Showing papers on "Water scarcity published in 1992"

Population and water resources: a delicate balance.

Abstract: Most poor countries are located in regions which have the most droughts drastic seasonal changes in precipitation and evaporation. They tend to also face rapid population growth. These growing populations vie for finite water resources. In fact peoples in semiarid and arid regions of Africa already subsist on the hydrological edge because of Africas harsh hydroclimate and considerable population pressure. Environmental preconditions determining water availability result in inequitable distribution of fresh water. They include climate geography soil type latitude and native vegetation. These conditions restrict humans access to water. Further human activities alter global water systems. These activities are traditional burning deforestation overgrazing agricultural practices chemical disturbance air pollution overpumping of groundwater urbanization industrialization and dams and reservoirs. Irrigated agriculture and industry use about 70% and 23% respectively of the water used worldwide while households only use 8%. Israel an industrialized country in a semiarid zone practices efficient water management so it uses just 500 cu. m/person annually. 4 conditions require our attention especially in areas of rapid population growth: inadequate amount of available water deteriorating water quality failures in food security and land degradation. Slow progress in water resources management sanitation and hygiene and family planning exacerbates these conditions which already exist in many areas. Steps to avert a water crisis are adopting management techniques which increase accessible water and use water more efficiently (short-term) and limiting population growth (long-term). Cooperation and commitment of local national and international governments industries and other governments are needed for successful active water management. They also need to understand demographic forces to implement effective policies which result in reduced population growth.

Last Oasis : Facing Water Scarcity

Abstract: We have taken for granted seemingly endless supplies of water flowing from reservoirs wells, and diversion projects; access to water has been key to food security, industrialization, and the growth of cities. In this book from the Worldwatch Institute, Sandra Postel explains that decades of profligacy and mismanagement of the world's water resources have produced signs of shortages and environmental destruction. She writes with authority and clarity of the limits-ecological, economic, and political-of this vital natural resource. She explores the potential for conflict over water between nations, and between urban and rural residents. And she offers a sensible way out of such struggles. Last Oasis makes clear that the technologies and know-how exist to increase the productivity of every liter of water. But citizens must first understand the issues and insist on policies, laws, and institutions that promote the sustainable use of water.

The Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity

Abstract: For decades now we have wasted and mismanaged the world?s water supplies. Today, 27 countries are short of water, a quarter of the world?s population has no safe water, 46 per cent have no proper sanitation and each year four million children die of water-borne diseases. As most of the world?s major river systems cross several national boundaries, the scope disputes and the threat to international security is becoming more and more real. In The Last Oasis, Sandra Postel examines the economic, ecological and political factors affecting fresh water supply. She confronts the issues of mismanagement and profligacy and analyses and dangers of confrontation, both between nations and between rural and urban users. She also emphasises that the technology and know-how for effective water husbandry does exist. With methods already in use, farmers could cut their demand for water by 40-90 per cent, and cities by one-third, without sacrificing economic output or quality of life. Investing in water efficiency, recycling and conservation help meet rising demands and stave off disaster. But the priority is a common recognition of the gravity of the position, and with that a widespread push for institutions to manage sustainable use of water.

Irrigation Planning With Environmental Considerations: A Case Study of Pakistan's Indus Basin

Abstract: The intention of this study is not to criticize the Water Sector Investment Plan (WSIP) The authors view it as a step forward in a highly precarious and delicate planning situation The authors' main concern is with the implications for the environment of the Indus Basin, particularly with regard to the waterlogging and salinity problem A large scale mathematical programming model of the Basin's agricultural activities and water resource constraints (the Indus Basin Model Revised - IBMR) was employed to help estimate the benefits, and ensure consistency among any planned projects The IMBR is used to project the impact of individual projects on the watertable, and to judge the implications for water availability The report reviews the present situation and that projected to prevail in the year 2000 as simulated by the IBMR The authors examine the environmental implications of the present situation and that projected for 2000 They also examine the sources of salinity buildup in groundwater and soils The effectiveness of alternative projects to deal with waterlogging and salinity eg drainage, water allocation policies, canal remodeling, and watercourse improvements (so-called on-farm water management) are tested The report concludes with a recommended package of investments plus associated water management policies which will both improve the performance of the WSIP program and reduce the deterioration of the basin's soils and groundwater resources

Jordan's Water Resources: Technical Perspective

Abstract: Jordan is suffereing from both water scarcity and maldistribution. The water shortage in Jordan has been exacerbated by the complexity of the hydropolitics in the region, the high rate of population growth, and the forced immigration of hundreds of thousands of Jordanian and Palestinian returnees from the Arabian Gulf countries. Located in a semiarid climatic region, about 91.4 per cent of the country receives an average annual rainfall less than 200 mm. Jordan's total rainfall volume is estimated to be about 7200 MCM (million cubic meters) of precipitation. More than 85 per cent of the rainfall goes for evaporation. The conventional water supply in Jordan has been estimated to be 880 MCM per year This includes the safe yield of all available groundwater and surface water resources. Water demand was about 767 MCM for 1991, and is expected to grow to 1,000 MCM by 1995. Irrigation water forms 73 per cent of the total water demand, whereas municipal and industrial demands form 22 and 5 per cent, res...

The Problems of Supplying Water to Third World Cities: Bulawayo's Water Crisis

Abstract: The current drought in central and southern Africa has focused attention on issues relating to the provision and supply of potable water. In the case of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, there is the very real prospect that water supplies may be exhausted before the onset of the next rainy season. This paper explores the background to this problem and shows how poor planning, financial constraints, and political intransigence have failed to keep pace with a policy aimed at the provision of water to the inhabitants in this expanding urban environment Alternative sources of supply. in particular a pipeline to the Zambezi River, are also investigated.

Third Party Effects of Groundwater Law in the United States

Abstract: . Groundwater is an increasingly important component in the nation's total water supply. Although groundwater is one of this nation's most abundant resources, falling water tables and contamination episodes have caused localized water shortages. This has led to news media accounts describing water supply as our nation's next natural resource crisis. The problem with groundwater supply can be attributed in part to the current system of incomplete property rights. This, in combination with the common pool characteristics of underground water and other third party effects, has resulted in technical and allocative inefficiency. Groundwater hydrology, common property, contamination, and other third party effects are examined in seeking the causes of the current water crisis.

Jordan's Water Action Plan

Abstract: Of all the countries in the arid Middle East, Jordan potentially faces the worst water crisis. The exacerbating conditions contributing to this crisis include the arid climate, the unsolved water sharing disputes in the region, the high population growth rate, the acute financial constraints, and the lack of a sustained peace in the area. The impacts of these and other factors are presented in this study, inasmuch as they pertain to Jordan's ability to provide water for its people. This paper begins by analyzing the problems associated with the use and distribution of water in Jordan. The data-set presented includes the most recently available figures on water supply and demand, and is used to develop a comprehensive plan of action for water management in Jordan. The plan involves the identification of a number of future directions that are consistent with the country's national objectives. The plan thus incorporates rational decision making with water supply and demand management to cover short,...

Water Security: The Missing Link in our Mideast Strategy

Abstract: This paper discusses the growing water scarcity in the Middle East region. The interrelatedness of the region's water resources makes cooperation imperative but, unfortunately, the countries involved have a poor record of regional cooperation. Four examples are discussed: the Nile river basin, the Persian Gulf region, the Jordan and Yarmuk river basins, and the water-rich areas of Lebanon and Turkey. Finally, the growing awareness of the issues, together with some initiatives to tackle the problems are presented.

Of Dogs and Tails: Water Policy and Social Policy in Arizona

Abstract: The general relationship between water policy and social policy in the Western United States is examined by utilizing the example of the Arizona Groundwater Management Act Too often, this is a relationship which goes largely unexamined, at least in any explicit way In areas of perceived or real water scarcity, it is often the case that the setting of water policy severely constrains the social policy Too many fundamental social policy issues are left to unstated assumptions through such a procedure But, this paper asks, should not the social policy lead, and the water policy follow? In other words, in this relationship, which is the dog, and which is the tail?

Privatization Versus Groundwater Central Management

Abstract: A group of free market natural resource economists argue that the current system of limited property rights for groundwater users should be replaced by a new system of freely transferable property rights This, they contend, would provide the more efficient allocation of groundwater resources and help alleviate the water scarcity problem in the United States Their case for privatization is critically appraised Groundwater hydrology, common property, contamination, and other third party effects are examined to determine the set of circumstances under which privatization would work best The following alternatives to the full privatization plan are also examined central management, legal reform, and “French style” privatized management of water systems

Water Supply Operations During Drought

Abstract: During years when water supply may not be adequate to cover water demands, water supply decision maker or managers need to decide how to spread projected shortages through the anticipated drought. Such decisions will affect the total economic damages caused by shortages as well as the duration of the drought. If a loss or damage function is a convex function in shortage quantity then hedging is necessary. Where by hedging is meant early reductions to avoid the potential of later larger reductions in supply. In this paper, we developed two hedging rules for a water supply reservoir during an anticipated drought situation. These rules utilize a value of storage plus projected inflow as the mechanism which indicates the extent of rationing required. These operations rule are illustrated using data from the Gunpowder river.

Irrigation and Drainage : Saving a Threatened Resource—In Search of Solutions

Abstract: This proceedings, Irrigation and Drainage: Saving a Threatened Resource—In Search of Solutions, contains papers presented at the 19th ASCE National Conference on Irrigation and Drainage. The Conference was held in Baltimore, MD, August 2-5, 1992 in conjunction with the Water Forum '92. The papers presented cover a broad range of topics including groundwater, GIS and computer applications, water conservation, water infrastructure, systems operation and management, supply and demand assessments including flood and drought, water policy and marketing issues, environmental issues, wetlands and emerging technologies. These topics are examined in relation to today's social, environmental, economic and policy issues in water resources planning and management. This proceedings should provide readers with an insight into some of the most recent developments in water resources education, research, policy and decision making, and practice.

An Innovative Institutional Arrangement Which Incorporates the Risk Preferences of Water Users

Abstract: An innovative institutional arrangement that incorporates the risk preferences of water users is being refined in Australia It is especially relevant for river and reservoir management in highly variable climatic environments Its worldwide applicability is likely to increase markedly if the forecast increases in water supply and demand variability come about because of enhanced greenhouse effects Uncertainty about water supplies and demands caused by unpredictable climatic events is the focus here, rather than other risks such as failure of engineering structures Four categories of uncertainty about water supply and demand in the current and immediately following seasons can be identified These depend on the location and design of the system For three of these, a water user's lack of control over the allocation of the current reservoir contents between use in the current season and carryover for future seasons is a major source of uncertainty and conflict under traditional, centralized reservoir management Higher carryover means higher supply reliability as well as changed timing of supply, but it also means higher reservoir spillage and lower mean supply Even if reservoir carryover decisions are made democratically, the outcome for individual water users is likely to become increasingly unsatisfactory as preferences become more diverse and water scarcity intensifies in the future In contrast, the new institutional arrangement allows water users to determine their own supply reliabilities by managing their own shares of reservoir space, reservoir inflows, and downstream tributary flows The arrangement is applicable to uses as diverse as flood control, riverflow maintenance, urban and industrial supply, wetland maintenance, pollution dilution, and irrigation Known as `capacity sharing,' it encompasses two basic forms - percentage sharing of streamflows and priority sharing of streamflows It allows individual users, or groups of similar users, to manage their water supplies as if each user had his own small reservoir on his own small stream Each can manage his water supply according to his risk preferences As well, each is encouraged to use water efficiently since any water saved in one period is his own to use later Users can determine their water supply probabilities much more objectively, which aids long-term planning The plan provides a superior property right for water marketing, which further promotes economic efficiency of water use and incorporation of risk preferences Diagrams are used to explain these features

The problems of water resources in North China and the strategy

Abstract: North China, whose total area is 420,000 km2, covers 2 provinces and 2 cities (Shanxi and Hebei provinces, Beijing and Tianjin) and the territories of Henan and Shandong provinces to the north of the Huanghe (Yellow) River, and part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province. Most of this region, which is situated in the semi-humid, semi-arid continental climate temperate zone, gets an annual precipitation of 500–600 mm, whereas, the perennial average amount of total water resource is 50.99 billion m3, including 33.82 billion m3 of surface water, 32.94 billion m3 of ground water and 15.77 billion m3 of their duplication. Due to the intensive exploitation of water resource caused by the deficiency of water resource in North China, key elements of water balance was changed, runoff volume reduced, evaporation increased, vertical movement of moisture strengthened, water circulation pattern transformed from open system into regionally closed system; meanwhile, due to the incompetent water purification system in comparison with the wastewater discharge, the pollution of water bodies goes bad to worse. Furthermore, some water bodies becomes unusable. The reduction in runoff amount, both surface and under ground, and the pollution of water body cause a series of environmental problems. The essential contributing factors of the water resources problems in North China are the deficiency of water resource and water pollution. The deficiency was mainly caused by fast increase in water consumption and water pollution, besides the fragility of local natural conditions. The deficiency is consequently brought about by population growth and economic development incoordinate with local circumstance. The strategies to deal with the water resources problems should include the following aspects: 1) the establishment of water-saving economy and society, 2) proper management and rational utilization of water resources, 3) the exploitation of new water resources, and 4) the improvement of wastewater treatment ability.

Operation of the Central Valley Project During California's Drought

Abstract: The Federal Central Valley Project is one of the country's major water resource developments. A severe 5-year drought has tested the capabilities of the CVP to meet its authorized purposes. At the same time, California's booming population, and increasing emphasis on environmental issues, have challenged the Bureau of Reclamation's CVP operators to do more with less. Decisions made during the drought have had to prioritize commitments and allocate the limited water supplies among competing uses and under intense public scrutiny. The processes leading up to the outcome of the drought operations of the CVP may be instructive to water resource managers.

An Overview of Water, Water Pollution and Control in China

Abstract: Presents a survey of water, water pollution and control in China. Water shortage and water pollution are two of the most important environmental problems and factors affecting the development of industry, agriculture and the economy. China has made great efforts to improve environmental quality and has issued a series of important policies and regulations since the 1970s. Water saving and waste water reuse are the most significant measures implemented for solving the water shortage and controlling water pollution. All these policies and measures are playing an important role in alleviating and controlling the extent of water pollution.