Articles tagged with Water Management
The Bureau of Reclamation released final technical reports supporting the Water Reliability in the West - 2021 SECURE Water Act Report, assessing climate change impacts on 17 western states. The reports provide detailed information on adaptation strategies to increase water supply reliability.
A recent study by ETH Zurich reveals that climate change has a globally visible influence on rivers, with complex patterns emerging worldwide. The research analyzed data from 7,250 measuring stations and found that river flow changed systematically between 1971 and 2010.
A new study reveals that bioenergy production without sustainable irrigation management could double global water stress by the end of the century. However, implementing sustainable water management measures can halve this increase, but poses significant tradeoffs and challenges.
Analysis of satellite data reveals that humans have a dominant effect on Earth's water cycle, causing 57% of seasonal variability in freshwater storage. Human-managed reservoirs fluctuate by nearly four times more than natural lakes and ponds, affecting regions with high water stress.
Scientists used ICESat-2 to track water level fluctuations in Earth's lakes and ponds over 22 months, finding natural lakes and ponds change by 8.6 inches seasonally, while reservoirs fluctuate nearly quadruple that amount. The study also revealed regional patterns of variability in reservoirs.
The invasive Prosopis juliflora tree seriously diminishes water resources in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, consuming up to 3.1-3.3 billion m3/yr and generating US$ 320 million and US$ 470 million net benefits per year. The study highlights the need for a coordinated control program to contain its spread and reduce density.
Researchers from Skoltech and UTMB have developed an optoacoustic sensor to measure water content in skin, a technique that can monitor swelling or dehydration. The method is safe, non-invasive, and provides high resolution, making it suitable for clinical applications.
A recent NSF grant aims to address salt pollution in freshwaters, a growing environmental threat. The project seeks to develop new infrastructure designs and everyday choices that reduce salt use.
New research from Portland State University predicts an increase in wildfire hazard in the Clackamas Basin by mid-century due to projected changes in temperature and relative humidity. This could lead to longer fire seasons and more severe fire weather, resulting in larger, more frequent fires.
A new regional model predicts uranium contamination in California's Central Valley aquifers based on calcium concentrations and soil alkalinity. The study suggests that water managers can forecast solutions by including data about soil properties when generating aquifer vulnerability maps for naturally occurring contaminants like uranium.
Researchers have mapped a vast freshwater reservoir off the coast of Hawaii Island, revealing a new mechanism for transporting freshwater from onshore to offshore aquifers. This discovery has significant implications for sustainable development on volcanic islands, potentially providing alternative renewable resources.
A new land surface model CAS-LSM was developed to assess impacts of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances on global river temperature and nitrogen transport. The model found increased river temperatures in tropical zones due to climate change, with power plants warming local rivers by up to 60% in Asia.
Researchers developed a tool to connect streamgage and reservoir data, providing critical information for managing water systems efficiently. The tool accounts for hydrological connections over large watersheds and can be used by power plant operators, reservoir operators, and water resource managers.
Researchers developed a new climate model to predict water needs, combining land use projections with future climate data. The model accurately projects hydrological response and identifies dominant pathways for water loss in the Southeast.
Researchers from Princeton will help lead a project to simulate the nation's natural groundwater system using artificial intelligence, improving hydrologic forecasting and water management. The project combines data science, machine learning, and hydrology to predict how much groundwater is available and its impact on extreme events.
Researchers developed the Effective Catchment Index (ECI) to analyze global data sets and determine how topographic and actual catchment areas differ. The study found that every third catchment has an effective area greater than twice or less than half its topographical area, influenced by water management activities.
Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.
The Community Water Model is a large-scale hydrological and water resources model that simulates global and regional water availability. It considers various sectors' demands and environmental needs, providing insights into the impact of climate change on water supply.
The Flint water crisis resulted from simultaneous failures of federal drinking water standards and Michigan's emergency manager law, which exacerbated local financial challenges. The crisis offers lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic on building healthy communities through investments in modern infrastructure.
Researchers have created complex computer simulations to study the properties of salt in water under high pressure and temperature conditions, similar to those found in the Earth's mantle. The models revealed key molecular changes that could impact understanding of chemical reactions at these extreme depths.
A new study finds that certain stream pools act as drought refuges for salmon, providing conditions necessary to support survival during extreme conditions. The research provides insight into the role of habitat fragmentation in threatening salmon survival and informs strategies for conservation efforts.
A hydrological model has led to significant advancements in creating a world water map, utilizing public data and citizen science contributions. The model provides accurate predictions for river flow, with areas like the Eastern US, Europe, Japan, and Russia showing high potential for seasonal forecasts.
A team of researchers from UTA is collaborating with DFW Airport to improve storm water management strategies and runway operations. They are developing an advanced flood warning system that can mitigate potential issues before they happen.
New insights into drought's impacts on social, ecological and agricultural systems are highlighted in this special issue. Research identifies vulnerabilities in water management policy and the importance of soil microbiota in crop resilience.
Research by WEARE at University of Córdoba reveals methods to sustainably manage groundwater, such as monitoring systems and high-added value crops, that can help recover over-exploited aquifers. Governance is also crucial in ensuring sustainable use.
A new satellite-based algorithm, BESS-STAIR, has achieved unprecedented accuracy in estimating crop water use in the US Corn Belt. The framework combines plant's carbon-water-energy cycles to provide high-resolution data on a daily basis, offering real-time benefits for farmers
The University of Guam and CNMI officials exchanged expertise and challenges in watershed management, identifying gaps in resources and encouraging collaboration. The NSF INCLUDES program funded the workshops, which aimed to promote sustainable living and conserve unique biodiversity in the Marianas.
Researchers created a new model to better predict karst-aquifer vulnerability in the Grand Canyon, providing more accurate information for land and water managers. The study found similar patterns of contamination risk between two aquifers, with some areas showing high vulnerability to contamination.
A study of six European countries' water governance systems from 1750 to 2006 found that the introduction of new regulations can lead to conflicts, inefficiencies, and a decrease in system coherence. The researchers argue that less regulation may be more effective in achieving positive environmental impacts.
Researchers from Spain and Portugal have identified the careo irrigation channels of Sierra Nevada as the oldest underground aquifer recharge system in Europe. The study, published in Journal of Hydrology, reveals that this ancient technique was used to channel water for centuries, with evidence dating back to the 11th Century.
A ground penetrating radar study revealed a 7km-long embankment was inadequate to contain average water flow, questioning Khmer kings' legitimacy. Researchers believe the failure led to the relocation of the capital from Koh Ker to Angkor.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing funding for 27 new research projects to address technical challenges in managing water and generating power. The projects focus on areas such as water infrastructure, environmental issues, and developing water supplies.
Researchers found an optimal management scenario that benefits both winter-run chinook salmon and threatened green sturgeon by releasing warmer water in the spring and cold water in the summer. This strategy minimizes harm to young green sturgeon while meeting the needs of downstream agricultural users.
The book, titled "The Edwards Aquifer: The Past, Present and Future of a Vital Water Resource", compiles research on the aquifer's characterization, hydrogeologic structure, and effects of climate and urbanization. Understanding the aquifer's limitations is key to preserving the resource for future generations.
A new study finds that groundwater pumping has contributed significantly to US stream flow declines, affecting regions like the Colorado and Mississippi River basins. The research suggests that sustainable water management is crucial to mitigate these impacts and ensure long-term water security.
Complex federal food safety rules are being clarified to assess agricultural water use, with potential cost savings of $37 million annually nationwide. The Produce Safety Alliance is developing new ways to evaluate and manage water sources to reduce contamination risks.
A study by Berkeley Lab found that the Sierra Nevada snowpack could drop by 79% by 2100, leading to a shift in peak timing four weeks earlier. The researchers worked closely with water managers to produce 'actionable science' for resource planning purposes.
A new study uses citizen science to enhance flood forecasting by integrating water level data into models. The Hydrological Alert Model with Participatory Basis (HAMPB) model has shown promising results in improving forecast accuracy.
The Bureau of Reclamation has allocated $3.9 million for research projects to address water management needs in the western United States. These projects will provide innovative solutions to support water and power facility managers, customers, and stakeholders.
Scientists from GEOMAR and University of Malta are collaborating on a three-year project to develop a best practice guide for detecting, characterizing, and monitoring offshore aquifers. The goal is to assess the sustainability of using these aquifers as an alternative source of freshwater in coastal regions.
A study reveals that intermittent flooding in rice cultivation leads to higher nitrous oxide emissions, potentially up to 30-45 times higher than continuous flooding. Co-management of water, nitrogen, and carbon can reduce climate impacts by 10-90%.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to monitor water levels in underground aquifers using seismic noise. They were able to measure the water depth of an aquifer in California to within a centimeter, and estimated that half a cubic kilometer of water was pumped out during a drought. This technique has the poten...
A UC Davis study found significant variation in how water managers engage with climate information, with perspectives clustering by cultural terms. The researchers identified three types of manager's temporalities, from those who closely model futures to those who disregard climate change.
A new study reveals that Himalayan balsam thrives in drier riverbanks and prefers steeper slopes to native plants, shedding light on its spread. Understanding these conditions can help mitigate the invasive plant's impact on UK rivers.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that climate change impacts managed waterways in the US and Canada, similar to unmanaged streams and rivers. The analysis revealed diminishing flow in southern and western US regions, while northeastern US rivers showed increased flow.
A researcher at the University of Córdoba has developed a model that uses artificial intelligence to predict water needs for farmers, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. The model uses fuzzy logic and neural networks to analyze data from remote control systems and establish optimal irrigation depths.
Researchers at the University of Utah and University of California, San Diego discovered how antifreeze proteins function, providing a direction for future research. The study found that AFPs prevent water from freezing by surrounding and binding to small ice crystals, preventing their spread.
Researchers at the University of Queensland found that triclosan can induce antibiotic resistance by accelerating the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study suggests that high residual levels of triclosan in everyday environments are contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
A Portland State University study published in Water Resources Research found that involving residents in local water policies is key to building healthy and resilient city water systems. The research bridged the gap between residents' concerns about costs and water shortages and water managers' concerns about aging infrastructure, res...
The Intelligent Systems for Geosciences community is using AI to improve decision-making in water management. Computational tools like directed networks are helping visualize connections and patterns in datasets, enabling more informed choices.
New NOAA research predicts snowpack levels in the West 8 months in advance, providing crucial information for farmers and urban water managers. The accurate predictions can be made on a mountain range scale, helping to improve regional water forecasts and inform decisions on water supply, wildfire risk, ecology, and agriculture.
Researchers used global climate models to predict March US snowpack based on July 1 conditions, outperforming statistical predictions. This approach could improve water management and hazard preparedness.
Researchers found that changes in humidity determine how much snowpack contributes to streams, lakes, and groundwater as the climate warms. Cloudy, humid winter days cause snowpack to warm faster, increasing melt during winter months. In contrast, clear skies and low humidity preserve the snowpack until spring. The study highlights the...
Researchers at Utah State University analyzed tree rings to reconstruct monthly streamflow trends for three rivers in Northern Utah. The study provides a new tool for understanding seasonal patterns and droughts, enabling more informed water use and management decisions.
Researchers developed a statistical model to understand the frequency and severity of megadroughts in the western US. They analyzed tree ring evidence from 800 to 1300 A.D. and found that megadroughts occur naturally, with some events potentially linked to solar activity or other non-climatic factors.
Researchers found that recreational use values may remain stable over decades, providing a reliable basis for policy changes on public lands. The study replicated a 1985 survey and explored the stability of value estimates over three decades.
A new four-part framework is proposed to value water for sustainable development, guiding better policy and practice. The framework highlights the need to measure, value, trade off, and manage water effectively to achieve safely-managed drinking water and sanitation.
A team of Caltech engineers has developed an empirical model of the California reservoir network, allowing managers to anticipate and respond to drought conditions more effectively. The model uses statistical techniques to learn from past data and shed light on how reservoirs will respond to different climate patterns in the future.
Researchers found that insects reared on contaminated diets or irrigated with antibiotics exhibit increased mortality rates and altered development times. This study has implications for integrated pest management and the use of reclaimed wastewater in agriculture.
The three-year project will focus on the intersections between food production, energy use, and water use in Southern California and Southern Texas. Researchers aim to develop modeling systems that integrate these sectors for better decision-making, sharing them with industry stakeholders and policy specialists.