Re-inventing America's urban water infrastructure
The Urban Water ERC aims to develop new, sustainable ways to manage urban water. Researchers will work in close partnership with industry to address the critical importance of this issue.
Water Management
Articles tagged with Water Management
Green industry knowledge center introduced
The US nursery and greenhouse industry has launched an online knowledge center to promote sustainable practices, providing resources and tools for growers and students. The Green Industry Knowledge Center offers in-depth learning modules on water and nutrient management, irrigation, and substrate handling.
How we manage water resources has a direct impact on our health, says Canada Research Chair
Watersheds are living systems essential for healthy communities, according to Canada Research Chair Margot Parkes. She advocates for an integrated approach to water management that involves communities, governments, and researchers working together.
Rain in Spain is on the decline
A study by the University of Zaragoza found that Spain's precipitation has declined overall between March and June, reducing the length of the rainy season. The rains are heavier in October in the north west of the country.
OU establishes a new water and sustainability institute
The University of Oklahoma is establishing an Institute for Water and Sustainability, including the Oklahoma Water Survey, to benefit Oklahoma and the nation. The institute will provide research and data for informed decision-making regarding water conservation and use.
Hot with decades of drought: Expectations for the Southwest
A new study suggests that a 60-year drought like the one in the 12th Century could occur in the Southwest, with devastating impacts on ecosystems and water systems. The team analyzed past temperatures and droughts to identify plausible worst-case scenarios, highlighting the need for improved water management planning.
Windborne dust on high peaks dampens Colorado River runoff
Research published in PNAS reveals that windborne dust on high peaks in the Colorado River Basin reduces snow cover duration and increases runoff, leading to a 5% annual loss of water. This decrease in runoff affects water management, as peak flows occur earlier and are more compressed.
A baby, Skype and water research partnership with Israel
Sharon Walker, a US engineer, partnered with Ben-Gurion University in Israel to develop innovative approaches to water management. The collaboration aims to enhance global competency of graduate students and faculty through research and education.
NASA completes critical design review of one Landsat instrument
NASA engineers have completed a critical design review of the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instrument, which will help monitor water consumption in the U.S. West. TIRS will extend the Landsat database in the thermal infrared bands needed by various users, providing high-sensitivity cryogenically cooled detector arrays.
Water-related conflicts set to escalate
The world's waters are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and pollution, threatening food production and water resources. The Mekong River Basin is a prime example of water-related conflicts escalating over access to hydropower production and its impact on local livelihoods.
Communication trumps penalties in new study of social-ecological systems
Researchers at Arizona State University and Indiana University found that communication improves joint outcomes when managing common-pool resources. In experiments with costly fines, participants improved their harvest output greatly when given a chance to communicate.
CGIAR's 'Outstanding Scientist of the Year' says solution to world's water woes lies in agriculture
Dr. David Molden, winner of the CGIAR award for Outstanding Scientist of the Year, states that agriculture is both the cause and solution to many world water problems. The Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture highlights the potential to grow more food with limited water, particularly in areas of high poverty.
1 billion are hungry -- can we reduce hunger now and by 2050?
A Special Issue of Agricultural Water Management highlights the need for investments in agriculture to improve food security and address global hunger. Investments in irrigation and rainfed agriculture are crucial to increase food production and household incomes in developing countries.
MMS study probes mystery of loop current in eastern Gulf of Mexico
A new MMS study examines the Loop Current and its effects on the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, revealing a connection between upper- and lower-layer currents and water mass characteristics. The research provides valuable insights for improving forecasting and predicting the impact of the Loop Current on oil and gas operations.
A 'Blue Revolution': the key to future food security
The world will need a 'Blue Revolution' to address the massive pressure on its water resources due to population growth, changing diets, and climate change. Investments in water can reduce poverty and improve agricultural productivity by refurbishing irrigation systems and promoting rainfed agriculture.
Asia faces food shortage by 2050 without water reform
The region may need to import over a quarter of its rice, wheat and maize if current irrigation management is not improved or innovated. A new study warns that Asia's vast irrigation systems must be revitalized to meet the growing food demand without further straining water resources.
'Hydropalooza' provides deeper understanding of Alaska's Kachemak Bay
The NOAA-led Hydropalooza project is mapping the seafloor and coastline of Kachemak Bay, providing detailed data for safe navigation and ecosystem management. The data will be used to support local planning, maritime commerce, and recreational boating in the area.
UNH researcher receives presidential environmental award
A UNH researcher received a Presidential Environmental Award for his work on the South Coast Habitat Restoration Project, which restored ecologically important eelgrass meadows to tidal ponds in Rhode Island. The project utilized a site selection model developed by the researcher, identifying locations most favorable to eelgrass growth.
Purdue-developed tool can get most pollution control for the money
A new tool developed at Purdue University helps sort out how to choose the best non-point source pollution control strategies for water resources. By analyzing data from an area, it can compute the most cost-effective solutions in just a few hours.
Better water use could reduce future food crises
Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.
Crop models help increase yield per unit of water used
A series of symposium papers explore AquaCrop and other agronomic models that estimate water use efficiency under varying conditions. The models were shown to adequately simulate WUE under well-watered conditions but tend to overestimate or underestimate WUE under water stress, limiting their usefulness for deficit irrigation scenarios.
Army can boost mission success by better managing
A RAND Corporation study found that U.S. Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages by better managing environmental issues during deployments, which can influence local support for the mission and overall success. The study recommends giving more weight to environmental considerations in planning and operations.
Unique animal species can survive in space
Researchers found water bears can withstand extreme dehydration and cosmic radiation in space, but are harmed by ultraviolet radiation. Ingemar Jönsson's team discovered that water bears can repair DNA damage after exposure to space conditions.
Archaeologists trace early irrigation farming in ancient Yemen
In southern Yemen, archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient transitions from hunting and herding to irrigation agriculture around 5,200 years ago. The research team used GIS mapping and studied contemporary land and water rights to understand the development of expert knowledge of hydrology among early farmers.
A new satellite remote sensing tool for improving agricultural land use observation
The new satellite tool provides daily observations of small areas, allowing for improved yield assessments and modeling of water transfer. This enables the reorientation of irrigation towards crop parcels where it is most needed, facilitating significant improvements in cultivation practices.
Sudden 'ecosystem flips' imperil world's poorest regions, say water experts
Researchers warn that modern agriculture can lead to major disruptions of the world's water flows, particularly in the world's poorest regions. Ecosystem flips can have significant and sometimes devastating effects on human well-being, as global populations suddenly lose resources they are dependent on.
Water planners call for fundamental shift to deal with changing climate
Global water planning faces a fundamental shift due to changing climate patterns. Water managers must adapt to new, unpredictable conditions that challenge traditional approaches. The authors propose a revised framework incorporating shifting averages and variability.
21st century water management: Calculating with the unknown
Global climate models project significant changes in water availability due to anthropogenic warming, with regions like high latitudes and Mediterranean basin expected to experience substantial decreases. Non-stationarity must be accounted for in water resources planning to ensure effective management.
Mapping tool allows emergency management personnel to visually track resources
A collaborative mapping tool developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) allows emergency management officials to better coordinate event and incident planning. The system can track resources such as hospitals, transportation equipment, and water in real-time, enabling effective response and evacuation plans.
Life-saving clean water project secures $13M from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Aquatest project aims to provide individuals and communities with the information they need to identify unsafe water and take action. The test, which can detect E. coli contamination, will be available in developing countries within 10 years, leading to improved water management and a potential decline in water-borne diseases.
Protecting our beaches
A new risk assessment tool has been developed to help reduce the transfer of disease-causing bacteria from farmed environments to watercourses. The expert-weighted risk tool identifies fields and farmyards with the greatest likelihood of contaminating waterways, allowing farmers and landowners to prioritize clean-up efforts.
Seawater intrusion is the first cause of contamination of coastal aquifers
Seawater intrusion is a common cause of contamination in coastal aquifers worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean region. In Spain, about 60% of coastal aquifers are contaminated, making it a serious phenomenon with significant economic and environmental impacts.
CGIAR climate change research
The CGIAR research program aims to develop climate-resilient crops like maize, sorghum, and millet that can withstand drought and heat. Researchers are using molecular biology tools to identify genetic hot spots in these crops, enabling them to capture solar energy more efficiently and produce greater yields.
A third of the world population faces water scarcity today
The Comprehensive Assessment reveals that one-third of the world's population lives in areas where water is either over-used or cannot be accessed due to lack of infrastructure. The study calls for radical changes in water management to address the growing water crisis.
USGS featured at AAAS - Nation's largest science meeting
The USGS showcased its expertise in geospatial data sharing and the intersection of earth sciences with national security. The symposium brought together officials from various government agencies and state governments to discuss future coordination across the homeland security enterprise.
Size of herd determines status and access to resources in Kenya
The study found that larger herd sizes grant better social status, land, and income, but also lead to deforestation and water scarcity. Poor families with small herds rely on charcoal sales, affecting animal health and child nutrition.
MIT research in Hawaii could impact state's management of fresh water
Researchers at MIT's Parsons Lab in Hawaii developed a technique to calculate the amount and distribution of groundwater flowing into coastal waters. The data will contribute to Kaeo Duarte's research on groundwater usage on Hawaii's dry western coast.
Report to aid nation in managing freshwaters
The report highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to manage freshwater resources, including empowering local groups and increasing communication among disciplines. It also recommends protecting minimally impaired ecosystems and creating awareness of healthy ecosystems' importance to everyday living.
Droughts, fire, mercury, comets and more at GSA 2002
The GSA 2002 conference discusses the impacts of human activities on natural systems, including droughts, wildfires, and ground-water depletion. Researchers also explore the role of climate change in shaping Earth's history, as seen in sediment cores from the Great Blue Hole.
New on-line tool tailors climate forecasts to fit resource managers' needs
The new tool helps decision makers utilize long-range forecasts by explaining and evaluating their performance. It allows users to customize evaluations based on lead-times, seasons, and locations relevant to their specific needs.
Large river once flowed in south Florida
A massive sand delta, over 325 feet thick and nearly 22 miles wide, was found in ancient shorelines of South Florida. This discovery suggests a river system significantly larger than present-day Florida once flowed through the state.
At the waters edge -- Managing riparian forests
Riparian forest management prioritizes both water and forest health to protect essential links between land and water. The book provides site-specific guidelines for addressing fragmented ecosystems and diverse interest groups, ensuring the health of eastern riparian landscapes.
Balancing quality and quantity in the vineyard
A new study by CSIRO, Southcorp Wines Pty Ltd, and the Viticulture CRC has found that grape yield and fruit quality can vary widely within small areas of vines. Precision viticulture offers a low-cost way to optimize both yield and quality, leading to improved financial outcomes and environmental sustainability.
EPA, INEEL, and Utah State University pursue watershed management
The partners aim to enhance the EPA's BASINS program by adding uncertainty and probability assessment capabilities. This will enable decision-makers to prioritize management actions that yield the best results. The collaboration also seeks to improve stakeholder involvement and promote proactive watershed management.
Stakeholders improve global change assessment
A new study by Penn State researchers improves the regional climate assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The research involved gathering input from over 95 stakeholders representing industry, environmental groups, government, and research organizations. Key findings highlight the importance of human health in addressing global change...
Virginia Tech Research Looks At The 'Human Dimensions' Of The Forest
The study found that public perceptions of the forest prioritize residential quality of life, community, and environmental ethics. This differs from land managers' focus on tangible aspects like water, wood, and wildlife.
Latest Science To Aid Restoration Of South Florida/Everglades
The USGS is providing crucial information for restoring the South Florida ecosystem through multidisciplinary research activities. The latest data on pre-development environmental conditions, contaminant transport, and physical conditions in Florida Bay are being shared to inform land and water resource managers.
Flooding In North Dakota Exceeds All Previous North Dakota Floods By Far
The current floods in North Dakota have broken multiple records, including a 100-year-old record of 85,000 cubic feet per second. The Red River's predicted crest is expected to reach 54 feet, posing significant threats to emergency managers and evacuation orders.
Long-Term Stewardship Of DOE's Nuclear Weapons Complex Addressed At RFF Workshop
A workshop on long-term stewardship of the US nuclear weapons complex explored the need for institutions, information, and strategies to protect people and the environment. Key findings include the potential for decades-long cleanup efforts and the importance of reliable institutional controls and waste disposal facilities.