November 2024
Research Articles
Managing climate risks: new evidence from integrated analysis at the basin scale
Safa Baccoura, Jose Albiacb,c, Frank Wardd, Taher Kahilc, Encarna Estebanb, Javier Uchee, Elena Calvob and Daniel Crespof
aDepartment of Agricultural Economics, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain; bDepartment of Economic Analysis, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; cWater Security Research Group, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria; dDepartment of Agricultural Economics, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA; eDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; fSchool of Public Policy, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
Contact: Jose Albiac | Email: maella@unizar.es
Abstract
Safe, reliable, and equitable water access is critical for healthy livelihoods. Climate change-related water stress is challenging, and using the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus is an appealing approach for sustainable management. The contribution of this paper is formulating a comprehensive framework integrating water sectors and ecosystems. The paper fills previous gaps in the literature by taking Spain’s Ebro Basin as a case study for evidence to guide science-based policies. Results deliver a framework for measuring the distribution of benefits and costs among sectors and stakeholders. Findings reveal choices that increase stream flows, enhance water security and biodiversity, and reduce climate risks.
Pages: 915–939
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2390937
Water valuation for economic development and climate planning
Frank A. Ward
Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
Contact: Frank A. Ward | Email: fward@nmsu.edu
Abstract
This paper presents a multisector framework for solving the inverse problem from which results are applied to find marginal values of water under historical and counterfactual conditions. It infers from observed data on water use and production the parameters of an underlying multicommodity production function system. From the recovered production function parameters, marginal values of water are calculated over a range of hydrological and economic conditions. This work can inform policy debates over competing proposals for climate change adaptation based on identifying marginal values of water for irrigated agriculture over a range of existing and potential conditions.
Pages: 940–966
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2421975
Evaluating river basin plans’ effects on water stress in Thailand’s economic development area
Supatchaya Chuanpongpanicha, Jutithep Vongpheta, Thunwadee Tachapattaworakul Suksarojb, Bancha Kwanyuena,c, Songsak Puttrawutichaia, Tawatchai Tingsanchalid and Chaisri Suksaroja
aResearch Center for Sustainable Development, Department of Irrigation Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand; bASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom, Thailand; cRepresentative Committee Member of the River Basin Committee, The National Water Resources committee, Office of the National Water Resources, Bangkok, Thailand; dSustainable Water Resources Development Research Center (SWRD center), Faculty of Engineering at Sriracha, Kasetsart University,Sriracha Campus, Chonburi, Thailand
Contact: Chaisri Suksaroj | Email: Chaisri.s@ku.th
Abstract
Surging water demand necessitates strategic water management to maintain efficiency and accessibility. In Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor Project, water demand escalated from 2005 to 2018 by 54%, prompting water management plans using pipe diversion. However, this plan merely shifts scarcity issues due to limitations and climate uncertainties. The Water Stress Index assessed the impact using distributed hydrological modelling, revealing the 3Rs scenario, and a dry season rice cultivation lowered by 26%. Specific basins still face extreme stress. Integrating scenarios can refine and alleviate stress, suggesting a combined scenario approach, improving Water Stress Index and efficiently identifying vital water reduction strategies.
Pages: 967–988
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2401126
Challenges in reintroducing fair market value to US public water/wastewater systems
T. J. McKiernan and Mildred E. Warner
Department of City and Regional Planning, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Contact: Mildred E. Warner | Email: mew15@cornell.edu
Abstract
This paper analyses the debates around the shift in public water/wastewater systems valuation from a book value-based system towards a market-driven exchange approach, ‘fair market value’ (FMV). FMV legislation has been introduced in the past decade in 12 additional states. What is driving this shift instate policy and what does it mean for our understanding of value? Based on a review of the FMV acquisition process we explore the debates around this shift in water/wastewater system valuation drawing on historical court cases, two recent acquisitions and a review of public utility commission documents, legislative transcripts, court cases and statutes.
Pages: 989–1005
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2400491 (Open Access)
Sustainable finance, water governance, and water policy objectives in Ontario municipalities
Fabiola Alvarado-Revilla and Rob de Loë
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Contact: Fabiola Alvarado-Revilla | Email: fabiola.alvarado@seh.oxon.org
Abstract
Sustainable finance is an important part of the water governance landscape that has not received sufficient attention in the water governance and policy literature. In this paper, we approach sustainable finance as a ‘non-water’ factor that influences water governance situations. Two key water policy objectives in Ontario municipalities provide the focus: water system financial sustainability, and industrial water use reduction. We find that sustainable finance as a sector has significant potential to drive future decision-making around water in municipalities in the context of chronic underfunding and the transition to low-carbon economies.
Pages: 1006–1031
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2385577
Hydro-diplomacy on the Brahmaputra: examining the interplay of water, territorial claims, and infrastructure
Mark Giordano and Anya Wahal
Science, Technology, & International Affairs, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
Contact: Mark Giordano | Emails: Mark.Giordano@georgetown.edu; mg1382@georgetown.edu
Abstract
The Brahmaputra is frequently discussed as a location of future water conflict between China and India. This paper shows that the risks of conflict over water are in fact low, because China functionally contributes less to the Brahmaputra’s flow than is often perceived and the river’s water contributes little to India’s water security challenges. However, both countries use water infrastructure as a signal of territorial control. Although opportunities exist for the Brahmaputra to serve as a source of regional cooperation, it will more likely continue to be used by both India and China in competition for regional geopolitical influence.
Pages: 1032–1052
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2388651
Review Article
Exploring the challenges of people’s resettlement in China’s reservoirs: a historical perspective
Xing Yang, Miao Hou, Zhihuan Wang, Fei Qi, Songgan Weng, Yan Juand Wenye Zhang
Institute of Rural Water Resources and Soil and Water Conservation, Jiangsu Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, China
Contact: Xing Yang | Email: ydaxue@163.com
Abstract
This paper explores the challenges of China’s reservoir resettlement, analysing the causes from various perspectives and their connection to existing policies. It highlights the transition from a focus on economic growth to prioritizing social welfare and environmental protection. The study reveals that while China’s resettlement policies generally meet World Bank OP 4.12 standards,complexities remain in balancing development with the rights of resettled people. This research provides valuable insights for countries lacking effective resettlement frameworks and contributes to the advancement of SDG 3: Good health and well-being and SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, emphasizing the need for continued improvements.
Pages: 1053–1077
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2409298
Viewpoints
Water privatization in England & Wales: past reasons, present problems & future prospects
D. A. Lloyd Owen
Envisager Limited, Newcastle Emlyn, UK
Contact: D. A. Lloyd Owen | Email: david@envisager.co.uk
Abstract
The ten Water and Sewerage Companies covering England and Wales were privatized in 1989, primarily due to the financial pressures they faced from historic underinvestment and the need to comply with EU environmental-related legislation. In the first decade, this worked well as inland and bathing water improved. More recently, environmental progress has been seen under a harsher light due to a number of factors, many of which reflect poorly on the way these companies are managed and regulated. A number of potential responses are put forward.
Pages: 1078–1093
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2393833
Reasonable water management shift via Sefficiency in Sequity
Naim Haie
CTAC, University of Minho, Guimaraes, Portugal
Contact: Naim Haie | Email: naimhaie5@yahoo.com
Abstract
It is urgent to transform management of water use systems towards sustainability, fairness and no significant harm by systemically answering the subsequent essential questions. How to comprehensively integrate the six central perspectives – adaptation/mitigation, supply/demand, descriptive/performance? How to quantify input/output (I/O) differentials along the three pillars (water quantity, quality, benefits/values)? How to integrate and quantify sustainable equity (Sequity), sustainable I/O efficiencies (Sefficiency), conservation, and impact differentials at different levels? How to make reasonable judgements in decision-making processes? Current water management frameworks fail to present good-enough responses to these foundational questions, contrary to the complex and novel shift outlined here.
Pages: 1094–1101
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2024.2372580