Showing papers on "Water scarcity published in 1984"

Managing Water Scarcity: An Evaluation of Interregional Transfers

Abstract: An interregional trade model is developed for assessing the potential of limited market institutions to alleviate water scarcity. The model differs from those of Takayama and Judge, since curvilinear demand functions are employed and an unequal number of supply and demand regions are specified. The model is applied to California using regional supply and demand functions estimated for 1980, 1995, and 2020. The results show that water transfers can be substituted for new supplies to the extent that less than 100,000 ac ft (123 × 106 m3) of new capacity could be justified by 2020. The net benefits to buyers and sellers total $66 million for 1980 and rise to $219 million by 2020. The work also demonstrates that trade would lead to premature drawdown of groundwater resources in the absence of management and might create excess supply capacity for urban regions.

Water: Rethinking Management in an Age of Scarcity. Worldwatch Paper 62.

Abstract: This document, which examines various topics and issues related to the management of freshwater supplies, is organized into 6 main sections. These sections include: (1) the water cycle and ':newable supplies, providing data on distribution of such supplies by continent and average annual per capita runoff produced in selected countries with projections for the year 2000; (2) competing uses for water, providing data on world water use (total and per capita) for 1940-80, growth in irrigated areas (by continent) for 1950-82, and estimated water use in selected countries (total, per capita, and sector) for 1980; (3) the environmental and economic consequences of mismanaging water supplies, indicating the status of excessive water withdrawals in selected regions; (4) the augmenting of dependable supplies, providing data on reservoir capacity in selected countries for 1970 with projections to 1990 and listing selected major river diversion projects; (5) water conservation in the United States and foreign countries; and (b) priorities for a new water economy. One suggestion offered is that planners and educators dispel the myth that water conservation is exclusively a short-term strategy to alleviate droughts and other immediate crises. (JN) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ********************w***********************.t**************************

The effect of fire on water yield.

Abstract: South Africa’s climates are dominantly semi-arid and the country faces water scarcity. Available surface water amounts to about 52 000 × 106 m3 yr-1, of which about 21 000 × 106 m3 can be effectively used. By present population estimates this available surface water equates to 7 000 litres per person per day. By contrast, in Canada, the USA and Egypt the available surface water per person per day equals 430 000 1, 23 000 1 and 9 000 1 respectively (Hobbs 1980). By the end of the century the estimated surface water demand in South Africa has been projected to be 29 000 × 106 m3 yr-1, ie 8 000 × 106 m3 more than can be supplied.

Lawn and Garden Watering Regulations: Conservation Through a Water Use Index

Abstract: In communities where water shortages occur, lawn and garden watering can be one of the first uses of water to be reduced or prohibited. The challenge for a water manager faced with this circumstance is to communicate those regulations to the users. One communication technique is a ’water use index’, designed to show changing water supply capacity in relation to water shortage regulations. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a water use index in regulating public use of water.A case study was selected for analysis, that of a water use index employed by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario. Over one thousand households (stratified and randomly selected) were solicited through a telephone questionnaire and the responses were analysed with non-parametric statistics. The criteria used for the evaluation were: diffusion, saliency, clarity, validity and behavioral change.The results of the study indicate that (1) the dispersal medium for water conservation information must be ...

Water Use and Public Policy in Florida

Abstract: The interrelations of water use, population growth, and urbanization in the state of Florida are examined. Although the greatest freshwater use is for irrigation, the paper focuses on municipal use because of its projected increase and because it suffers the greatest problems in times of water shortage. Population and municipal water use trends, by county, show the greatest growth in South Florida coastal areas. Projections of water use to the year 2000 follow a similar pattern, with increased urbanization placing growing demands on water. Important policy issues are the ability to provide for future needs and the effectiveness of public policy for dealing with the interrelations of growth and municipal water use. Existing state laws and policies are reviewed, and their adequacy for handling future needs with respect to water use are considered. Water supply policy is being well served by the state's water management districts, but additional efforts must be placed on planning for municipal water shortages.

Current water issues

Abstract: FOR most of this century, abundant, low-cost supplies of high quality water have been taken for granted in the United States. Even in arid regions water has been inexpensive and available to support rapid, water-intensive development. Seldom has water been treated as a scarce resource to be shared among competing uses. Attention turned to water only when problems arose. And the problems that did arise were generally attributed to “acts of God,” such as drought and floods, that could be solved with another water project. Water problems have become increasingly newsworthy in recent years, and they no longer are readily attributable to divine causes. Reports of declining groundwater tables, conflicting demands on water supplies, toxic chemicals in drinking water, polluted rivers and lakes, and deteriorating municipal water systems have become common in the news media. Complacency is giving way to concern and even alarm under a barrage of anecdotal evidence of water problems. Water is now commonly billed as the next resource crisis. Are we really running out of clean water? Is the nation headed for a water crisis? If so, what can and should we do about it? To answer these questions, we must strive …

LTER and Management of the Upper Mississippi River

Abstract: The Upper Mississippi River is managed for multiple use by two federal agencies and five states. System management objectives include commercial navigation, commercial fisheries, minimum flood damage, energy development, water based recreation, water quality, and aquatic and wetland habitat preservation. Management decisions require information on economics, public attitudes, physical environment, and biological structure and function. Basic data, the hydrologic variables of water flux and depth and sediment concentration and transport rate, are being studied at three sites. Knowledge of the annual variation of suspended sediment and water discharge is basic for use of the river. Deviations from the average during floods and droughts affect riverine plants and animals as well as human uses of the river. Pool 19 water and sediment transport data are used to describe the riverine environment. Particular emphasis is given to impacts of tributary sediment loads and changes in channel border habitat areas.