Articles tagged with Water Management
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.
Researchers developed a method to accurately measure groundwater levels using satellite data, overcoming the challenges of traditional monitoring wells. This breakthrough provides valuable data for managing water resources and will improve models for scenarios like population growth and droughts.
Significant portions of the Ogalalla Aquifer are at risk of drying up due to excessive drainage. Michigan State University scientists propose policy solutions, including federal crop insurance changes and wholesale precision agriculture strategies, to avert water crisis.
Researchers at the University of Miami used satellite images to confirm the impact of saltwater intrusion on freshwater plants in the Everglades. The study found large patches of vegetation loss closer to the coast, while interior areas showed growth trends.
The 'Center for Advanced Water Research' will address global problems concerning integrated water resources management jointly. With the foundation of the CAWR, partners aim to overcome the challenges in the water sector using integrated approaches.
Agriculture faces increasing competition for water, but integrated water management plans can increase water security by utilizing blue, green, and gray waters. The symposium highlights the importance of protecting these three water sources to meet the world's growing demand for food.
The new journal publishes its first issue themed on 'Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) for better water governance and sustainable development'. Elsevier aims to bridge the gap between industrial water use practice and scientific research.
Researchers use satellite data to identify 'hotspots' of water scarcity in the US, warning of potential food supply risks due to groundwater depletion. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive national water policy to address these emerging issues.
Researchers used PIV system to measure flow field around Heteroxenia coral, finding polyp motion effectively sweeps water away from coral tissues. The accumulated effect of uncoordinated polyp activity enhances flow around colony, reducing re-filtration and improving nutrient exchange.
The Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan is generating science to address water security challenges in North America. Howard Wheater's research focuses on large-scale water monitoring and modelling to support better forecasting and prediction models for land and water systems.
Researchers have discovered that ancient Petra was extensively farmed on terraces, with wheat, grapes, and olives being cultivated. The complex systems of dam construction and water management were crucial to the region's agricultural success.
A team led by Assistant Professor Noah Molotch will identify thresholds of change in land use, forest management, and climate that may compromise the sustainability of trans-basin water diversions. The project aims to provide projections on future water supply and demand changes due to climate change.
North Carolina State University is leading a four-year research project to assess freshwater sustainability across the southern United States. The study will analyze historical hydroecological observations and population projections to determine how sustainable water resources will be over the next 10 to 30 years.
A new UC Santa Barbara-based project will investigate contaminants in urban water environments, focusing on identifying threats to surface waters and groundwater. The research aims to determine how to mitigate these issues and develop cost-effective solutions.
A new study reveals that groundwater in the upper Patapsco aquifer underlying Maryland is tens to hundreds of thousands of years old, with some samples dating back over a million years. This ancient water was recharged during cooler periods in earth's history and is now being rapidly pumped out by human activity.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that immediate induction of labor does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Instead, expectant management is recommended to reduce the risk of maternal infection and neonatal sepsis.
Global knowledge brokers convene to address challenges of sharing knowledge with policy makers, international donors, and practitioners. The event aims to create a legacy document capturing ideas on reducing the gulf between knowledge and action.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on the next Landsat satellite will detect Earth's temperature using quantum physics-based detector arrays. This technology enables accurate measurements of land and water usage, vital for managing Western US water consumption.
The new survey emphasizes the need for an integrated, multi-sectorial approach to address climate change's impact on India's water resources. It identifies key recommendations for policymakers, including developing 'low regret' policies and improving water databases.
Experts recommend accounting for water scarcity and pollution in international trade rules to mitigate its impact. The UNESCO-IHE Institute's special report aims to integrate water management into global trade agreements, considering new concepts like virtual water and water footprint.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that groundwater levels are influenced by precipitation three months earlier. The research provides unprecedented detail on how climate affects surface water and streamflow in the region, enabling better planning and policy decisions to mitigate water shortages.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) has successfully completed its first round of thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test evaluated the fully-assembled instrument at its normal operating temperature, achieving results that surpass expectations in some areas.
A comprehensive study of Asia, Africa, and Latin America's major river basins finds that sufficient water exists to sustainably increase food production. Research suggests focusing on efficient use and rain-fed agriculture can generate two to three times more food.
A study by UC Davis scientists predicts that warming streams will be fatal to spring-run Chinook salmon in California unless water management strategies are implemented. Reducing hydropower diversions during warmest times could preserve salmon populations for a few decades.
A national database called WATERiD will provide accurate predictions of when underground water and wastewater pipes might fail. The database, launched on Sept. 1, aims to create a single point for utilities to access relevant information and accelerate decision-making.
The RainGain project aims to provide detailed precipitation and flooding data on an urban scale. TU Delft will utilize rain radar technology to measure local precipitation patterns in Rotterdam and other partner cities, enabling more effective urban water management and flood protection strategies.