July 2024
Research Articles
Principles and legal tools for equitable water resource allocation: prioritization in South Africa
Barbara van Koppena, Patience Mukuyua, Tumai Murombob, Inga Jacobs-Mataa, Jennifer Molwantwac, John Dinic, Tendai Sawunyamad, Barbara Schreinere and Sipho Skosanaf
aSouthern Africa Regional Program, International Water Management Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka; bSchool of Law, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; cWater Research Commission, Pretoria, South Africa; dResource Planning and Operation, Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, South Africa; eWater Integrity Network, Berlin, Germany; fDirectorate Water Allocation Reform, Department of Water and Sanitation, Pretoria, South Africa
Contact: Barbara van Koppen | Email: b.vankoppen@cgiar.org
Abstract
South Africa’s legally binding National Water Resource Strategy specifies a people-oriented prioritization for the equitable allocation of the nation’s public trust of surface and groundwater resources. This article analyses how the Inkomati–Usuthu Catchment Management Agency seeks to operationalize the three highest priorities in the Sabie Sub Catchment: the Basic Human Needs Reserve for domestic and constitutionally based productive water uses; customary water tenure in former homelands prioritized over the upstream commercial forestry and large-scale farming and the downstream Kruger National Park; and priority General Authorizations overcoming administrative injustices of current licensing. These highest priorities imply curtailment of the lowest priority, high-impact economic uses.
Pages: 555–577
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2023.2290522 (Open Access)
State-centric water governance and ineffective coordination: developing a context-sensitive assessment in Iran’s rentier state
Ali Yousefia, Christian Knieperb and Claudia Pahl-Wostlb,c
aDepartment of Rural Development, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran; bInstitute of Geography, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany; cInstitute of Environmental Systems Research, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
Contact: Ali Yousefi | Email: ayousefi@iut.ac.ir
Abstract
Water reforms fail mainly because stubborn contextual constraints are not effectively considered. This study proposes a context sensitive water governance assessment by designing a comparative approach within a case study and making inductive analytic generalizations. The framework is applied empirically to the Zayandeh Rud basin in the rentier state of Iran. The results indicate that the rentier weak state context has led to centralized rent-seeking governance and limited implementation capacity — characteristics of the entire country, not just the water sector. Water issues will, therefore, require context-sensitive, problem-driven analysis beyond addressing water governance challenges.
Pages: 578–603
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2310817
Water balance and benefit sharing approach to reduce water deficit in an Indian river Basin
Nitin Bassia,b and Vaibhav Chaturvedia
aCouncil on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi, India; bFaculty of Geological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Spain
Contact: Nitin Bassi | Email: nitin.bassi@ceew.in
Abstract
Using Mahanadi basin as a case, the study demonstrates benefit-sharing can improve water allocation among riparian states experiencing water stress. The results show the basin having a yearly average water deficit of 5429 million cubic metres (MCM) under business-as-usual which increases to 6781 MCM under high economic growth for 2011–2050. Even after various water supply augmentation and demand management interventions and climate change-induced increased runoff, the upper riparian state continues to have a water deficit. This can be reduced if the lower riparian state allows the upper one to divert 1500 MCM of additional water annually which will require a strong governance mechanism in place.
Pages: 604–626
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2304291
A story of hope and frustration: a wastewater-based agricultural frontier in the Algerian Sahara
Sara Bekaddoura,b,c, Tarik Hartania,b, Pierre–Louis Mayauxd and Nassim Ait-Mouhebc
aAgricultural Water Management Laboratory, National Higher School of Agronomy (ENSA Ex INA), Algiers, Algeria; bLaboratory Management and Valorization of Agricultural and Aquatic Ecosystems, Tipaza University Center Morsli Abdallah (CU4201), Algeria; cINRAE, UMR G-eau, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; dCIRAD, UMR G-eau, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
Contact: Sara Bekaddour | Email: bekaddour.sara@gmail.com
Abstract
This study explores how wastewater reshapes the dynamics of agricultural settlement in the Algerian Sahara. It also discusses farmers’ hopes and frustrations around these dynamics. The study was carried out around the Berriane wastewater treatment facility. It is based on interviews with officials and farmers, a review of technical studies and direct field observations. We show how wastewater reuse regenerates traditional practices, such as the use of human waste as fertilizer and raw sewage to irrigate palm groves. We also discuss the problems that arise when the treatment plant is not managed properly, and the political ambivalence of State authorities regarding wastewater reuse.
Pages: 627–640
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2311803
Managing risks associated with environmental water delivery: a case study of the Goulburn River, Australia
Lubna Meempattaa, J. Angus Webba, Avril C. Hornea, Louise A. Keoghb and Michael J. Stewardsona
aWater, Environment, and Agriculture Program, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; bMelbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Contact: Lubna Meempatta | Email: lmeempatta@student.unimelb.edu.au
Abstract
Effective environmental watering programmes improve the ecological conditions of river systems. This involves identifying and managing any significant risks that may hinder programme success. We undertook a qualitative study exploring how environmental water managers perceive and manage these risks while planning and delivering environmental water, using the Goulburn River, south-east Australia, as a case study. We developed a risk table detailing the progression of key risk events and how environmental water managers manage these. The findings highlight that many risk management strategies are tied to different organizations and water users, making it challenging to successfully deliver environmental water.
Pages: 641–667
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2023.2296114 (Open Access)
The role of knowledge in the decision of Granada University students to drink bottled water
Nazaret Ibáñez-Ruedaa, Pablo Moya-Fernándezb, Jorge Guardiolaa,c and Francisco González-Gómeza,d
aDepartment of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; bDepartment of Quantitative Methods for Economics and Business, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; cInstitute of Peace and Conflicts, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; dInstitute of Water Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Contact: Nazaret Ibáñez-Rueda | Email: nibanez@ugr.es
Abstract
Bottled water consumption has risen despite its economic and environmental costs. This study assesses the level of knowledge about the impact of bottled water consumption and the extent to which it leads to a reduction in consumption. We analyse a sample of 454 students at the University of Granada, Spain, using descriptive analysis, Spearman’s correlation and ordinary least squares (OLS). Results indicate that students have a low level of knowledge about the amount of water required to produce bottled water, the energy used to produce it and the water source. The knowledge of the last two issues is negatively associated with bottled water consumption.
Pages: 668–685
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2310820
Small-scale desalination and atmospheric water provisioning systems in water-scarce vulnerable communities: status and perspectives
Guilherme Baggioa,b, Jan Adamowskib,c, Victor James Hyded and Manzoor Qadirb,e
aDepartment of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; bUnited Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada; cDepartment of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Quebec, QC, Canada; dSchool of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; eSchool of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Contact: Manzoor Qadir | Email: Manzoor.Qadir@unu.edu
Abstract
Small-scale desalination and atmospheric water provisioning systems can be vital for supplying drinking water in water-scarce areas. However, their potential to support vulnerable communities in such regions has not been fully assessed. Through an in-depth comprehensive review of 111 peer-reviewed publications from 1992 to 2023 and commercial technologies, this study shows significant knowledge gaps on implementing those systems in water-scarce vulnerable communities. To address knowledge gaps, research and implementation should align with local socio-economic, institutional and cultural contexts involving supportive policies, funding mechanisms, risk analysis, human resources, participatory approaches and consideration of community needs.
Pages: 686–717
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2023.2273475
Viewpoint
‘Limited sovereignty’ or ‘community of interests’? A review of the Indus Water Kishenganga Awards
Yangfan Wu
Faculty of Law, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR), China
Contact: Yangfan Wu | Email: fancywu@link.cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract
To demonstrate the applicability of ‘limited sovereignty’ and ‘community of interests’, I look into their essential differences, connections and relations to the principle of no harm and prevention, and further present the requirements of these theories and their interactions through the Indus Water Kishenganga case, concluding that the award is an impaired ‘community of interests’. Suggestions are given that courts should make a decision based on the situations of the states involved, the requirements of the treaty, and the principles of international law to achieve a balance of interest and joint development in watercourse management.
Pages: 718–722
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2023.2296113