Special Issue "Adaptive Water Resources Management in an Era of Changing Climatic, Environmental and Social Conditions"

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Resources Management, Policy and Governance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2023 | Viewed by 12098

Special Issue Editors

Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
Interests: waste management and valorization in the context of circular economy; advanced wastewater treatment processes for recycling and reuse; environmental and sustainability assessments by means of various instruments (life-cycle assessment, water footprint, carbon footprint, sustainability indicators, environmental integrated impact and risk assessment); integrated water resources management; environmental engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue comprises selected papers from the Proceedings of the 7th International Electronic Conference on Water Science (ECWS-7), held from 15 to 30 March 2023 on sciforum.net, an online platform for hosting scholarly e-conferences and discussion groups.

In the last few years, six International Electronic Conferences on Water Sciences (ECWS-1, ECWS-2, ECW-3, ECWS-4, ECWS-5 and ECWS-6) have addressed a variety of important water-related issues. The seventh conference focused on adaptive water resource management, policies and governance to tackle the challenges caused by ongoing and dramatic climatic, environmental and societal changes. The ECWS-7 conference was a forum to explore and discuss the following key issues: adaptive water resource management; the enhancement of water security for humans, their economic activities and the environment; and formulation of new governance structures for water resource management and development. The conference intended to assist in formulating innovative methodologies and produce recommendations for best practices and the building of institutions that can meet them.

The ECWS-7 invited researchers from academia as well as water practitioners to contribute original findings, novel ideas, scientific concepts and new technologies and experiences to deal with water resource management, policies and governance, with a special focus on sustainability, resilience, uncertainty, risk and adaptation, making reference to the following topics:

  • Integrated water resource management, policies and governance;
  • Systems modeling of global change for informing future development paths;
  • Hydrological response under climate variability and change;
  • Hydro-economic modeling;
  • Informing water policy through quantitative models;
  • Finding the balance between water availability and environmental protection;
  • Policies to enable climate change adaptation and contribution of stakeholders to adaptive water resources management;
  • Instruments to assess environmental impacts and climate change effects (footprints, nexus approach, impact and risk assessment, life cycle assessment, etc.);
  • Sustainable management of agricultural water and land resources;
  • The urban water cycle and its adaptation to climate change;
  • Advanced technologies to facilitate industrial and municipal wastewater reuse;
  • Hydrological extremes under in changing climate;
  • Water disasters—approaches for understanding vulnerable landscapes.

Prof. Dr. Athanasios Loukas
Prof. Dr. Carmen Teodosiu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • integrated water resources management
  • systems modelling of global change – global water security
  • water resources policy, governance and socioeconomic aspects
  • hydro-economic modeling
  • hydrological modelling of basins under variable conditions
  • hydrological extremes, hazards and disasters
  • water quality and advanced water treatment and reuse
  • urban and agricultural water systems
  • water ecosystems and environmental protection

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 2644 KiB  
Article
Fostering Well-Being in Resettled Communities: Cultivating Cultural Resilience and Sustainable Development in Resettlement Caused by Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project, Pakistan
Water 2023, 15(22), 3973; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15223973 - 15 Nov 2023
Viewed by 473
Abstract
The construction of hydropower projects is increasingly prevalent worldwide, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. Community displacement resulting from the construction of these projects raises significant questions about the post-resettlement welfare and satisfaction of the individuals subjected to project-associated relocation and [...] Read more.
The construction of hydropower projects is increasingly prevalent worldwide, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. Community displacement resulting from the construction of these projects raises significant questions about the post-resettlement welfare and satisfaction of the individuals subjected to project-associated relocation and resettlement processes. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of physical resources, locational characteristics, the resettlement area, health facilities, housing facilities, communication, and the socio-cultural environment on the satisfaction of resettled people, along with two mediators: sustainable development and cultural resilience in the resettlement of the project-affected communities of the Barotha Hydropower Project (GBHP) in Pakistan. In this cross-sectional study, data are collected from 223 resettlers from three villages (Barotha, Eassa, and Feroze). The researchers examined sustainable development and cultural resilience as mediating factors that play a role in resettlers’ satisfaction. The physical resource results indicate that, in the GBHPP, resettled people are unsatisfied, while other variables such as locational characteristics, resettlement area, health facilities, housing facilities, communication, and socio-cultural environment play a significant role in resettlement satisfaction. The role of both mediators, sustainable development and cultural resilience, strengthen the relationship between the predictors and criteria in terms of their value and their contribution to the resettlers’ satisfaction. Through the analysis of these variables, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of these factors, which contribute to the satisfaction of resettlers. Additionally, the study seeks to provide insights that can inform the development of strategies that foster the creation of resilient and prosperous resettlement communities. The research conclusions will also aid in developing policies and community initiatives that support the happiness and wellbeing of resettled communities. Full article
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15 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
A Systems Approach to Identifying Hazards in the Management of Stream Buffers for the Protection of Drinking Water Quality
Water 2023, 15(21), 3848; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15213848 - 03 Nov 2023
Viewed by 369
Abstract
In drinking water catchments, exploiting ecosystem services provided by stream buffers has the potential to complement conventional engineering solutions such as water treatment and reduce the overall public health risks to consumers. These stream buffers interrupt the movement of contaminants and sediments from [...] Read more.
In drinking water catchments, exploiting ecosystem services provided by stream buffers has the potential to complement conventional engineering solutions such as water treatment and reduce the overall public health risks to consumers. These stream buffers interrupt the movement of contaminants and sediments from non-point source sources, such as agricultural land, to surface waters. Effectively managing stream buffers can be challenging due to the complexity and diversity of factors that can directly and indirectly impact efficacy. This study uses System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) and Early Warning Signal Analysis based on STPA (EWaSAP) methodology to systematically examine the sociotechnical structures for managing stream buffers in surface water catchments using a theoretical scenario representative of typical surface water supplies. The combination of STPA and EWaSAP provides a practical approach for developing requirements for stream buffers in drinking water catchments, focusing on hazard assessment and management measures. The evaluation considers the complex management arrangements for land uses within catchment areas. The performance and effectiveness of these actions can be tracked through the selected sensors and early warning measures. As a practical matter, this approach would help specify requirements for catchment management and drinking water source protection that can be systematically integrated into relevant management strategies. Full article
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21 pages, 9977 KiB  
Article
Quantification of Spatiotemporal Variability of Evapotranspiration (ET) and the Contribution of Influencing Factors for Different Land Cover Types in the Yunnan Province
Water 2023, 15(18), 3309; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183309 - 19 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 553
Abstract
Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of terrestrial ecosystems and is sensitive to climate and land-use change due to its obvious link to ecohydrological processes. Therefore, understanding the spatiotemporal variability of evapotranspiration and its drivers under different land cover types plays an important [...] Read more.
Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of terrestrial ecosystems and is sensitive to climate and land-use change due to its obvious link to ecohydrological processes. Therefore, understanding the spatiotemporal variability of evapotranspiration and its drivers under different land cover types plays an important role in estimating the impact of environmental change on the regional water cycle. In this study, we first estimated the spatiotemporal variations of ET for different land cover types in the Yunnan Province from 2001 to 2020 using the MODIS-Terra ET product (MOD16A2.06) and meteorological datasets, and quantified the contribution of six factors: namely, temperature (TEMP), precipitation (PRCP), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WDSP), soil moisture (SLME), NDVI, elevation, and slope, to the ET under different land cover types by using a ridge regression model. We then discussed the main reasons for the differences in ET in the Yunnan Province under different land cover types. The conclusions are as follows: during the study period, the annual mean ET ranged from 27 to 1183 mm, and there was a large spatial heterogeneity in its spatial distribution, with the smallest increasing trend of 2.1 mm/year in agricultural land and the largest increasing trend of 4.7 mm/year in grassland. Except for cropland, the sum of the relative contributions of the three influence factors, precipitation (PRCP), NDVI, and elevation, to all land cover types exceeded 40%, making them the most dominant factors influencing ET changes in the Yunnan Province. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate, vegetation, topography, and soils on ET, and contributes to the development of appropriate water resource management policies for different subsurface types in the context of climate warming and revegetation programs. Full article
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18 pages, 1852 KiB  
Article
Natural Vegetation Area Design in an Arid Region Based on Water Resource Carrying Capacity—Taking Minqin County as an Example
Water 2023, 15(18), 3238; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183238 - 11 Sep 2023
Viewed by 541
Abstract
Water resource management and natural vegetation distribution status are important for the sustainable development of agricultural, ecological and socio-economic systems in arid areas, and the carrying area of vegetation is limited by the established water resources. This study proposed the concept of natural [...] Read more.
Water resource management and natural vegetation distribution status are important for the sustainable development of agricultural, ecological and socio-economic systems in arid areas, and the carrying area of vegetation is limited by the established water resources. This study proposed the concept of natural vegetation area design in arid areas based on water resource design carrying capacity and took Minqin County belonging to a typical inland arid area as an example and socio-economic water consumption, ecological water consumption and water resource utilization efficiency in the study area as the main selected factors as well as reference indicators. By calculating the water ecological footprint, water resource carrying and water resource ecological pressure index of the main natural vegetation design area in Minqin County in 2017, we analyzed and evaluated its water resource carrying status and predicted the natural vegetation areas in 2025. The results showed that there was a large gap (the increase was 13.25–9.29%) between the actual area of various types of natural vegetation in 2017 and that in 2025. The water resource utilization was more effective in various types of natural vegetation in Minqin County under the stable development model, and the water ecological deficit was approaching 0, but the utilization of forest trees other than shrubs and herbaceous plants was in an insecure state, and the water ecological deficit was less than 0. The water resource allocation schemes under the restoration model and the optimization model were safer ecological development models for natural vegetation in Minqin County, which was in a state of water-ecological surplus, and the water-ecological surplus value was greater than 0. Thus, it could be seen that coordinating the water resource supply among various types of natural vegetation in an arid area was a preferred strategy to ensure the sustainable development of regional ecology as well as an effective countermeasure to improve the water use efficiency of natural vegetation in the county to a certain extent. This study aimed to evaluate the carrying capacity of a natural vegetation area and the water pressure index under certain water supply conditions, which could provide a reasonable theoretical reference for water resource management in arid areas. Full article
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15 pages, 1071 KiB  
Article
Collective Rescue: Why the Government Can Collaborate with the Public during Extreme Precipitation
Water 2023, 15(15), 2848; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152848 - 07 Aug 2023
Viewed by 790
Abstract
Extreme precipitation poses significant threats to economic development and social security. In order to tackle this formidable issue, the Chinese government has invested substantial investments to promote the “sponge city” project. However, extreme precipitation in Zhengzhou on 21 July 2021 proved that this [...] Read more.
Extreme precipitation poses significant threats to economic development and social security. In order to tackle this formidable issue, the Chinese government has invested substantial investments to promote the “sponge city” project. However, extreme precipitation in Zhengzhou on 21 July 2021 proved that this effort fell far short of its goal, highlighting the difficulty in relying solely on the government to respond to severe disasters. Collaborations between the public and the government have become essential for effectively managing extreme precipitation risk. However, bridging the gap between the public and the government remains a challenging task in China. Interestingly, an Online Collaborative Document (OCD) emerged without any financial investment from the government yet went on to save countless lives. The key lies in that the OCD greatly promoted the cooperation between spontaneous volunteering and official response. This study aims to explain how an OCD encourages effective collaboration between spontaneous volunteering and official responses in tackling extreme precipitation risk. This study employs the method of the case study about the extreme precipitation and analyzes the directed survey on the spontaneous volunteers, grassroots government officials, and affected individuals who used the OCD. Additionally, a variety of data collection techniques, including focus groups and one-on-one interviews, are used to examine the relevant information. This study explores how the OCD eliminated the paradox of collaboration between spontaneous volunteering and the official response thereby fostering coordination between them. Full article
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16 pages, 2956 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Variation in Sustainable Water Resources and Their Use Based on Improved Combination Weights
Water 2023, 15(15), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152752 - 29 Jul 2023
Viewed by 603
Abstract
The sustainable use of water resources has become increasingly crucial given the present water supply and demand situation. In this study, the degree of sustainable water resource utilization in Harbin City from 2014 to 2021 was calculated using a fuzzy identification model with [...] Read more.
The sustainable use of water resources has become increasingly crucial given the present water supply and demand situation. In this study, the degree of sustainable water resource utilization in Harbin City from 2014 to 2021 was calculated using a fuzzy identification model with a combination of the “sequential relationship analysis method (G1) and coefficient of variation method (CVM)” and 18 evaluation indicators retrieved for water resources, reflecting social, economic, and ecological aspects. The study shows that (1) in terms of the research method, the combined weighting of “G1-CVM” is a feasible approach to avoid the shortcomings of single weighting and (2) in terms of the evaluation of water resources sustainable utilization, the spatial distribution of water resources in each district (county) of Harbin City has been stable over the past 8 years. The spatial distribution pattern is relatively stable, with the three regions of Binxian, Bayan, and Shuangcheng showing better sustainable water resource utilization and the three regions of Tonghe County, including the main urban area and Wuchang City, showing deteriorating sustainable water resource utilization. As a whole, the spatial distribution of sustainable water resources in the 13 districts (counties) of Harbin City from 2014 to 2021 shows a negative correlation, with the main urban area, Wuchang City, Hulan District, Bayan County, Shuangcheng District, and Yilan County showing a clustering type in the local spatial autocorrelation analysis. Based on the evaluation results, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the sustainable use of water resources in Harbin are identified and found to be conducive to the timely adjustment of water resources allocation and the rational use of water resources in each district (county). Meanwhile, the research ideas and methods used in this paper can be applied to research on the sustainable use of water resources in other regions. Full article
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26 pages, 1105 KiB  
Article
Resettlement and Compensation Practice in the Context of the Tha Htay Hydropower Project in Rakhine, Myanmar
Water 2023, 15(13), 2496; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15132496 - 07 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
This research investigates the views of the resettled people regarding the practice of resettlement and compensation (RCP) to assess the developmental progress of the Tha Htay hydropower (THH) project and establish a resettlement relationship from various perspectives. In this paper, a convergent mixed [...] Read more.
This research investigates the views of the resettled people regarding the practice of resettlement and compensation (RCP) to assess the developmental progress of the Tha Htay hydropower (THH) project and establish a resettlement relationship from various perspectives. In this paper, a convergent mixed research method was used for interpretations and analyses of the whole resettlement and compensation practice. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the collected data on the resettlement practices of those participants who presented it by frequency and percentage of quantitative findings. The study revealed that educational facilities and development received the highest average rating from the participants, indicating a higher level of satisfaction. On the other hand, the current living situation and job opportunities received the lowest rating, indicating lower satisfaction in this aspect. Overall, the respondents expressed satisfaction with other indicators of the resettlement process, such as site selection, housing, compensation, and fundamental infrastructure services. Despite receiving foreign technical advisory assistance for resettlement and sustainable livelihoods for the resettled communities, the project fell short in providing agricultural or cultivation land as a replacement for those who relied on land-based livelihoods. It was verified that most of the resettled people seemed poorer than in the previous condition, and they were facing higher living standards without adequate income. It is therefore crucial for the project proponent to take active measures in supporting the three resettled Villages by providing agricultural land and assisting them in their livelihoods and overall living conditions, so as to ensure that the resettled households do not face long-term challenges in sustaining their livelihoods after the resettlement project. Full article
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18 pages, 7270 KiB  
Article
Temporal and Spatial Variation Analysis of Lake Area Based on the ESTARFM Model: A Case Study of Qilu Lake in Yunnan Province, China
Water 2023, 15(10), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101800 - 09 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1064
Abstract
Qilu Lake is one of the nine plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China. In recent years, under the influence of extreme climate and human activities, the area of Qilu Lake has shrunk significantly, the water level has dropped, and the problem of water [...] Read more.
Qilu Lake is one of the nine plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, China. In recent years, under the influence of extreme climate and human activities, the area of Qilu Lake has shrunk significantly, the water level has dropped, and the problem of water shortage has become increasingly serious. Based on the Landsat and MODIS image data from 2000 to 2020, this study applied the ESTARFM spatiotemporal fusion model to unify the data images used in the study to February, used three kinds of water body indexes, selected the water body index most suitable for the study area to extract relevant information, and analyzed the spatiotemporal change characteristics of Qilu Lake area in the last 20 years. The results showed that: (1) Based on the ESTARFM model, the Landsat and MODIS data on 18 January 2020, the Landsat and MODIS data on 9 May 2020, and the MODIS data on the date to be predicted (February 13) were fused to obtain the Landsat image data of the predicted date, which met the accuracy requirements; (2) Taking 2005 as an example, the NDWI, MNDWI, and AWEIsh indexes were used to extract the water body with the precisions of 99.0%, 99.6% and 98.6%, respectively, and then the MNDWI water body index was selected to extract the lake area; (3) In the past 20 years, the overall area of Qilu Lake has shown a downward trend, with the area reduced by 0.7132 km2. From 2000 to 2010, the lake area was relatively stable, fluctuating up and down around 36 km2. From 2010 to 2015, the lake area decreased sharply, with a change rate of −40%. After 2015, the lake area gradually increased; (4) The spatial change of Qilu Lake area mainly occurred in the southwest and west, which decreased by 0.44 km2 and 0.49 km2, respectively, and there were small fluctuations in other directions. In the past two decades, the shape index of Qilu Lake has shown a downward trend as a whole; the contour of the lake tends to be simplified, the contour is complex and stable from 2000 to 2010, and the shape index decreases from 2.17 to 1.74 from 2010 to 2020; (5) The change in the Qilu Lake area is positively correlated with the change in the water level. Polynomial models with different times were selected as the model for retrieving water level elevation from the Qilu Lake water surface area, with a highest correlation coefficient of 0.9259. The temporal and spatial changes of the Qilu Lake area in the last 20 years are the result of the joint action of natural factors and socio-economic factors. According to the analysis, the annual average temperature, annual precipitation, annual average sunshine hours, and population density are the main driving forces leading to the change. In the future, the government and relevant researchers should strengthen real-time monitoring and regular research, formulate and optimize emergency plans to deal with changes in the ecological environment of lakes, and promote the sustainable development of the ecological environment and social economy of the basin. Full article
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14 pages, 561 KiB  
Article
River Green Land and Its Influence on Urban Economy, Leisure Development, Ecological Protection, and the Well-Being of the Elderly
Water 2023, 15(7), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071350 - 01 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1347
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the green space generated by river water engineering can promote urban development and the well-being of the elderly in high-risk environments. Firstly, quantitative research methods were used to analyze 750 valid questionnaires, and IBM [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the green space generated by river water engineering can promote urban development and the well-being of the elderly in high-risk environments. Firstly, quantitative research methods were used to analyze 750 valid questionnaires, and IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 statistical software was used for data inspection. We continued to adopt the qualitative research method and collect the opinions of nine respondents according to the results of the questionnaire analysis. The data were then integrated, categorized, summarized, compared, and finally examined by multivariate analysis. The river green land has rich ecological and natural landscape resources and spacious leisure space, creating a comfortable leisure and living environment. This can increase job opportunities, promote community and economic development, and create safe leisure conditions. It can also improve people’s willingness for leisure, increase opportunities for interpersonal communication, and improve the quality of life and happiness of the elderly. If we should strengthen the soil structure of the river, pay attention to ecological conservation, and reduce exhaust gas and noise pollution to provide a more complete leisure space and enhance the contribution of river green space to rural areas and lives of the local elderly. Full article
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13 pages, 2862 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Demand and Structural Changes in China’s Water Resources over the Next 30 Years
Water 2023, 15(4), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15040745 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1567
Abstract
The medium and long-term demand prediction for water resources is critical to the country’s macro-allocation of water resources and the formulation of a long-term regional economic development strategy. However, the official prediction report of China’s water resources was created ten years ago, and [...] Read more.
The medium and long-term demand prediction for water resources is critical to the country’s macro-allocation of water resources and the formulation of a long-term regional economic development strategy. However, the official prediction report of China’s water resources was created ten years ago, and its results are far from accurate in practice making it difficult to direct China’s water resource planning in the coming ten years. By introducing the demand forecasting method for the first time, this study built a mathematical prediction model that integrates “data constraint + mathematical prediction + actuarial prediction”. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The new method developed in this research is more accurate than previous prediction methods and has a higher degree of matching with actual data. Despite the problem of trend extrapolation, this model can accurately understand the long-term trend. However, the amount of data must be calculated. (2) China’s consumption of total water, agricultural water, industrial water, domestic water, and ecological water will predict to be 552.9 billion m3, 319.1 billion m3, 95.7 billion m3, 95.5 billion m3 and 42.6 billion m3 in 2030, respectively, as well as 504.7 billion m3, 281.1 billion m3, 61.4 billion m3, 101.4 billion m3, and 60.8 billion m3 in 2050, respectively, indicating obvious structural changes. (3) China’s industrial structure evolves frequently; therefore, water resource forecasting must account for changes in industrial structure as well as geographical variances. In North China, agricultural water demand will fall, but ecological water investment will rise. The planning and distribution of the nation’s water resources will significantly be influenced theoretically and practically by the development of this methodology study. This method is universal and can be used for long-term prediction of future water demand in other countries. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 5318 KiB  
Review
A Review and Comparative Analysis of IWCM Concepts in Australia and Similar Jurisdictions
Water 2023, 15(7), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071369 - 03 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1949
Abstract
Interpretations of integrated water cycle management (IWCM) differ across jurisdictions. This paper discusses 10 interpretations of the IWCM concept globally, in Australia and in jurisdictions similar to Australia. Five interpretations of many IWCM versions in Australia are reviewed. This strategic concept aims to [...] Read more.
Interpretations of integrated water cycle management (IWCM) differ across jurisdictions. This paper discusses 10 interpretations of the IWCM concept globally, in Australia and in jurisdictions similar to Australia. Five interpretations of many IWCM versions in Australia are reviewed. This strategic concept aims to address the internal challenges of managing water demand and supply, achieving appropriate disposal and/or wastewater recycling for re-use and distribution networks and providing services at an affordable rate, per changing community needs. The IWCM concept is also recognised as a resource planning tool to address external challenges, such as the uncertainties of climate change, the circular economy and resilience. All 10 IWCM concepts reviewed in this paper acknowledge governance and stakeholders to be of primary importance: governance to drive the conceptual interpretation and stakeholders to develop, drive, implement and promote IWCM as adept at addressing local challenges. The two global interpretations place primary importance on governance, stakeholder engagement and natural resource management, whereas the local interpretations place equally high importance on water critical infrastructure and water economy. Technology, which is changing at an unprecedented pace, is considered, but not as an immediate or primary challenge. These differences are mainly attributed to the organisations’ responsibilities and constraints, which drive IWCM concept design. Full article
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