Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

A blue/green water-based accounting framework for assessment of water security

Full text
Author(s):
Rodrigues, Dulce B. B. [1] ; Gupta, Hoshin V. [2] ; Mendiondo, Eduardo M. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Hydraul & Sanit Engn, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Arizona, Dept Hydrol & Water Resources, Tucson, AZ 85721 - USA
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH; v. 50, n. 9, p. 7187-7205, SEP 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 21
Abstract

A comprehensive assessment of water security can incorporate several water-related concepts, while accounting for Blue and Green Water (BW and GW) types defined in accordance with the hydrological processes involved. Here we demonstrate how a quantitative analysis of provision probability and use of BW and GW can be conducted, so as to provide indicators of water scarcity and vulnerability at the basin level. To illustrate the approach, we use the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to model the hydrology of an agricultural basin (291 km(2)) within the Cantareira Water Supply System in Brazil. To provide a more comprehensive basis for decision making, we analyze the BW and GW-Footprint components against probabilistic levels (50th and 30th percentile) of freshwater availability for human activities, during a 23 year period. Several contrasting situations of BW provision are distinguished, using different hydrological-based methodologies for specifying monthly Environmental Flow Requirements (EFRs), and the risk of natural EFR violation is evaluated by use of a freshwater provision index. Our results reveal clear spatial and temporal patterns of water scarcity and vulnerability levels within the basin. Taking into account conservation targets for the basin, it appears that the more restrictive EFR methods are more appropriate than the method currently employed at the study basin. The blue/green water-based accounting framework developed here provides a useful integration of hydrologic, ecosystem and human needs information on a monthly basis, thereby improving our understanding of how and where water-related threats to human and aquatic ecosystem security can arise. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/05515-6 - Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of water footprint application and its scenarios on watersheds
Grantee:Dulce Buchala Bicca Rodrigues
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 08/58161-1 - Assessment of impacts and vulnerability to climate change in Brazil and strategies for adaptation option
Grantee:Jose Antonio Marengo Orsini
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/11653-0 - New model of water demand management in watersheds: Methodological bases for assessment and mitigation of Water Footprint
Grantee:Dulce Buchala Bicca Rodrigues
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate