Water Resource Management
Water Resource Management (WRM) is the process of planning, developing, and managing water resources to meet the needs of humans and the environment. Effective WRM is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources, maintaining ecosystem health, and supporting economic development. This focus note highlights the importance of surface water management, groundwater management, and aquifer management in WRM.
Key Principles
Integrated WRM
Managing water resources holistically, considering social, economic, and environmental aspects.
Sustainability
Ensuring long-term availability of water for future generations.
Equity
Managing water fairly to meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Participation
Involving communities in water resource planning and management.
Adaptation
Adapting to climate change and other factors affecting water availability.
Surface Water Management
Watershed Management
Protecting and conserving rivers, lakes, and reservoirs through watershed management.
Flood Control
Managing flood risk with structures like dams and levees.
Water Quality
Monitoring and controlling pollution to protect surface water quality.
Irrigation
Using efficient systems and technologies for irrigation water management.
Groundwater Management
Exploration
Mapping groundwater resources to understand their extent.
Monitoring
Tracking groundwater levels and quality for sustainable use.
Regulation
Preventing over-extraction and ensuring equitable access.
Artificial Recharge
Recharging aquifers with rainwater harvesting and infiltration.
Protection
Protecting groundwater from pollution using best practices.
Aquifer Management
Characterization
Understanding aquifer properties and behavior.
Modeling
Predicting the impact of activities on aquifers.
Planning
Developing sustainable aquifer management plans.
Monitoring
Tracking aquifer levels and quality.
Restoration
Restoring degraded aquifers with storage and recovery.
Challenges & Opportunities
Climate Change
Impacts precipitation and increases evaporation.
Population Growth
Increases demand for water resources.
Water Scarcity
Growing concern in areas with limited resources.
Water Pollution
From agricultural runoff, industry, and waste.
Technological Innovations
Offer opportunities like water-saving tech and desalination.
Best Practices
Conservation
Implementing efficient water-use technologies.
Recycling
Using treated wastewater for non-potable applications.
Watershed Management
Protecting surface water through strategic planning.
Groundwater Monitoring
Ensuring sustainable extraction and quality.
Aquifer Management
Preventing over-extraction for long-term availability.
Global Alignment
Sahyog Foundation’s efforts are aligned with key international frameworks, including:
We support the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Transboundary Watercourses, the Global Water Partnership, and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.
Commitment to Sustainable Water Management
Effective water resource management is vital for long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of growing environmental and human pressures. Sahyog Foundation is committed to promoting sustainable water practices for a healthier planet.