Your search found 14 records
1 Prasai, S. 2015. Water and climate data in the Ganges Basin: assessing access to information regimes and implications for cooperation on transboundary rivers. Water Alternatives, 8(2):20-35.
International waters ; River basins ; International cooperation ; Access to information ; Climatic data ; Hydrological data ; Water governance ; State intervention ; Legal aspects ; Institutions ; Political aspects ; Environmental effects / South Asia / India / Nepal / Bangladesh / Ganges Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047610)
http://www.water-alternatives.org/index.php/alldoc/articles/vol8/v8issue2/279-a8-2-2/file
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047610.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047610.pdf
(0.80 MB) (820 KB)
Public access to government-maintained water and climate data in the three major co-riparian countries of the Ganges Basin – Nepal, India and Bangladesh – has been either inadequately granted or formally restricted. This paper examines the effects of newly enacted Right to Information (RTI) laws in these three countries to assess changes in the information access regimes as they relate to hydrological data. We find that neither the RTI laws nor the internal and external demand for increased transparency in governments have affected access to information regimes on water at a fundamental level. In India, the RTI laws have not eased public access to data on its transboundary rivers including in the Ganges Basin and in Nepal and Bangladesh, while data can be legally accessed using RTI laws, the administrative procedures for such an access are not developed enough to make a tangible difference on the ground. We then discuss the implications of our findings on the continuing impasse on regional collaboration on water in South Asia and point to rapid advancements in technology as an emerging pathway to greater data democracy.
2 Ceola, S.; Laio, F.; Montanari, A. 2015. Human-impacted waters: new perspectives from global high-resolution monitoring. Water Resources Research, 51(9):7064-7079. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017482]
Water resources ; Human behavior ; Geographical distribution ; Spatial distribution ; Monitoring ; Satellite observation ; Remote sensing ; Rivers ; Hydrological data ; Models ; Population density ; Environmental effects
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047641)
(3.53 MB)
The human presence close to streams and rivers is known to have consistently increased worldwide, therefore introducing dramatic anthropogenic and environmental changes. However, a spatiotemporal detailed analysis is missing to date. In this paper, we propose a novel method to quantify the temporal evolution and the spatial distribution of the anthropogenic presence along streams and rivers and in their immediate proximity at the global scale and at a high-spatial resolution (i.e., nearly 1 km at the equator). We use satellite images of nocturnal lights, available as yearly snapshots from 1992 to 2013, and identify five distinct distance classes from the river network position. Our results show a temporal enhancement of human presence across the considered distance classes. In particular, we observed a higher human concentration in the vicinity of the river network, even though the frequency distribution of human beings in space has not significantly changed in the last two decades. Our results prove that fine-scale remotely sensed data, as nightlights, may provide new perspectives in water science, improving our understanding of the human impact on water resources and water-related environments.
3 Hogeboom, R. H. J.; van Oel, P. R.; Krol, M. S.; Booij, M. J. 2015. Modelling the influence of groundwater abstractions on the water level of Lake Naivasha, Kenya under data-scarce conditions. Water Resources Management, 29(12):4447-4463. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-015-1069-9]
Groundwater extraction ; Water levels ; Mathematical models ; Groundwater flow ; Water balance ; Irrigation water ; Water use ; Lakes ; Hydrological data ; Calibration / Kenya / Rift Valley / Lake Naivasha / Flower Business Park
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047906)
http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs11269-015-1069-9.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047906.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H047906.pdf
(4.38 MB) (4.38 MB)
This study presents the state-of-the-art understanding of the data-scarce and hydrogeologically complex groundwater system of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, with the particular aim of exploring the influence groundwater abstractions have on Lake Naivasha’s water level. We developed multiple alternative but plausible parameterizations for a MODFLOW groundwater model, based on literature, existing models and available data, while trying not to over-complicate the model. In doing so, we illustrate a possible strategy of going about data-scarce regions in modelling in general. Processes encountered in the calibrated parameterizations show groundwater flows laterally from the escarpments to the valley floor and axially from the lake along the Rift, with a larger portion flowing out southward than northward. Extraction of groundwater interrupts the flow from the northwestern highlands to the lake, leading to a lake stage reduction of 0.7–7.5 cm due to abstractions at our target farm (Flower Business Park) or an implied 7–75 cm due to total groundwater abstractions in the area. Although this study demonstrates our understanding of Naivasha’s groundwater system remains fragile and the current model cannot be embedded in operational water management yet, it (i) reflects the contemporary understanding of the local groundwater system, (ii) illustrates how to go about modelling in data-scarce environments and (iii) provides a means to assess focal areas for future data collection and model improvements.
4 Adeel, Z.; Wirsing, R. G. (Eds.) 2017. Imagining industan: overcoming water insecurity in the Indus Basin. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. 216p. (Water Security in a New World) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32845-4]
River basin management ; Water insecurity ; Water security ; International waters ; International cooperation ; Treaties ; International law ; Water supply ; Water scarcity ; Domestic water ; Water demand ; Water policy ; Water power ; Projects ; Dams ; Environmental protection ; Climate change ; Resilience ; Hydrological data ; Databases ; Economic growth ; Political aspects ; Conflict ; Modernization ; Capacity building ; International organizations ; Regional organizations ; Case studies / India / Pakistan / Afghanistan / China / Indus Basin / Kabul River / Himalayan Region / Tulbul Navigation Project / South-to-North Water Diversion Project / Wullar Barrage
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 333.91 G000 ADE Record No: H048210)
(1.16 MB)
5 Surendran, U.; Kumar, V.; Ramasubramoniam, S.; Raja, P. 2017. Development of drought indices for semi-arid region using drought indices calculator (DrinC) - a case study from Madurai District, a semi-arid region in India. Water Resources Management, 31(11):3593-3605. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-017-1687-5]
Drought ; Forecasting ; Computer software ; Hydrological data ; Precipitation ; Rain ; Stream flow ; Regression analysis ; Strategies ; Semiarid zones ; Case studies / India / Tamil Nadu / Madurai
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048249)
(0.76 MB)
Drought is considered as a major natural hazard/ disaster, affecting several sectors of the economy and the environment worldwide. Drought, a complex phenomenon can be characterised by its severity, duration, and areal extent. Drought indices for the characterization and the monitoring of drought simplify the complex climatic functions and can quantify climatic anomalies for their severity, duration, and frequency. With this as background drought indices were worked out for Madurai district of Tamil Nadu using DrinC (Drought Indices Calculator) software. DrinC calculates the drought indices viz., deciles, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) by providing a simple, though flexible interface by considering all the factors. The drought of 3, 6 and 9 months as time series can also be estimated. The results showed that drought index of Madurai region by decile method revealed that among the 100 years, 20 years were affected by drought and it is cyclic in nature and occurring almost every 3 to 7 years once repeatedly, except for some continuous period, i.e., 1923, 1924 and 1985, 1986, etc. During the last five decades, the incidence is higher with 13 events, whereas in the first five decades it was only 7. The SPI and RDI index also followed the similar trend of deciles. However, under SPI and RDI, the severely dry and extremely dry category was only seven years and all other drought years of deciles were moderately dry. Our study indicated that SPI is a better indicator than deciles since here severity can be understood. SDI did not follow the trend similar to SPI or RDI. Regression analysis showed that the SPI and RDI are significantly correlated and if 1st 3 months rainfall data is available one can predict yearly RDI drought index. The results demonstrated that these approaches could be useful for developing preparedness plan to combat the consequences of drought. Findings from such studies are useful tools for devising strategic preparedness plans to combat droughts and mitigate their effects on the activities in the various sectors of the economy.
6 Barua, A.; Vij, S.; Rahman, M. Z. 2018. Powering or sharing water in the Brahmaputra River Basin. International Journal of Water Resources Development, 34(5):829-843. (Special issue: Hydropolitics and Conflict Management in Transboundary River Basins: China and its Neighbours). [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2017.1403892]
River basin management ; International waters ; International cooperation ; Hydrological data ; Information exchange ; Water policy ; Political aspects ; International agreements ; Riparian zones ; Conflict / South Asia / India / Bangladesh / China / Brahmaputra River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H048885)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/07900627.2017.1403892?needAccess=true
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048885.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H048885.pdf
(1.97 MB) (1.97 MB)
This article examines the power interplay that shapes the transboundary water interaction in the Brahmaputra River basin. The article provides two key insights based on data sharing and bilateralism aspects. First, the lack of a standard, hydrological data-sharing mechanism has created a sense of mistrust between riparians. Second, bilateralism and power asymmetry between the riparian countries has created a sense of unilateral control over the Brahmaputra River. This article concludes that due to regional geo-politics, issues of sovereignty, and unequal power, negotiation for a multilateral basin-wide treaty at this moment is a non-starter in the Brahmaputra basin.
7 Bharati, Luna; Bhattarai, Utsav; Khadka, Ambika; Gurung, Pabitra; Neumann, L. E.; Penton, D. J.; Dhaubanjar, Sanita; Nepal, S. 2019. From the mountains to the plains: impact of climate change on water resources in the Koshi River Basin. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 49p. (IWMI Working Paper 187) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2019.205]
Climate change ; Climatic data ; Water resources ; Water balance ; Water yield ; Water availability ; Mountains ; Plains ; River basin management ; Soil analysis ; Soil water balance ; Calibration ; Spatial distribution ; Hydropower ; Precipitation ; Evapotranspiration ; Temperature ; Rainfall ; Monsoon climate ; Catchment areas ; Hydrological data ; Impact assessment ; Models ; Flow discharge ; Runoff ; Land use ; Seasonal variation / China / Nepal / India / Koshi River Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H049130)
(8 MB)
The Koshi Basin, spread across China, Nepal and India, is perceived as having high potential for hydropower and irrigation development, both seen as ways to promote economic development in the region. This paper quantifies and assesses the past and projected future spatial and temporal water balances in the Koshi Basin. Results show that precipitation and net water yield are lowest in the transmountain region and the Tibetan plateau. The values are highest in the mountain region, followed by the hills and Indo-Gangetic Plains. Approximately 65% of average annual precipitation is converted to flows, indicating high water availability. Actual evapotranspiration is highest in the Indo-Gangetic Plains region due to the presence of irrigated agriculture and a few forested mountain watersheds. As most of the water from the mountain and hill regions eventually flows down to the plains, the mountain and hill regions in Nepal are important for maintaining agriculture in the plains in both Nepal and India. Results from the flow analyses indicate the high temporal variability of flows in the basin. The frequent occurrences of both high- and low-flow events demonstrate the existing vulnerability of the region to both floods and droughts, leading to a very risk-prone livelihood system. Climate change projections show an increasing trend in precipitation and net water yield for most of the basin, except the transmountain region. Therefore, it is important to consider the climate change impacts on water resources in future planning.
8 Cudennec, C.; Lins, H.; Uhlenbrook, Stefan; Arheimer, B. 2020. Editorial - Towards FAIR and SQUARE hydrological data. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 65(5):681-682. (Special issue: Hydrological Data: Opportunities and Barriers - Part 1) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2020.1739397]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H049613)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02626667.2020.1739397?needAccess=true#aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGFuZGZvbmxpbmUuY29tL2RvaS9wZGYvMTAuMTA4MC8wMjYyNjY2Ny4yMDIwLjE3MzkzOTc/bmVlZEFjY2Vzcz10cnVlQEBAMA==
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049613.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H049613.pdf
(0.58 MB) (592 KB)
9 Gaffoor, Z.; Pietersen, K.; Jovanovic, N.; Bagula, A.; Kanyerere, T. 2020. Big data analytics and its role to support groundwater management in the Southern African development community. Water, 12(10):2796. (Special issue: The Application of Artificial Intelligent in Hydrology) [doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/w12102796]
Groundwater management ; Data analysis ; SADC countries ; International waters ; Aquifers ; Data mining ; Machine learning ; Remote sensing ; Monitoring ; Technology ; Hydrological data ; Water levels ; Water storage ; Uncertainty ; Precipitation ; Social media ; Models / Southern Africa
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050040)
(1.58 MB) (1.58 MB)
Big data analytics (BDA) is a novel concept focusing on leveraging large volumes of heterogeneous data through advanced analytics to drive information discovery. This paper aims to highlight the potential role BDA can play to improve groundwater management in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in Africa. Through a review of the literature, this paper defines the concepts of big data, big data sources in groundwater, big data analytics, big data platforms and framework and how they can be used to support groundwater management in the SADC region. BDA may support groundwater management in SADC region by filling in data gaps and transforming these data into useful information. In recent times, machine learning and artificial intelligence have stood out as a novel tool for data-driven modeling. Managing big data from collection to information delivery requires critical application of selected tools, techniques and methods. Hence, in this paper we present a conceptual framework that can be used to manage the implementation of BDA in a groundwater management context. Then, we highlight challenges limiting the application of BDA which included technological constraints and institutional barriers. In conclusion, the paper shows that sufficient big data exist in groundwater domain and that BDA exists to be used in groundwater sciences thereby providing the basis to further explore data-driven sciences in groundwater management.
10 Donauer, T.; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Goshime, Demelash Wondimagegnehu; Siegfried, T.; Ragettli, S. 2020. Gap and opportunity analysis of hydrological monitoring in the Ziway-Shala Sub-basin, Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 40p. (IWMI Working Paper 192) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2020.210]
Hydrological data ; Monitoring ; River basin institutions ; Lakes ; Water levels ; Water balance ; Data collection ; Data management ; Water resources ; Water management ; Planning ; Stream flow ; Discharges ; Measurement ; Observation ; Stakeholders ; Citizen science ; Velocity ; Remote sensing ; Time series analysis ; Precipitation ; Rain ; Catchment areas ; Evapotranspiration ; Irrigation ; Socioeconomic development / Ethiopia / Ziway-Shala Sub-Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H050113)
(4.36 MB)
This working paper was prepared under a development and conservation project – Societal Development and Ecosystems Conservation in Sahelian Wetlands (SAWEL) – focusing on improving food security and nutrition in the Sahel region by helping to safeguard wetlands through ecologically sustainable agricultural water management. SAWEL is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This paper provides an overview of the current situation with regards to hydrological monitoring in the Ziway-Shala sub-basin in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, including details of existing river and lake gauging stations in the sub-basin. The study was jointly conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Hydrosolutions through consultation with staff of the Rift Valley Lakes Basin Development Office (RVLBDO), field trips to gauging stations, inspection of data recording books and reviewing previous studies. In addition to highlighting gaps in hydrological monitoring in the Ziway-Shala sub-basin, opportunities (e.g., remote sensing and citizen science) for novel, non-traditional hydrological monitoring are also presented.
11 Urfels, A.; Shakya, S. M.; Maharjan, S.; Lohanee, B. D.; Pandey, V.; Khadka, Manohara; Adhikari, S.; Neupane, A.; Karki, S.; Acharya, S.; Foster, T.; Krupnik, T. 2021. Framework for co-development of an open hydrological data system to enhance climate resilience in climate vulnerable countries: experience from a digital groundwater monitoring pilot in Nepal. [Abstract only]. Paper presented at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2021, Online, 19-30 April 2021. 2p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-15104]
Groundwater ; Monitoring ; Hydrological data ; Frameworks ; Climate change ; Resilience ; Vulnerability ; Stakeholders / Nepal
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050377)
https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU21/EGU21-15104.html?pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050377.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H050377.pdf
(0.27 MB) (278 KB)
12 Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Asfaw, Wegayehu; Rientjes, T.; Worako, A. W. 2022. Deterioration of streamflow monitoring in Omo-Gibe Basin in Ethiopia. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 67(7):1040-1053. [doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2022.2060110]
River basins ; Stream flow ; Deterioration ; Monitoring ; Hydrological data ; Data quality ; Time series analysis ; Transboundary waters ; Gauges ; Land use change / Ethiopia / Omo-Gibe Basin
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051035)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02626667.2022.2060110?needAccess=true
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051035.pdf
https://vlibrary.iwmi.org/pdf/H051035.pdf
(6.45 MB) (6.45 MB)
Poor availability and accuracy of streamflow data constrains research and operational hydrology. We evaluated the status of forty streamflow stations and data quality in the Omo-Gibe basin, Ethiopia. The method included a 3-week field inspection of the stations. Inspection of stations followed common WMO guidelines for appropriate gauging sites. Feedback of observers was collected, and the streamflow data was analyzed. Most of the stations were installed on rivers at headwater catchments. Only 17% of the stations were fully operational whereas the remaining stations require major maintenance. Common problems of the time series data include short observation period, large number of missing records, and inhomogeneity. Nearly all observers expressed dissatisfaction due to lack of supervision, uncertain salary payments and lack of recognition of their contribution. The findings of this study indicate the need to investigate the institutional barriers that affected the homogeneity, completeness, and timeliness of the stream data.
13 Taye, Meron Teferi; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Genet, A.; Geremew, Y.; Wassie, S.; Abebe, B.; Alemayehu, B. 2022. Data quality deterioration in the Lake Tana Sub-basin, Ethiopia: scoping study to provide streamflow and water withdrawal data. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 32p. (IWMI Working Paper 204) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2022.208]
Hydrological data ; Data quality ; Lakes ; Stream flow ; Water extraction ; Monitoring ; Flow measurement ; Water level measurement ; Data collection ; Surface water ; Water availability ; Water use ; Irrigation schemes ; Small scale systems ; Water supply ; Urban areas ; Rural settlement ; Drinking water ; Domestic water ; Industry ; Hydropower ; Livestock ; Rainfed agriculture ; Irrigated farming ; Farmer-led irrigation ; Water resources ; Water management ; Planning ; Stakeholders ; Partnerships ; River basin institutions ; Data management ; Alliances ; Climatic data ; Models / Ethiopia / Abbay Basin / Lake Tana Sub-Basin / Gilgel Abay River / Gumara River / Ribb River
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H051149)
(3.63 MB)
This working paper was prepared under a research project from the Future Leaders – African Independent Research (FLAIR) fellowship programme – focusing on understanding hydrological changes in the Lake Tana sub-basin, Ethiopia, due to water abstraction, land use and climate change. FLAIR is funded by the UK government’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) through The Royal Society, UK. The study was jointly conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and staff of the Abbay Basin Development Office (ABDO). The paper provides information on the deterioration of streamflow data quality in the sub-basin. It demonstrates how to support the sub-basin by generating primary data and compiling current water abstraction data that are relevant for development planning. The project showed the possibility of conducting such activities with limited financial resources and time constraints but with strong collaboration. This work also demonstrated the need for a data alliance among stakeholders in the sub-basin.
14 Eriyagama, Nishadi; Messager, M. L.; Dickens, Chris; Tharme, R.; Stassen, R. 2024. Towards the harmonization of global environmental flow estimates: comparing the Global Environmental Flow Information System (GEFIS) with country data. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 53p. (IWMI Research Report 186) [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2024.204]
Environmental flows ; Estimation ; Information systems ; Hydrological data ; Databases ; Comparisons ; Assessment ; Sustainable Development Goals ; Goal 6 Clean water and sanitation ; Freshwater ; Water resources ; Water stress ; Rivers ; Stream flow ; Runoff ; Aquatic ecosystems ; Habitats ; Ecological factors ; Catchment areas ; Land cover ; Drainage area ; Hydrological modelling ; Tools ; Time series analysis ; Heterogeneity ; Indicators ; Indexes
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI Record No: H052596)
(3.01 MB)
The source of data used to estimate the e-flow requirement in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 6.4.2 (level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources) is the Global Environmental Flow Information System (GEFIS), an online tool produced and managed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). In addition to the GEFIS estimate, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as the custodians of the SDG indicator, encourages countries to put forward their locally determined e-flow estimates, especially if it differs from the GEFIS estimate. To date, however, only a few countries have taken up this opportunity. The aim of this report is to compare e-flows estimated by GEFIS with independent e-flow assessments performed at the local level to gauge the level of agreement between the two sets of estimates. We compared e-flow estimates from GEFIS to local e-flow estimates at 533 river sites.
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