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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: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 8678

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sharon B. Megdal

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Guest Editor

Water Resource Research Center, The University of Arizona, 350 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
Interests: comparative evaluation of water management; policy and governance in water-scarce regions; groundwater recharge; transboundary aquifer assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Rosario Sanchez

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Guest Editor

Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
Interests: water management; water policy; transboundary water law

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue will include papers that present research and analyses related to collaborating across borders, broadly construed, in water-scarce situations. Across the globe, there is a need to address current and/or projected imbalance between water supply and demand, and working across borders is required. Borders include borders shared with nation-states, jurisdictions within nations, Indigenous nations/communities, cities and surrounding rural communities, etc. Collaborations may involve water sharing, treatment, storage, infrastructure, conveyance, conservation programs, capacity building, and more. Papers focused on mechanisms and agreements governing collaboration are welcome, as are papers that evaluate less-than-successful examples of working across borders to address water scarcity. Submissions are encouraged from all disciplines.

In addition to academically-based authors, submissions from individuals based in the public and private for-profit and not-for-profit sectors are encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Sharon B. Megdal
Dr. Rosario Sanchez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

transboundary water management
water scarcity
water sharing
water storage
policy and governance in water-scarce regions

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 623 KB

Open AccessArticle

Minute 330 of the US–Mexico Water Treaty: A Testament to Transboundary Cooperation Amidst Drought in the Colorado River Basin

by Angel R. J. Loera Alonso, Andrea K. Gerlak and Gemma Smith

Water 2026, 18(7), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070775 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1178

Abstract

In 2024, the United States (US) and Mexico signed Minute 330, to address water scarcity in the Colorado River. Under Minute 330, Mexico committed to creating additional water savings through 2026, complementing conservation efforts by the US Lower Basin states during this period. In this paper, we examine the motivations behind Minute 330, its negotiations, and the state of its implementation to understand how it reflects the US–Mexico cooperative relationship amidst scarcity challenges in the basin. Our research takes a multi-method, qualitative approach that draws on semi-structured interviews with members of the Minute Negotiating Group from both countries and other interviewees with expertise on the post-2000 Colorado River Minute process from federal water agencies, NGOs, and universities, as well as members of US-state water agencies and Mexican water user leaders. We conclude that Minute 330 responded to water scarcity challenges in the basin that could not be addressed through prior minutes while setting an important precedent of cooperation and cross-border collaboration between the two countries amid unprecedented circumstances. These features take relevance in light of the post-2026 process and the need to develop additional regulations to manage the Colorado River both at the binational and the US national scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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19 pages, 3276 KB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Water (In)Security in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK)

by Pintu Kumar Mahla

Water 2026, 18(7), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070768 - 24 Mar 2026

Viewed by 831

Abstract

This research explores the multifaceted dynamics of water (in)security in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), examining the region as a vector of broader transboundary hydro-politics between India and Pakistan. The study begins by outlining the current state of water infrastructure and governance within POJK, highlighting key issues such as water scarcity, environmental degradation, and socio-political marginalization in access to water. It then transitions into a critical analysis of transboundary water management between India and Pakistan under the auspices of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), emphasizing how the unique geopolitical ambiguity of POJK complicates cooperative water governance. The paper contends that POJK’s water scarcity is both a humanitarian concern and a flashpoint for regional instability, warranting more inclusive, transparent, and robust green political governance frameworks. By bridging localized realities with transboundary water cooperation, this study offers a structured interpretive analysis of how water (in)security in POJK reverberates beyond its borders, informing the need for a deep ecological approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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23 pages, 7135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Farming Technologies for Groundwater Conservation in Transboundary Aquifers of Northwestern México

by Alfredo Granados-Olivas, Luis C. Bravo-Peña, Víctor M. Salas-Aguilar, Christopher Brown, Alfonso Gandara-Ruiz, Víctor H. Esquivel-Ceballos, Felipe A. Vázquez-Gálvez, Richard Heerema, Josiah M. Heyman, Ismael Aguilar-Benitez, Alexander Fernald, Joam M. Rincón-Zuloaga, William L. Hargrove and Luis C. Alatorre-Cejudo

Water 2026, 18(6), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18060755 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 816

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance of a smart farming technology (SFT) and a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) approach for improving irrigation management in pecan (Carya illinoinensis) orchards in México through soil moisture monitoring, evapotranspiration estimation, and real-time data integration. Continuous monitoring allowed irrigation to be maintained at field capacity, preventing plant stress while avoiding total soil saturation or permanent wilting point. Calibration of soil moisture sensors showed a very strong correlation (R² = 0.99) between sensor reverse voltage and volumetric soil water content in predominant sandy loam soils, confirming the reliability of the monitoring system for irrigation scheduling. Seasonal analysis of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) revealed increasing atmospheric water demand during summer months, with crop coefficient (Kc) values ranging from approximately 0.3 during dormancy to 1.0–1.3 during peak vegetative growth. After five years of field implementation of the technology, results showed water savings exceeding 50% compared with traditional flood irrigation practices. The optimized irrigation schedule reduced total seasonal irrigation depth from 216 cm to 128 cm, representing a 59% reduction in applied water while maintaining adequate soil moisture conditions for crop development at field capacity (FC). These results highlight the potential of integrating sensor-based monitoring, evapotranspiration modeling, and IoT platforms to enhance water-use efficiency and support sustainable pecan production under increasing climate variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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19 pages, 828 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tribal Water Rights Settlement Acts Involving Arizona and Their Impacts on Water Security

by Aminta Menjivar Maldonado, Sharon B. Megdal and Heather Whiteman Runs Him

Water 2026, 18(6), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18060741 - 22 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1444

Abstract

In the western part of the United States, surface water rights follow the prior appropriation doctrine, while tribal water rights are governed by the reserved water rights doctrine. States and Tribal Nations share borders, but water knows no boundaries, and water-related conflicts emerged by the late 19th Century. The United States Supreme Court recognized the reserved water rights doctrine through Winters v. United States in 1908. Over a century later, many tribal water rights claims remain unresolved. Since 1978, congressionally approved tribal water rights settlement acts have emerged as a way to resolve pending tribal water rights claims in the United States. As of March 2026, Tribal Nations, Arizona, the United States, and other interested parties have negotiated 11 congressionally approved tribal water rights settlement acts. This article qualitatively analyzes these 11 congressionally approved tribal water rights settlement acts. The historical and legal analysis highlights the importance of water sharing through water rights settlement acts to ensure water security for Arizona, Tribal Nations, and other interested parties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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21 pages, 22940 KB

Open AccessArticle

Groundwater Recharge in Crisis: Analyzing the Impact of Urban Growth on Monterrey’s Aquifer Health in the Face of the Rio Grande’s Current Conditions

by Danael Aceves-Padilla, Rogelio Ledesma-Ruiz, Laura Rodríguez, Daisy K. Nuñez-Flores, Margarito M. Vázquez del Carmen, Rosario Sánchez and Jürgen Mahlknecht

Water 2026, 18(5), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18050616 - 4 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1330

Abstract

The Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA), the largest urban and industrial center in northeastern Mexico, faces increasing groundwater stress driven by rapid urban expansion, recurrent drought, and limited surface-water availability. Since 2024, the San Juan River has been considered a potential source of treaty water under the 1944 U.S.–Mexico Water Treaty, further intensifying pressure on regional water resources. This study evaluates changes in groundwater recharge potential between 1990 and 2022 using an integrated Remote Sensing–Geographic Information System framework combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Eight thematic layers—geology, structural lineaments, slope, geomorphology, precipitation, drainage density, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and soil type—were weighted to derive a Groundwater Potential Index and delineate recharge zones. Results show a pronounced redistribution of recharge capacity over 32 years. Very low recharge areas increased by 1021.3 km², while very high recharge zones decreased by 100.4 km². In total, more than 1100 km² experienced degradation in recharge potential, mainly associated with urban growth and land-use change. These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management, stronger land-use planning, and protection of recharge areas. Coordinated action among stakeholders and robust regulatory enforcement will be essential as the region navigates future growth and international water obligations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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17 pages, 16343 KB

Open AccessReview

The Hydrological Dynamics, Resource Exploitation, and Ecological Risks of Lake Baikal: Implications for Future Protection and Water Governance

by Shengjie Yang, Jianlong Li, He Yang, Liang Zhong, Tao Liu and Zhengguo Sun

Water 2026, 18(10), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18101139 - 10 May 2026

Viewed by 540

Abstract

Water scarcity is an increasingly pressing global concern, making the sustainable development of water resources a critical priority. Revered as the “Sacred Sea,” Lake Baikal holds the largest volume of freshwater in any single lake in the world, with exceptional water quality, conferring it with considerable global strategic importance. This study reviews the hydrological dynamics of Lake Baikal, including water level fluctuations and runoff patterns, and examines water resource utilization (including virtual water and long-distance diversion), along with its potential, challenges, and associated ecological risks, in an integrated manner. Previous studies reveal an interannual cycle of fluctuating water levels, with annual peaks typically occurring between September and October. Outflow runoff closely depends on lake water levels, while inflow runoff exhibits considerable variability. The Selenga River, the largest tributary originating from the Mongolian Plateau, significantly influences the lake’s hydrology and ecological integrity. Current water uses primarily include domestic supply, regional industry, and fisheries, while agricultural water use is relatively limited and mainly occurs within tributary catchments. Emerging options, such as virtual water trade, may offer relatively more manageable alternatives to large-scale transboundary water transfers in certain contexts. Given the multiple disturbances and potential impacts on the Lake Baikal ecosystem, this study advocates prioritizing ecological protection in water resource utilization and underscores the necessity of comprehensive, system-level assessments prior to any water extraction or diversion activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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12 pages, 809 KB

Open AccessReview

Managing Shared Waters: The Elusive Quest for Cooperative Governance in the Nile Basin

by Duncan Kikoyo and Smith Patricia

Water 2026, 18(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18020157 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1265

Abstract

The Nile River Basin—shared by eleven countries and supporting over 300 million people—exemplifies the complexity of managing shared waters amid asymmetrical power relations, historical legacies, and competing development priorities. To advance the understanding of transboundary water governance and guide future cooperative strategies in the Nile Basin, a synthesis linking historical governance regimes with current contemporary frameworks is essential, as the existing literature is largely episodic, and its scope rarely includes recent governance developments. This review traces over a century of governance evolution, from pre-colonial and colonial allocation treaties through post-independence bilateral agreements to current institutional innovations and basin-wide initiatives. Historical and contemporary arrangements are assessed against principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, revealing persistent gaps in fairness, enforceability, and adaptive capacity. The analysis concludes by exploring emerging cooperation mechanisms and opportunities to transform the Nile from a locus of geopolitical tension into a model of equity-driven, cooperative governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Working Across Borders to Address Water Scarcity)

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