Regarding water crisis, i have recently discovered a study that was performed by the IWRMO (Iran Water Resources Management ORganization) and was finalized in 2002. The main goal of this study was to find a strategy to obtain, maintain, and operate the national water resources in a manner which complies with government's sustainable development programs. This strategy should also support the survival of Iran's water resources in order to establish regional balances, secure the environmental needs, and safeguard future generations' rights. The approach assumes three scenarios for the next two decades:
1. Consumption of the national water resources up to the maximum level.
2. Minimum water consumption and maximum effort in order to preserve resources, reduce the waste, and increase efficiency.
3. Considerate consumption of water resources and coincident efforts to manage the water consumption ( simultaneous management of water supply and demand).
The occurence of the first scenario is only possible when there is no concern regarding water resources and would have dramatic effects on the resources of the country. This pessimistic view is not reasonable for Iran's future, considering the country's present water management state. Performing the second scenario (optimistic view) is not realistic either. This scenario is not practical in the short-run and near future. Apparently, the third scenario seems more reliable to take place in next two decades, considering the current situation. Consequently, this study approves the third scenario for the next two decades of water resources management in Iran and makes the following recommendations based on the simultaneous supply and demand management to overcome the crisis:
1. Reformation of water supplying structure and consumption pattern. This can be fulfilled by reduction of the ground water consumption rate, artificial aquifer recharghe, increasing the consuming portion of surface waters (internal and frontier rivers etc.) and utilizing new resouces such as wastewaters, saline and semi-saline waters.
2. Conservation of water quality and the environment.
3. Consideration of irrigation and network supply efficiency and different economical factors in water harvesting and consumption. This will be implemented by efficient use of industrial and agricultural water while considering land use planning, water market economy, and pricing the water appropriate for the low-income level of the society.
4. Harness the new surface water resources and sustainable distribution of water.
5. Special attention to coordination among various sectors, management methods and public participation.
6. Harness and consumption of frontier waters which flow out of the country, considering political priorities and national benefits.
7. Noticing the regional water market and water exchange (beyong the national border).
What do you think of these seven recommendations? Have you seen them in other regions of the world as well?
Billy
~Shared knowledge is power~
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