Showing papers on "Water scarcity published in 1998"

World water demand and supply, 1990 to 2025: scenarios and issues

Abstract: Presents two alternative scenarios of water demand and supply for 118 countries over the 1990 to 2025 period and develops indicators of water scarcity for each country and for the world as a whole. This study is the first step in IWMI's long-term research goal: to determine the extent and depth of water scarcity, its consequences for individual countries and what can be done about it.

China's water shortage could shake world food security.

Abstract: This report indicates the global concern about Chinas water shortages and describes basin supplies global availability of grain and reasons for water losses. There is little precise data on how land productivity will be affected by declines in irrigation. Reports from the "China Daily" indicate that the 1995 grain harvest in Shandong province declined by 2.7 million tons (food for 9 million people) due to water failures of the Yellow River. A delegate at the 1998 National Peoples Congress pointed out that rural villages nationwide had shortages of 30 billion cu. m and losses of 20 million tons of grain production. About 70% of grain harvests rely on irrigation. Water demand for residential use and industrial use is likely to increase and compete with farm use. One unlikely option is to divert irrigation water to cities as needed and import grain. The entire agricultural energy and industrial economies need to be made more water efficient. Agriculture will need to produce more water efficient crops and livestock products and less water intensive energy supplies. Another alternative is to divert water from one location to another. Water pricing could reinforce efficiency of use. Use of composting toilets could reduce human residential water demand. Urban capacity building should rely on separate industrial and residential wastewater systems. Investing in technologies for industry can reduce water demand among paper and steel producers. The fastest growing grain market is in North Africa and the Middle East. Trends in principal grain exporting countries with 85% of global exports indicate no growth in grain production for export since 1980.

Towards water security: political determination and human adaptation crucial

Abstract: Although high-level attention has been drawn to the escalating world water problems, few changes are noticeable in terms of actual management of the water resource. Politicians continue to be misled by the apparent simplicity of water. The environment-oriented community tends to focus only on problems arising from man-induced side-effects, and most people tend to take water for granted. The double challenge of providing adequate water supplies and meeting increasing food requirements of expanding populations, in addition to already existing water management problems, requires special attention. In addition, the intensifying pollution of water systems will have to be dealt with. Considerable human adaptation to physical realities as well as ingenious action are needed. There is a brief discussion of the risk of hydrocide, a condition of serious water-quality degradation where available water is no longer sufficient, or cannot be used for the purposes needed. However, the main focus of the paper is on water quantity issues, highlighting the confusion arising from different methods of assessing water scarcity. Levels of regional water scarcity predicaments are discussed in terms of distinct regional clusters. Attention is drawn to the limitations of dry climate regions to achieve food self sufficiency, and the emerging need in many areas to import food; related trade and price aspects are also discussed. A distinction is made between efficiency of use and efficiency of allocation. The need for a global ethic regarding upstream–downstream water-sharing is stressed, especially in cases of consumptive (evaporative) use of water for cultivating crops, which may deplete river flows available to downstream users. In conclusion, four key concerns are highlighted that call for global consensus.

Perspectives on water : an integrated model-based exploration of the future

Abstract: From the Publisher: There have been warnings of a coming worldwide water crisis. Several observers urge sustainable management of the global water resources. Perspectives on Water provides the basic analysis needed for such a management strategy. To study the changing relationship between water and humans, the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in Holland has developed the AQUA simulation model. This book introduces the model for the first time. Various 'possible water futures' are presented, based on different perspectives on how the world functions and should be managed. Arjen Hoekstra shows which risks are connected to different kinds of water policy strategy. Perspectives on Water offers an essential tool for planners, scientists and politicians.

Water Markets in India: Economic and Institutional Aspects

Abstract: Water scarcity is an acute problem for a monsoon-dependent country such as India, since a large part of its farm output, income, and employment emanates from a relatively small irrigated area. How farmers cope with such wa ter scarcity at the micro-level is as important, if not more, as how policy-makers deal with it at the macro-level. Local-level water scarcity does motivate farmers not only to improve on-farm water-use efficiency but also to develop new approaches for inter-farm water sharing. An eminent case is the spontaneous emergence and growth of water markets in many parts of India. Although buying and selling of water are nothing new in India,1 the recent water markets are significant in that they occur in an entirely different economic, institutional, and technological environment. While modern water trading practices in India have been traced to the 1920s, a systematic documentation of them began only in the late 1960s (e.g., Patel and Patel, 1969; Shah, 1985 and Shah, 1993; Shah and Raju, 1988; Copestake, 1986; Kolavalli, et al, 1989 and Kolavalli, et al, 1990; Saleth, 1991 and Saleth, 1994; Shankar, 1992; and Janakarajan, 1994.

Water insecurity and the poor: Issues and research needs

Abstract: Household water insecurity is a pressing problem in developing countries. Unsustainable water withdrawal is increasing due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and increasing agricultural production which leads to various problems. The number of countries facing problems of water scarcity and insufficient water supply is rising. Already there are 1.2 billion people without access to clean water, many of whom live in 20 developing countries classified as ‘water scarce’. Typically it is found in these countries, that the poor pay particularly high prices for water and are most water insecure. Progress towards water security can be made only if there is a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions among waters’ various characteristics and functions. Water is not only a natural resource, but also an economic commodity, and a human consumption good or entitlement. The problems of water insecurity can be grouped under three main headings: availability, access and usage. In the framework of a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of water problems, the paper elaborates on these three elements, defining sectoral and cross-sectoral knowledge gaps. The paper concludes with a research agenda in support of improved policy design and action.

Is China Living on the Water Margin

Abstract: Is there a water crisis in China? Certainly there are many sub-crises, many of them hardly new to that hydrologically complex, densely settled monsoonal landscape. Droughts, floods, befouled flows, and water-short northern cities have long been integral to the Chinese experience. The last half-century has witnessed remarkable efforts to control and reshape waters to ameliorate the traditional ravages of flood and drought. Yet many of these projects, and their water sources, are ageing at the same time that state financial capacity is diminishing. Simultaneously, economic development especially industrialization, urbanization, chemical agriculture and livestock production have placed increasing stresses on the quantity and quality of water. Does all this add up to a general water crisis? Is water becoming a binding constraint on further economic growth? If not, do the growing water shortages attending the expansion of China's gross product endanger world food security, as claimed recently by Brown and Halweil?' The answer to all these questions, this article argues, must be "probably not," although there are a number of areas worthy of concern.

Water scarcity, property regimes and irrigation management in Sonjo, Tanzania

Abstract: This article explores the dynamics of property rights in irrigation water in Sonjo, Tanzania. It analyses an unsuccessful attempt by the ruling political group to change the institutional arrangements of water control, to serve better their private goals. This example shows that not all internal institutional innovations in the field of utilising natural resources lead to increased efficiency of the system from the point of view of the whole community. We draw on New Institutional Economics (NIE) and Common Property Resource Management (CPRM) theory to analyse the way in which it was possible that those few within Sonjo society who are formally/nominally ‘the owners’ of water sought to privatise de facto collective use rights of all community members. We consider why this was done in some, but not all, Sonjo communities, and we describe why this process has eventually failed.

Water use, management, and planning in the United States

Abstract: Preface The Physical System A History of Water Development in the United States Water Quantity Law: The Legal System Water Use in the United States Economics and Water Resources Water Demand and Supply: Management and Planning Offstream Water Use: Urban and Agriculture Instream Water Uses: Hydroelectric Power and Recreation Water Quality and Ecosystems Floods and Droughts Bibliography Appendices Subject Index

Recent trends and developments: reuse of wastewater in agriculture

Abstract: Many countries all over the world are facing water shortages. As population increases, water is being perceived as a very valuable resource. Every effort is exerted to use water more efficiently and to make use of every drop of water to ensure the well being of future generations. New trends are developed and practiced in the area of water resources use and water saving. These trends vary from one country to another according to the degree of water scarcity, economic situations, and other factors. Developing non‐conventional water resources is an example of the recent trends in developing new water resources and water savings. Unlike rainfall, rivers, and groundwater which are considered conventional freshwater resources, the non‐conventional water resources include sea water desalination, agriculture wastewater reuse, and municipal wastewater reuse. This paper deals with the reuse of agriculture, municipal, and industrial wastewater as a new trend in developing additional water resources. Special interest is given to municipal wastewater, its characteristics and necessary treatment. Environmental and human health considerations for wastewater reuse, especially in agriculture, are also discussed. Possible consequences of wastewater reuse are introduced. Examples of wastewater reuse practices in some countries are also mentioned.

Managing international waters in Africa: process and progress.

Abstract: This technical report chapter addresses issues of management of transboundary watercourses (TWs) in Africa. Examples are given of a two-tiered approach that is being used in Southern Africa Lake Victoria and the Volta Basin. Stresses have occurred due to uncoordinated use of resources and imbalances in capacity. Lessons learned are identified for the three cases as well as the implications for developing joint management of the Nile River. Africa has an abundance of TWs and countries making mutually exclusive claims for international water basins. Sustainable development of the regions water resources requires joint management of shared river basins. The main issues of the three cases are access to and control over water resource use. Major stakeholders of the Volta River Basin are Ghana and Burkina Faso with 88% of control and major economic dependency. Water demand has increased. Lake Victoria is a source of survival for thousands of rural settlements in three countries. The lake ecosystem supports a variety of economic activity recreation and biological resources. The ecosystem suffers threats to biodiversity water pollution wetlands degradation and damaging effects from the water hyacinth. Southern Africa is a water scarce region with many international basins. Regional issues in Africa are water scarcity drought and watershed degradation. The World Bank supports the development of joint management of water resources in these three cases each of which is described. Balanced levels of knowledge and information are important among riparians in order to build capacity and reach achievable goals. Dialogue must be sustained and trust needs to be established. Mutual benefits attract riparians and sustain dialogue.

Improving water utilization from a catchment perspective

Abstract: Improving water utilization from a catchment perspective , Improving water utilization from a catchment perspective , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی

Water Resources in Egypt: Strategies for the Next Century

Abstract: Knowledge of anticipated demands for water is a crucial element in water planning. The logical sequence in water resources planning is to examine the present demands of water for all purposes, to determine how the demand in various sectors will be affected by growth, and then to project what the water demands will be in the short- and long-term future. The first part of this paper deals with Egypt’s water demands, with each aspect being calculated for the present and future. In the second part, an effort is make to quantify the water from each possible source to estimate the potential for future water supply. Balances are then examined with possible combinations of policies an scenarios leading to numerous planning alternatives. The conclusion is that Egypt is water secure until 2000, remedial measures will extend this until 2020, and beyond that additional surface supply is essential. Finally, the water shortages or excesses are quantified and recommendations are made based on the most probable future directions.

The Future of Water Markets: A Realistic Perspective

Abstract: Although the experience with water markets is still limited, this situation is likely to change as more areas are faced with water scarcity problems and must look for better ways to reallocate this scarce resource. Under the appropriate conditions, it seems clear that water markets can be superior mechanisms for reallocating water to meet changing demand. A key reason to use water markets as the reallocation mechanism is because they give both potential buyers and sellers an incentive to conserve water and to participate in bringing about an equitable and efficient water reallocation. Markets also reduce the potential for rent-seeking by government officials. Trades can lead to permanent or temporary (during periods of drought) reallocations. If the reallocation of water rights is permanent, or between sectors, formal markets will need to be developed. In contrast, if the reallocation is only temporary and within the agricultural sector, then informal markets will usually work.

Conflicts on the Euphrates: An Analysis of Water and Non-water Issues

Abstract: Since the beginning of the 1980’s, several events have triggered headlines in the international and the German press upon the presumption that water scarcity will lead to armed conflicts over the allocation of shared rivers. The Euphrates-Tigris River Basin (Figure 7.1.), shared by the co-riparian states Turkey, Syria and Iraq, is supposed to be one place in the world where war could break out. It is without doubt that with rising population and the associated increase of water demands, the allocation of shared rivers generates a high potential for conflicts. But the equation ‘water scarcity’ equals ‘war’ is somehow dangerous, as it neglects the states’ efforts to settle conflicts. In the last hundred years, numerous river treaties have been signed which show that, even under difficult conditions, solutions can be achieved. Whether cooperation is forthcoming or not depends not only on the water issue. In almost all cases, cooperation was positively influenced by outstanding issues, i.e. not directly related to the allocation of the shared rivers, and this holds true for conflicts as well. It is important to note that, historically, the negotiation process over the Euphrates River has shown phases of conflicts with changing coalitions, and agreements have been reached to some extent. The present pattern of conflict derives not only from the disputed allocation of the Euphrates’ water but from outstanding policies, which instrumentalize, at least in some respect, the unresolved water issue.

Financing of Fresh Water for All : A rights Based Approach

Abstract: Over the past two decades a number of international declarations have sought to ensure access t o safe water and sanitation with environmental sustainability. A range of criteria and financing mechanisms have been proposed for the mobilisation and allocation of financial resources. Yet millions of people do not have access to basic levels of service and there are concerns about water scarcity and environmental degradation impacting on fresh water resources. There is increasing competition between agriculture, industry and domestic sectors for fresh water which is a finite resources in a given environment. The global fresh water crisis is in fact a local level crisis - in time (at particular periods during the year) and in space (particular locations) - which already exists. This paper argues that the international declarations on human and child rights provide the political, moral, ethical and legal imperative for ensuring that the fundamental right to water is met. Adopting a rights-based approach, it is argued, is consistent and compatible with economic efficiency. Indeed, such an approach is both efficient and equitable.

A Market Solution for the Israeli-Palestinian Water Dispute

Abstract: The perceived shortage of water within Israel and the Palestinian authority raises the need to explore the ways and means to ameliorate existing and expected water scarcity. This study stresses the need for demand management and market allocation that will shift water from agriculture to other uses. Since the real price of water in this region is too high, water should not serve as input for many of the crops that are currently grown by the local population. The hidden and visible subsidies that are currently supporting the prices of water would be better used to create substituting employment to shift more farmers away from agricultural occupations. Such policy will ease the shortage of water that is created by policies and behavior that were aimed indirectly, to increase the use of water.

A new challenge : water scarcity in the arab world

Abstract: development of their economies. It is also a crucial element m the protection of the environment. The availability of fresh water has already been an important concern in many parts of the world. The world's population is now increasing about a quarter of million people per day. With this phenomenal population growth, there is, in addition to the water requirements for domestic use, an increasing demand of it for energy generation, agricultural intensification and industrial production. As a result of the growth in the human population, the per capita water supply on the earth has been reduced from 33,300 cubic meters per year in 1850 to 8,500 cubic meters per year in 1993. 1 Nearly 40 percent of the world's population, most of it in the developing countries, is already facing serious water shortages. More and more nations are gradually joining the list. By the middle of the next century, it is anticipated that nearly 65 per cent of the world population's may experience conditions of water stress and water scarcity.2 Water scarcity has been already a serious problem in most of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa. According to the hydrologists, if the annual per capita fresh water availability of a country goes below 500 cubic meters, the country reaches the category of "absolute water scarcity." After crossing this mark, the country is almost certain to face inherent water deficit problems, which may threaten public health and socio-economic development. In the beginning of the 1990s, eight countries in the Middle East crossed this red line.3 Many others are on the edge of it. At the same time, all of the countries in this region are also experiencing massive

Fight for the last drop: Inter‐state river disputes in India

Abstract: The rapid growth of rural and urban demands for fresh water has made this finite resource increasingly scarce in India. The current management of the country's water resources is poor, and attempts at exploiting India's river resources through large and expensive projects largely have failed. At the root of the problem is the fact that all of the country's main river basins are to be found across more than one state. The sharing of their waters has become highly politicised, leading to a number of acrimonious and sometimes violent inter‐state disputes. This article examines the history and current state of the most prominent and contentious disputes which have engulfed the Indus, Yamuna, Cauvery and Krishna river basins, respectively. Unless the country's water scarcity problems are addressed by a national water management policy, India's development and even unity will be severely affected.

A Profile of the Submarine Springs in Lebanon as a Potential Water Resource

Abstract: This is an overview of the submarine springs occurring along the coast of Lebanon, and the associated geological, hydrogeological, and hydrological characteristics of their terrestrial catchment areas. Emphasis is placed on springs in the Chekka Bay in North Lebanon because of their voluminous discharge, and their importance as a potential source of water. Tapping and exploiting the larger springs along the entire coast would yield an estimated 650 Mm3/yr of fresh water and would certainly help to alleviate the acute water shortage anticipated in the foreseeable future. However, the associated ecological and socio-economic impacts must be considered alongside the beneficial aspects. Such projects are essential to meet the increasing water demands in Lebanon and the region.

Management of water resources of the Nile Basin

Abstract: SUMMARY A water crisis is looming in the Nile Basin in the near future due to higher population growth rates, greater affluence, and higher demand for water by agriculture and industry. There is no basin-wide agreement among the ten Nile Basin states and the existing rules of international water management are complicated and are not equipped to handle any future water conflicts in the Nile Basin. This paper reviews the existing water sharing arrangements among the Nile Basin countries, examines areas of potential conflict over future water use, and suggests possible areas of cooperation that will ensure equitable use of the Nile waters. The paper concludes by (1) appealing for formulation of good water development policies to deal with growing water needs such as water quality protection, efficiency of water delivery and efficiency of water use; and (2) calling for human resources development and technology transfers that are critical for good management and efficient use of the water resources of the Nile.

Understanding Household Demand for Water: The Metro Manila Case

Abstract: Widespread water shortages in Metro Manila have made the urban water problem a central policy issue President Ramos recently called a "Water Summit Meeting" and directed all concerned agencies to develop a short- and medium-term strategy for addressing the impending water crisis In Congress, the Water Crisis Act was passed which empowered the President to contract new water supply projects expeditiously, bypassing the normal bidding procedures About $7 million is being spent to develop an action program to privatize the Metro Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) And with the widespread perception of gross inefficiency and graft and corruption of the MWSS, its administrator and some of its Board members have been replaced by credible professionals from outside the agency Comparison with the public waterworks system in other ASEAN countries indeed show the weak performance of the MWSS (Table 1) Only 69% of the MWSS service area is covered by piped water connection, compared to 79% in the public waterworks in Bangkok and 100% in those of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore In terms of number of house connections per capita, the gap between Manila on the one hand and Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore on the other hand is even much wider