Water Resource Uses and Sustainable Management Strategies
Water Resource Base
Urban Uses
Civil, commercial, or public use. An increase in these water uses can be an indicator of an increased population or improved quality of life. The quantity of water used for purposes such as domestic needs (e.g., bathrooms) represents a significant part of consumer demand.
Industrial Uses
In this case, water demand is generated by different industrial processes: as a raw material, as a refrigerant, as a waste receiver, for transporting materials, and as a cleaning agent.
Agricultural Uses
Increasing demands for groundwater and surface water (rivers, lakes) exist for irrigation. This also includes applications used in activities such as livestock farming. These uses vary depending on the climatic characteristics of the zone, soil type, and crops grown. In certain agricultural practices, significant amounts of water can be lost through evaporation or inefficient application methods.
Uses in Energy
Water is essential for the production of electricity, especially in countries with scarce petroleum resources. This section can also include water used in the cooling systems of nuclear power plants. This type of water use does not typically involve consumption, as once employed and treated to meet suitable quality standards, it can often be reused.
Navigation and Entertainment Uses
The use of freshwater for navigation requires maintaining minimum river flows. Water bodies are also crucial for various recreational activities.
Ecological or Environmental Applications
Water is fundamental for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. Environmental flows are necessary to sustain aquatic habitats and related ecological processes.
Water Resource Management and Planning
General Measures
- Improved Management Practices: Enhancing water management by farmers and water managers to achieve equitable distribution and irrigate more effectively with the same amount of water, potentially through controlled supply or increased tariffs.
- Irrigation System Changes: Implementing efficient systems such as drip irrigation.
- Wastewater Reuse: Reusing treated wastewater for irrigating certain crops (e.g., forage, fiber, seed procurement) after tertiary treatment. This reduces withdrawals for agricultural use.
- Industrial Consumption Reduction:
- Recycling water used in cooling processes.
- Reusing water in closed-loop systems within industry.
- Implementing engineering designs to reduce water flow and prevent pipeline losses.
- Providing incentives for industries to reduce their water needs by adopting low-consumption and cleaner technologies.
- Urban Consumption Reduction:
- Using low-consumption fixtures and appliances.
- Adopting water pricing strategies that encourage conservation.
- Applying xeriscaping (water-wise landscaping).
- Integrating water conservation into urban planning.
- Reusing treated domestic wastewater where appropriate.
- Promoting environmental education on water conservation.
Technical Solutions
Implementing infrastructure and technology such as dams, water diversions, modifications to river courses, desalination of seawater or brackish water (using thermal processes or membrane filtration like reverse osmosis), and controlling the exploitation of aquifers.
Political Solutions
The Agenda 21 program, adopted at the Rio Summit in 1992, is a commitment document promoting sustainable development. It aims to identify an alternative development model that is environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically sustainable. Agenda 21 functions as an action plan where, following an environmental audit of a city or municipality, local intervention strategies are developed through cooperation between public, social, and economic actors. Its focus on environmental, economic, and social issues makes Agenda 21 a strategic plan. Spain has seen significant implementation of Agenda 21 initiatives, although with regional variations. Studies have analyzed its development in regions like Andalusia, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Basque Country.