w8070310 - 22 Jul 2016

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8028

Abstract

Stormwater management has significant consequences for urban hydrology, water quality, and flood risk, and has changed substantially over history, but it is unknown how these paradigm shifts play out at the local scale and whether local changes in stormwater infrastructure use follow similar [...] Read more.

Stormwater management has significant consequences for urban hydrology, water quality, and flood risk, and has changed substantially over history, but it is unknown how these paradigm shifts play out at the local scale and whether local changes in stormwater infrastructure use follow similar trajectories across cities. This research addressed: (1) How does current infrastructure use and past infrastructure transitions vary across three cities with similar biophysical and climatic contexts but different development histories? and (2) How did stormwater and flood management paradigms change from early urbanization to current day in a single city? The use of storm sewers, detention basins, and canals for stormwater management was quantified for three cities in Utah, USA, over the 20th century. Stormwater management paradigms were quantified using media content analysis of newspaper articles from historic and recent periods in Salt Lake City. Results suggest that stormwater infrastructure development is decoupled from imperviousness across cities, and that newer and smaller cities follow different trajectories of stormwater management over time. This research highlights that there is no single model of urban hydrology and that heterogeneity in urban water management over time and space reflects shifting priorities and social learning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Drainage and Urban Stormwater Management)

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Water, Volume 8, Issue 7 (July 2016) – 44 articles

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