Method for Developing Sustainable Water Resource Plans

Limited water resources have become a serious problem in recent decades. Based on previous research results, this article develops an index system to evaluate sustainable water resource development that includes a water resource condition system, a water resource development and utilization system, a water resource protection and management system, and a socio-economic system. A measurement model is then constructed based on a principal component analysis (PCA) -entropy weights-weighted average method to optimize the evaluation index system for dimensionality reduction, to assign weights to the principal component factors, and allow for a comprehensive evaluation of water resource sustainability. The measurement model is applied to an empirical analysis of sustainable water resource development in Sichuan Province from 2008 to 2017, from which it is found that coordinated sustainable regional water resource and social economic development can be achieved through rational exploitation, efficient utilization, and environmental water pollution control. This research could provide a reference for regional sustainable development of water resources and policy developments.

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Integrating Sustainable Water Resource Management and Land Use Decision-Making

Water ◽

10.3390/w12082282 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2282

Author(s):

Heidi L. N. Moltz ◽

Carlington W. Wallace ◽

Erfaneh Sharifi ◽

Karin Bencala

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Land Use ◽

Resource Management ◽

Water Resource ◽

Water Resource Management ◽

Information Dissemination ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Clear Understanding ◽

Sustainable Water Resource ◽

Sustainable Water Resource Management

Human uses of land and water are directly linked and must, therefore, be managed with each other in mind. This paper puts forward an approach for integrating sustainable water resource management into local land use decision-making in the Potomac basin. The approach includes developing a clear understanding of the current regulatory, programmatic, and financial approaches to land use management; identifying opportunities from innovation; and developing a flexible, stakeholder-based framework for moving forward. Four opportunities for innovation were identified in the Potomac basin utilizing this approach, including enhancing coordination and access to information, promoting incentives to achieve desired outcomes, encouraging and promoting innovation, and integrating programs to achieve multiple objectives. The successful integration of land and water decision-making requires a sustained, long-term commitment to improvement rather than a one-time fix mentality. Initial steps for implementation include identifying and engaging diverse partners, as well as establishing channels for information dissemination. The lessons learned from this work may prove valuable to decision-makers in other regions to holistically manage diverse land and water resources.

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