Articles tagged with Water Management
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.
The Urban Sanitation Challenge funds five projects that aim to scale up innovative approaches to urban sanitation. Five projects funded under the new challenge include an affordable plastic toilet line that is being used in 14 countries, with more than 1.2 million toilets installed and improving the lives of 6 million people.
The authors emphasize the need for a life course approach to address vaginal bleeding needs of girls and women across their lives. The lack of open discussion and access to clean water, sanitation, and factual information hinder effective management of bleeding, leading to anaemia and other health issues.
A new study estimates that global inland fishery harvests may be as high as 12 million tons per year, far exceeding previous estimates. This could significantly contribute to global food security and economic stability, as well as provide valuable resources for recreation and tourism.
A Utah State University team constructed a scale model of the Oroville Dam spillway, replicating its current state and terrain conditions. The model will help engineers make better-informed decisions about repair and replacement.
A new study by NIOO-KNAW ecologist Bart Grutters suggests that exotic water plants can be a valuable asset in aquatic ecosystems, offering similar benefits to indigenous species. The research found that properties such as chemical defences and stem rigidity should be considered when evaluating the impact of exotic species.
Researchers mapped saltwater intrusion in the Monterey Bay coastline using ERT, providing a cheaper alternative to drilling 'sentinel' wells. The study aims to improve groundwater models and help local water managers make informed decisions about pumping groundwater.
A team of international researchers has developed a new approach to calculate groundwater recharge rates, significantly improving estimates for 560 million people in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. By accounting for subsurface heterogeneity, their model produces more realistic estimates than existing global models.
A new study has found that large-scale hydrologic models can be improved to provide more realistic groundwater recharge estimates. The research team compared two models and showed that accounting for subsurface heterogeneity leads to greater estimates of groundwater recharge, which is essential for securing sustainable water supplies.
Effective management reforms can lead to a nearly 90 percent increase in profits and a third more fish in the water, even with climate change. The research also shows that improved management can increase fish and prosperity for many fisheries.
A collaboration between NASA and the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center uses satellite data to improve stream flow forecasts, reducing errors by up to 70 percent. This enhances decision-making for managing water resources and reservoir facilities in the basin.
Monash University has been awarded a USD 9.7 million grant to lead a five-year research project on transforming water infrastructure and sanitation practices in urban slums globally. The project aims to improve human health and well-being in informal settlements, with potential applications for new water management policies worldwide.
A research team analyzed PFIA membrane samples using infrared spectroscopy to understand water retention. They found that PFIA is better at managing water in low humidity conditions, retaining it through a hydrogen-bonded network. This improvement is crucial for further optimizing membranes and extending their operational area.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend a re-examination of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan's original goals due to changing environmental conditions. The report emphasizes the need for forward-looking, systemwide analysis of Everglades restoration outcomes across various scenarios.
A Stanford study found that the Syrian civil war caused a significant decrease in agricultural irrigation and reservoir storage in Syria, with irrigation land decreasing by 47% and reservoir storage dropping by 49%. This reduction has led to increased flow in neighboring countries like Jordan, exacerbating water scarcity issues.
Researchers fabricate fur-like, rubbery pelts to trap warm pockets of air in dense layers of fur. The findings provide a detailed mechanical understanding of how mammals insulate themselves while diving underwater.
A study from Lund University finds that foreign agricultural companies' crop choices and water management contribute to increased water shortages and competition for resources. This leads to a higher risk of conflicts between humans, plants, and animals in affected areas.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati find non-deleterious sulfate minerals in ancient soil and water, increasing fertility for maize cultivation. The discovery sheds new light on the Ancestral Puebloans' thriving agricultural urban center.
A mathematical model developed at TU Wien found that the Mayans' irrigation technology may have contributed to their collapse. The study suggests that while water reservoirs can provide relief during droughts, they may also make populations more vulnerable during prolonged dry spells.
The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico, but its water level is declining due to growing demand. A new study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen water resources management, including reciprocal water re-distribution, expertise sharing, and small-scale sustainability strategies.
A new study found that an ebb and flow subirrigation system can control plant height and alleviate salt stress in poinsettia. The method, known as partial-saturation ebb and flow watering, achieves partial saturation of the root medium, reducing water uptake and sodium accumulation.
A study developed a template to determine an animal's ability to cope with climate change droughts, considering physiology and environment. The Adaptive Triquetra model assesses species' resilience to increasing aridity by evaluating traits such as temperature tolerance and food availability.
The study found that under moderate to intense climate change scenarios, the proposed action plan will not be sufficient to protect the lake. Urgent actions are needed to save the lake through regional action to limit human water use and global action to limit greenhouse-gas concentration.
Aging lead pipes pose health risks across the US, with federal funding called for to address concerns sparked by the Flint water crisis. Scientists recommend replacing deteriorating infrastructure to prevent lead leaching into drinking water supplies.
A new study shows that storing extra surface water in underground aquifers can increase groundwater supply during droughts. Regions that actively store surface water have seen increased groundwater levels, even as surrounding areas depleted theirs.
Researchers found significant bacterial contamination in buildings with storage tanks and altered plumbing, which can lead to chlorine resistance. To mitigate this risk, precautions should be taken to prevent bacterial introduction into the system.
A new study suggests that optimized rain use and irrigation can increase crop yields globally, particularly in water-scarce regions like China, Australia, and Mexico. This approach to crop water management could make a crucial contribution to filling the plates of the poor and increasing climate resilience for smallholders.
A new research project proposes employing millions of existing distributed energy resources to balance the power grid, increase reliability and decrease carbon emissions. The approach uses incentive-based coordination and control to make the grid more efficient and resilient.
A new study suggests that local human activity is altering the global water cycle, increasing evapotranspiration and decreasing water runoff. This shift has a significant impact, raising humanity's global freshwater footprint by 18% and potentially leading to unsustainable levels of consumption.
A Kansas State University study found that the High Plains Aquifer's groundwater depletion peaked in 2006 and is expected to decrease by 50% over the next 100 years. Researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 wells and developed a logistic equation to project future water levels through 2110.
A new CSIRO study provides an unprecedented understanding of water resources in Western Australia's Pilbara region, shedding light on local water systems and climate change impacts. The research helps water managers plan for future use in a resource-rich area with environmental assets.
The Urban Water Innovation Network will develop technological, institutional, and management solutions to enhance urban water resilience. The network, led by Colorado State University, aims to create an enduring research network for integrated water systems and sustainable cities.
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Atlantic University reveals that past water conditions and availability are crucial factors affecting wading bird populations in the Everglades. The research found a 'lag effect' where wet conditions can take several years to impact bird numbers.
A new model predicts coronal mass ejections with 24-hour advance warning, while satellite altimetry helps optimize reservoir releases in real-time. This enables more efficient water management on data-limited rivers around the world.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing a new urban water program, focusing on water-sensitive cities and innovative technologies to deliver water security. The program aims to improve urban climates, reduce carbon footprints and enhance quality of life.
Rome was a 'smart city' due to its minimal alteration of natural features and resource management. In contrast, Naples faced more geological hazards and limited resources, constraining its growth. Over time, both cities became unstable due to rapid urban expansion and increased natural disasters
The FluEgg model examines complex dependencies between flow, temperature, and egg development to predict the likelihood of Asian carp reproduction in the St. Joseph River. The model highlights the importance of a fine balance between egg development and variable flow conditions.
A USGS study reveals how plants' vulnerability to drought varies across landscapes, with factors like plant structure and soil type influencing their response. The model helps forecast the future state of drylands by understanding how climate change affects water availability and use.
A new study by international researchers highlights China's booming economy is exacerbating water stress for poorer regions through virtual water transfers. The efforts only partially alleviate water stress and are likely to be insufficient to offset increased demand due to economic growth.
Every day, 2,000 hectares of irrigated land in arid regions are degraded by salt, affecting 20% of the world's irrigated lands. The study estimates global economic losses at $27.3 billion per year due to salt-induced land degradation.
Experts from the University of Exeter are developing a computer platform to simulate how existing and prospective new water systems will cope with issues such as land management and flooding in a virtual environment. The Nexus Game, a Serious Gaming approach, will focus on the unique interplay of infrastructure and the Nexus in the UK.
A new study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that when local communities collect fees for repairs and train members to fix wells, they can remain functional for decades. The World Vision model has been implemented in Ghana and resulted in nearly 80% of wells remaining operational after over two decades.
Interdependent networks, such as energy production systems, are more vulnerable to cascading failures due to one-directional connections. The study found that redundancy in connections can impact robustness, with less reliable systems operating near critical thresholds.