Articles from Science for Environment Policy

Allocating water resources - a systemic approach
Researchers have developed a 'watershed economics approach' which could help water managers balance competing uses for water and understand the impact of different policies. To demonstrate the approach, it was applied to a watershed in Cyprus.
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Balancing river ecosystem protection and human demand for water
A new method of determining water flow in complex river basins has been developed that balances ecosystem protection with the legal rights to use water by hydropower operators, farmers and municipalities. A recent study has applied this method to a new river basin management plan in Spain.
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Challenges ahead for cities in search of self-sufficient water supply
Progress towards self-sufficient urban water supply has been observed around the world in a recent study. However, projects that seek to source water locally face some tough challenges, including high levels of energy consumed in water treatment processes and an inadequate scientific understanding of the health risks associated with recycled water.
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New model developed to optimise management of irrigation
Under water restrictions, farmers will achieve the optimal balance of income and efficient water use if they combine the planting of crops that require little water with the planting of more profitable crops that need more water, according to research.
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Water efficient household appliances prove effective
Rebates and exchange programmes for showerheads, toilets and washing machines can produce significant water savings, according to a US study. The study observed a six to 14% reduction in household water demand for the first two years after these efficiency programmes were introduced by a water authority in Florida.
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Reusing city wastewater in agriculture brings multiple benefits
The benefits of reusing city wastewater for agricultural purposes can far outweigh the costs involved and reduce overall demand for freshwater, according to a recent study. The researchers calculated that the total benefits to agriculture and a city of a reuse project in Spain outweighed the total costs by EUR9.5million per year.
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Relationship between water and energy consumption calculated
Energy production uses large quantities of water and, in turn, water provision requires considerable amounts of energy. A new study has investigated the interconnection between water and energy, the 'water-energy nexus', in Spain and found that 5.8% of total electricity consumption is for water-use and 25% of water withdrawals are for energy generation.
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