Sustainable Urban Water System Transitions Through Management Reforms in Ghana

Despite decades of water reforms, Ghana’s struggle to achieve sustainable urban water system is deepened by complex interactions of multi-layered political, socio-economic and managerial characteristics, leaving a rationing system of water supply in major cities like Accra. Using a multi-level perspective framework, the paper examines the dynamics of urban water system transition through management reforms. The study showed how external pressure at the landscape level influenced policy direction within urban water regime through the implementation of neo-liberal economic policies, paving way for resistance and grassroots innovation at the niche level. The implementation of such policies in the reform process did little to help achieve the desired sustainable urban water system goals. The paper suggests a blend of public and private financing with support for grassroots to improve urban water system management. However, subsequent urban water policy reforms must be informed by knowledge of social, economic, and political realities rather than imported generic “best policies and practices” that often conflict with local realities.     

Upsetting the apple cart? Export fruit production,water pollution and social unrest in the Elgin Valley,South Africa

ABSTRACT

This article explores the encounter between two contrasting visions of how the hydrosocial territory of the Elgin Valley of South Africa is, and should be, constituted and the conflicts over water pollution this gives rise to. It studies how poor urban dwellers try to upset the status quo of unequal access to land and water, which is linked to broader, historically entrenched, inequalities. White commercial farmers have succeeded in upholding the dominant hydro-territorial order by emphasizing the economic importance of their sector, by reducing complex political issues to technical challenges, and by capturing ‘democratic’ water institutions.     

Environmentally sound urban water management in developing countries: A case study of Hanoi

This paper deals with the major problems related to water management in the urban areas of developing countries. Increasing human activities within the urban areas create water pollution which causes degradation of water quality in rivers and aquifers. Poor urban infrastructure obstructs economic growth and development. Inadequate access to water and sanitation causes degradation of the environment and human health in urban areas. Some of these problems and the major management issues for Hanoi are discussed in this paper. A general planning framework for the water sector to meet the environmental challenges of the next decade for sustainable economic growth and development of the city is outlined.     

Security through diversity: moving from rhetoric to practice

In response to a range of contemporary urban water challenges, there is an increasingly urgent need to change the way water is used in our cities. In Australia, the 'Security through Diversity' policy has been introduced in a number of cities to help facilitate a shift towards sustainable urban water management. This qualitative case study research investigated the interpretation and implementation of this radically different urban water policy approach across the case study cities of Perth and Melbourne. To focus the research and allow for more reliable comparative analysis across the cities, the introduction of desalination and permanent water saving rules as new initiatives in these cities were of particular interest. The research results are drawn from a synthesis of over 65 semi-structured interviews with senior urban water practitioners in the case study cities, and a content analysis of key policy and guidance documents, as well as organizational literature where available. The key finding of this research was that because of an entrenched technological paradigm, and the difficulty in breaking this pattern of lock-in, practitioners are currently interpreting and implementing Security through Diversity in a way that does not fully realise the potential of this strategy. More specifically the interview results revealed that the urban water practitioner community believed that the introduction of seawater desalination would discharge their city's responsibility for achieving Security through Diversity and that demand management initiatives, while nice, are not essential to this policy position. Interestingly, despite context evidence to the contrary, the practitioners believed supply and demand planning to be an integrated practice within their city. The paper concludes by offering some recommendations to facilitate a more comprehensive implementation of Security through Diversity and outlines areas for possible future research.     

Impediments and constraints in the uptake of water sensitive urban design measures in greenfield and infill developments

Water sensitive urban developments are designed with integrated urban water management concepts and water sensitive urban design measures. The initiatives that may be included are the substitution of imported drinking water with alternative sources using a fit-for-purpose approach and structural and non-structural measures for the source control of stormwater. A water sensitive approach to urban development can help in achieving sustainability objectives by minimising disturbance to ecological and hydrological processes, and also relieve stress on conventional water systems. Water sensitive urban developments remain novel in comparison with conventional approaches, so the understanding and knowledge of the systems in regards to their planning; design; implementation; operation and maintenance; health impacts and environmental impacts is still developing and thus the mainstream uptake of these approaches faces many challenges. A study has been conducted to understand these challenges through a detailed literature review, investigating a large number of local greenfield and infill developments, and conducting extensive consultation with water professionals. This research has identified the social, economic, political, institutional and technological challenges faced in implementing water sensitive urban design in greenfield and infill developments. The research found in particular that there is the need for long-term monitoring studies of water sensitive urban developments. This monitoring is important to validate the performance of novel approaches implemented and improve associated guidelines, standards, and regulatory and governance frameworks, which can lead to mainstream acceptance of water sensitive urban development approaches. The dissemination of this research will help generate awareness among water professionals, water utilities, developers, planners and regulators of the research challenges to be addressed in order to achieve more mainstream acceptance of water sensitive approaches to urban development. This study is based on existing water sensitive urban developments in Australia, however, the methodology adopted in investigating impediments to the uptake of these developments can be applied globally. It is hoped that insights from this study will benefit water professionals in other countries where there is also a move towards water sensitive urban development.     

The Need and Requirements for Modernizing Surface Water Quality Monitoring in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Water quality monitoring in the Russian Federation faces political, technical, institutional, and financial problems. The current Russian model for gathering and production of water quality data is unreliable, out-of-date, and disconnected with current water management issues. While insufficient financing and ineffective legislation are the most obvious limitations, more importantly there is a need for a major overhaul of the program that would begin with a national framework for water quality management. This framework would provide for legal, institutional, and technical modernization of the program within a clearly-defined set of national goals for water quality management. The monitoring program in use in Russia is the legacy of the former USSR. The current growth of national priorities in terms of control and improvement of surface water quality is in contrast to the nation's decreasing ability to provide appropriate information within sustainable technical and institutional environments and that is affordable. This situation requires a new model based on the development of a flexible monitoring system focusing on water quality management. Ensuring financial stability of the monitoring system requires having a transparent and consistent program meeting the specific demands of water management. This, in turn, requires resource-saving methods and innovative relationships between agencies and with the private sector allowing cost reductions for the government.     

Integrated urban stormwater management: Evolution and multidisciplinary perspective

This paper proposes an introductory review of the historical evolution of urban stormwater management, as well as of current trends, challenges, and changes of paradigm. It reminds us first that most of the existing urban stormwater infrastructures in developed cities are based on the modern urban sewer systems developed in the second half of the 19^th century in Europe. They have been built and for decades managed almost solely by urban sanitation and water specialists, relatively independently of other technical services and, more generally, of other stakeholders in cities. They contributed significantly to public health and fast conveyance of stormwater outside the cities. However, at the turn of the 1970s, it became evident with increasing urbanisation that they also had drawbacks: artificialisation of soils, reduction of aquifer recharge, pollution of surface water and ecological impacts, etc. The paper indicates how new concepts and paradigms thereafter emerged to manage stormwater by means of more sustainable and integrated approaches, aiming to solve the problems engendered by the previous approaches. This integration embraces more and more disciplines and issues, far beyond the traditional field of urban water engineers and specialists. The paper attempts to explain the need for this evolution, making urban stormwater management more much complex, dealing and interacting with ecology, biodiversity, bioinspiration, architecture, landscape and water values, citizens’ well-being, history, culture, and socio-economic aspects.     

Scientific Mapping of Research on Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Water Management

Nature-based solutions (NBS), including the protection and restoration of ecosystems, can provide a major contribution to global sustainable water resources management (WRM) in both urban and rural areas, yet the knowledge base essential for facilitating widespread uptake is lacking. The objective of this paper is to identify the main developments and trends in NBS-related research over time, including areas for future research. A bibliometric approach is used to quantitatively analyze relevant publications indexed in the Web of Science database from 1990 to 2018. The study identifies five thematic hotspots within the research landscape and several areas for future research, including the evaluation of ecosystem services provided, design and implementation at the landscape scale and consideration of cultural aspects, to push forward operationalization.

     

生态环境用水的实践

生态环境用水是关于水资源管理的一个综合性思维方法，可以为人类社会可持续发展发挥重要作用。近几十年来，这一科学概念得到越来越多国家的关注。但是，在生态环境用水的实践方面，发达国家和发展中国家存在巨大的差距。从政策与立法、管理策略和组织机构能力3方面对生态环境用水在世界其他国家和中国的实践进行了分析比较。通过研究得出国家政策与法律、国际协定、公众参与、市场机制、公众意识、技术支持和流域管理是影响生态环境用水实践的关键因素，并以此为依据明确了中国生态环境用水实践的现状，最后为如何推动中国生态环境用水的实践提出了建议。     

Implementing the EU Water Framework Directive: Experiences of Participatory Planning in the Ribble Basin,North West England

Abstract

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is potentially the most significant piece of water management legislation to be developed by the European Union (EU) in the last forty years. Whilst water legislation is already regarded by many people as the ‘gold plating’ of EU environmental policy, many of the previous regulations and policies have focussed on specific point and non-point source water quality problems and have stipulated stringent standards to be achieved within specified time limits. In sharp contrast, the WFD aims to establish a planning and management framework for sustainable use of water and the ecological restoration of entire river systems, many of which do not fit neatly within the political or administrative boundaries of the Member States. Public participation in planning and management decisions is a key aspect of the WFD. This paper describes the specific requirements of the WFD for public participation and examines their implementation in the Ribble basin in North West England. The Ribble is part of a EU river basin network designed to test the WFD implementation guidelines issued by the European Commission. Particular challenges associated with engaging stakeholders in WFD implementation are highlighted and recommendations for future practice are offered.     

Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Management of Water Resources: 2. Case Studies

ABSTRACT

The new ethic of sustainable development extends the main principles of water resources management. Computer-based decision support systems are explored in order to identify their role in the implementation of these principles into water resource management practice. The first part of this research (see the previous article in this issue) has demonstrated that sustainable development is a global concept that needs to be made reality in any component of every decision support system to be developed for successful management of water resources. This article presents four successful case studies of decision support systems (DSSs) for sustainable management of water resources. Development of a DSS for sustainable water resource management is seen as a process, and while the issues covered in these four examples are the priorities in their respective domains, it is certain that new issues will emerge in different fields of application. So, what is presented here is thus a snapshot of current best efforts     

城市水资源管理模型的研究进展

城市水资源可持续管理是一项复杂的系统工程，需建立在多目标、多主体规划模型基础上，解决资源短缺、生态环境恶化和水污染问题。本文论述了水资源管理模型在城市水资源管理过程中的重要性，概述了国内外城市水资源管理模型的研究进展，从中分析了其日后的发展趋势及研究重点。     

On risky ground: the water professional in politics.

Best practice in drainage basin management requires consultation and stakeholder engagement in the formulation and implementation of plans. The water management professional, engaging with the political world, is on risky ground, thanks to many stakeholders' accidental or chosen unwillingness to accept science-based advice. Technical specialists produce good advice, yet progress is inhibited because they do not connect effectively with politicians, administrators and managers. A series of short case studies from three countries in different but related fields provides evidence of the problems that are encountered. Professionals may be cut off from the political world within comfort zones defined by the cultural norms and behaviours of bureaucracy, their profession or their preferred communications style. The consequence of the professionals' lack of engagement in the political world can be that scarce money and effort is wasted on low priority issues, and the case for sound, sustainable environmental management is discredited. Stakeholder support is worth winning, because it can bring positive benefits in the effectiveness of environmental management programmes. Where outside help is needed to bring about this result, it should be provided by advisers who are sensitive to the culture, at the national, professional and organizational level, of the recipients.     

The Cauvery river basin in southern India: major challenges and possible solutions in the 21st century

India is facing major challenges in its water resources management (WRM) sector. Water shortages are attributed to issues such as an explosion in population, rapid urbanization and industrialization, environmental degradation and inefficient water use, all aggravated by changing climate and its impacts on demand, supply and water quality. This paper focuses on the contemporary and future situation in the Cauvery river basin in Southern India, shared by different states, predominantly Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As water issues largely fall under the authority of the states, inter-state water disputes have a long tradition in the Cauvery river basin. Future changes in precipitation during the two monsoon seasons will only increase these tensions. Both states depend on the arrival of these monsoon rains to water their crops and to replenish the groundwater. The paper identifies the major challenges and general possible solutions for sustainable WRM within the river basin. It synthesises the relevant literature, describes practices that should be addressed in the scope of integrated WRM--including water availability increase and demand management--and stresses the need for further quantitative analyses.     

A Neurofuzzy Decision Framework for the Management of Water Distribution Networks

Among the most important components of sustainable management strategies for water distribution networks is the ability to integrate risk analysis and asset management decision-support systems (DSS), as well as the ability to incorporate in the analysis financial and socio-political parameters that are associated with the networks in study. Presented herein is a neurofuzzy decision-support system for the performance of multi-factored risk-of-failure analysis and pipe asset management, as applied to urban water distribution networks. The study is based on two datasets (one from New York City and the other from the city of Limassol, Cyprus), analytical and numerical methods, and artificial intelligence techniques (artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic) that capture the underlying knowledge and transform the patterns of the network’s behaviour into a knowledge-repository and a DSS.     

Transboundary Groundwater Resources of the West Bank

The political boundaries between the Palestinian and Israelismake the water issues critical and sensitive. Groundwater is theprimary source for the Palestinian in the West Bank. Although, there are many studies on the shared surface resources (Jordan River Basin), there are few studies on the groundwater shared resources between the Palestinians and Israelis.There are three primary groundwater basins underlying the West Bank (Eastern, Northeastern and Western Basins) as shown in Figure 1. Both the Northeastern and Western basins are shared between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians have a limited access to the Northeastern Basin and strictly limited access to the Western Basin. In addition to the quantity of available water resources, thequality of water is emerging as a critical issue. Threats to ground water quality include disposal of untreated wastewater, increasing salinity due to agricultural activities and intrusion of native groundwater of poor quality. Widespread use of herbicides and pesticides also represent a threat to drinking water supplies.The Declaration of Principles, signed in Washington D.C in 1993,was a major step toward resolution of the political conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians. However, the water issue is part of the final status negotiations, which still unresolved.As resolution to political conflict is pursued, it is clear that water resources management issues remain at the forefront becauseof the transboundary nature of the hydrologic regime. Cooperative management on the technical level appears to be the only alternative to further conflict and degradation of the region's scare water resources. This article will study the impact of the transboundary resources on both sides and explore some of the most significant groundwater management issues facing both the Palestinians and Israelis.     

Utilising integrated urban water management to assess the viability of decentralised water solutions

Cities worldwide are challenged by a number of urban water issues associated with climate change, population growth and the associated water scarcity, wastewater flows and stormwater run-off. To address these problems decentralised solutions are increasingly being considered by water authorities, and integrated urban water management (IUWM) has emerged as a potential solution to most of these urban water challenges, and as the key to providing solutions incorporating decentralised concepts at a city wide scale. To incorporate decentralised options, there is a need to understand their performance and their impact on a city's total water cycle under alternative water and land management options. This includes changes to flow, nutrient and sediment regimes, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and the impacts on rivers, aquifers and estuaries. Application of the IUWM approach to large cities demands revisiting the fundamental role of water system design in sustainable city development. This paper uses the extended urban metabolism model (EUMM) to expand a logical definition for the aims of IUWM, and discusses the role of decentralised systems in IUWM and how IUWM principles can be incorporated into urban water planning.     

德州市水生态文明建设实践与探索

分析了德州市水生态文明建设面临的问题,从建设现代水网体系、完善水环境保护体系、建设生态景观、落实最严格水资源管理制度、建设节水型社会、健全法规制度体系等方面分析了德州市水生态文明建设的实践情况;从建设可持续利用的水资源体系、健康优美的水生态体系、安全集约的供用水体系、先进特色的水文化体系、高效有序的水管理体系等方面论述了进一步建设水生态文明的主要对策并提出了保障措施。     

Governance of the Sponge City Programme in China with Wuhan as a case study

Abstract

In 2015, China’s national government initiated a Sponge City Programme to address its urban flood issues. A sponge city is a city built around the concept of managing water in an ecologically sustainable way. The intention is to improve urban resilience through rainwater capture, storage and use. This article applies a four-mode governance framework to analyze the programme. It identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the programme implementation and provides recommendations.     

Drought Management Plans in the European Union. The Case of Spain

Water is a strategic resource for the economic, social and environmental development. However, water scarcity and droughts are current challenges to this growth, as it is reflected in European Union (EU) water policies, and in national and regional growing initiatives. In addition, these water related issues could worsen by climate change effects, adding pressure to already water stressed areas. This paper presents a general overview of drought management in the European Union, reviews scientific and technical advances, the status of implementation of policy tools and focuses on drought management plans. It analyses the specific case of Spain, a country characterised by presenting a high irregularity in temporal and spatial distribution of water resources and numerous areas affected by water scarcity and droughts. Details are presented on the National Drought Indicator System and drought management plans approved in 2007 in Spain, which represent strategic tools with positive results in drought warning and impact mitigation respectively.