Therefore, this session welcomes studies on co-creation approaches in hydrology and water resources management. More specifically, we welcome studies including, but not limited to: experiences and case studies of participatory and co-creation approaches applied to hydrology and water resources management; co-modelling approaches and socio-hydrological studies involving participation of stakeholders; meta-analyses, review of other experiences, and literature reviews; critical geography, political ecology and other critical approaches to co-creation and stakeholders involvement in water resources decision making.
Co-organized by the Working Group on Co-Creation of Water Knowledge of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences: https://iahs.info/Initiatives/Scientific-Decades/helping-working-groups/co-creating-water-knowledge/
Orals: Thu, 1 May | Room -2.33
In Ghana, the metropolitan areas of Accra and Kumasi, along with rural regions in the White Volta catchment, are increasingly affected by river and heavy rain flooding. The interplay between climate extremes, urbanization, and land use planning presents a complex challenge for various stakeholders including policy-makers, water resource managers, disaster managers, local community leaders, and residents of flood-prone areas. These groups must navigate this array of pressures to reduce the risk from flooding while also sustaining livelihoods.
However, the policies and measures implemented to adapt to these conditions can have varied impacts, potentially triggering feedback loops that may foster shifting of vulnerabilities, rebounding vulnerabilities and/or eroding sustainable development. This situation highlights the need for a transformative approach in managing flood risks.
This presentation discusses the potential and limitation of collaborative explorative scenario-development as a method to stimulate transformative thinking among stakeholders. It examines the effectiveness of this approach in shifting focus from project-based efforts to more transformative actions, while also accommodating the unique needs of different communities and stakeholder groups.
How to cite: Höllermann, B., Ntajal, J., Almoradie, A., and Evers, M.: Collaborative explorative scenario-development as an initiator of transformative thinking: challenges and opportunities, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-7182, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7182, 2025.
Significant increases in water withdrawals over the past century have driven severe environmental challenges worldwide, including water scarcity, declining water quality, and the loss of freshwater biodiversity. These challenges are projected to intensify due to climate and societal changes in the coming decades. To address these issues, it is critical to define a Safe Operating Space (SOS) for water resources that ensures a sustainable and adequate water supply, meeting quality standards for both human needs and natural ecosystems.
Building on the Planetary Boundaries framework, the concept of Safe Operating Space (SOS) has emerged in the last decades to assess sustainable resource use within the Earth’s carrying capacity while maintaining human well-being. Within the Horizon Europe SOS-Water project, we are working to define the SOS for the entire water resources using in an integrated approach incorporating modelling, monitoring, development of advanced indicators and inclusive stakeholder engagement based on true collaboration. SOS-Water works with stakeholders in four case studies in Europe and overseas (Danube, Rhine, Jucar and Mekong basins) to co-create future scenarios and management pathways.
The results of SOS-Water will improve knowledge of water resource availability and improve water planning and management at local, regional and global levels. This will ensure equitable water distribution across societies, economies, and ecosystems, fostering resilience, social equity, and economic efficiency.
This proposed talk will showcase the application of the SOS-Water framework to the Danube Basin, with a focus on its inclusive and iterative participatory approach which actively engages stakeholders in co-defining visions, water values, and management options. We will present insights from the first stakeholder workshop, showcasing how these contributions shaped the preliminary SOS framework for the basin. Additionally, we will outline how this co-creation process will continue to define adaptation pathways and guide sustainable water management practices to address critical water challenges in the Danube Basin.
How to cite: Artuso, S., Politti, E., Cetinic, K., Burek, P., Tramberend, S., Smilovic, M., and Kahil, T.: Co-Creating a Safe Operating Space Framework for Water Resources: Insights from the Danube Basin case study, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-5868, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-5868, 2025.
Representing people’s behavior during floods in agent based modelling is a challenging task for a realistic simulation of human-floods feedbacks. Previous research identified different long-term feedbacks that may lead to complex phenomena such as the so-called coping strategies, levee effects, call effects, adaptation effects, poverty traps, and status quo effect. In this work, we develop a methodology based on results from survey analysis to specify behavioral rules for capturing long-term feedbacks between humans and floods with agent based models. As a conceptual framework, we use the typology of flood behavior composed by the four categories: levee effect, learning effect, status quo, and good students effect, which depend on the frequency and magnitude of floods, as well as on the adaption and resilience of the people. The survey was conducted during 2024 in five regions of Chile, with 1007 respondents. A study case considering three localities along the Carampangue river, in the Central part of Chile, is presented. An agent based model of the study case is developed, considering the period 1970-2020. Results illustrate the capabilities of agent based models to capture human-floods feedbacks.
How to cite: Link, O., Saenger, V., Hurtado-Pidal, J., and Coloma, R.: Representing people’s behavior during floods for simulation of human-floods feedbacks through agent based modelling, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-14154, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-14154, 2025.
Water resources are under immense pressure in the Anthropocene, requiring innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure sustainable management. The EU-funded TALANOA-Water project embodies a transdisciplinary framework, engaging a diverse array of stakeholders—scientists, policymakers, local communities, NGOs, businesses, and others—in iterative co-creation processes to tackle complex water challenges in six pilot water laboratories in the mediterranean area (Egypt, France, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and Tunisia). This presentation highlights the project's outcomes in leveraging participatory approaches to co-construct actionable water management solutions under climate change and socio-economic uncertainties.
Guided by the Talanoa Dialogue principles of inclusivity, mutual learning, and transparency, the project co-developed socio-hydrological scenarios that integrate diverse perspectives and knowledge systems. These scenarios were tested using a multi-system modeling framework collaboratively designed with stakeholders to enable robust policy evaluation and enhanced water management. The framework incorporates climatic, hydrologic, agronomic, micro- and macro-economic modules, interconnected through protocols that allow feedback between systems while preserving model specificity and precision. Prioritizing models already familiar to stakeholders—even though not always state-of-the-art—ensured greater usability and trust in the process. Modeling efforts
Key outcomes include co-designed models and participatory tools, such as serious games developed and applied in four pilot labs, that improve decision-making, foster stakeholder trust, and address trade-offs among competing water uses. Additionally, a meta-analysis of co-creation approaches conducted within the project offers valuable insights into their effectiveness, barriers, and enablers, shedding light on their transformative potential for integrated water resource management.
How to cite: Sapino, F.: Co-Designing Water Management Through the TALANOA Dialogue, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20303, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20303, 2025.
Oases are valuable ecosystems with millions of people depending on their ecosystem services. However, scientific knowledge of oases is scattered due to the diverse and spatially dispersed nature of their local conditions. Here we present "The Global Oasis Knowledge Hub", an open access literature database specifically focused on bringing together knowledge from various sources. Freely publicly available, it contains over 12,000 entries drawn from reviewed key literature, providing a valuable resource of oasis knowledge at its core, as well as closely related topics, that the global research community could utilize. The Global Oasis Knowledge Hub will be frequently updated with new literature, regularly expanding the repository of key references, supporting a deeper understanding of oasis ecosystems. In addition, the code used to create this knowledge hub is openly available on GitHub, allowing users to create their own customised knowledge hubs based on key literature. This initiative improves the accessibility of literature and facilitates knowledge sharing for researchers, policy makers and practitioners.
How to cite: Hetzer, J., Krug, R., Falkenhahn, M., and Niamir, A.: The Global Oasis Knowledge Hub, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-18751, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-18751, 2025.
The Amazon rainforest stands at the forefront of socio-ecohydrological challenges, with ever-growing extreme events such as droughts and floods disrupting ecosystems and local communities. Addressing these issues requires co-creative and transdisciplinary approaches that blend scientific knowledge with the lived experiences and expertise of diverse stakeholders. Here, we present three distinct co-creation initiatives in the Amazon, each at a different stage of development, to illustrate the transformative potential, complexities and opportunities of participatory water resources management. First, the PAB-Brasil 2024 (Brazilian Action Plan for Combating Desertification and Mitigating Drought) demonstrates the importance of multi-level co-creation in policy-making. This initiative employed a decentralised and inclusive participatory methodology, with regional seminars designed as spaces for dialogue and collaborative knowledge production. Drawing from popular education principles inspired by Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy, the seminars in this project integrated traditional knowledge from Indigenous, Quilombola, i.e. descendants of Africans who resisted enslavement and established autonomous communities, and rural communities with scientific expertise. The process involved structured group dynamics, thematic discussions, and collective drafting of policy recommendations aimed at addressing land degradation and safeguarding water resources. The outcomes contribute to a national strategy that reflects regional needs and aligns with global frameworks such as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Secondly, The 3R Project, now in its implementation phase, addresses land-use pressures within the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in the state of Acre, Brazil, where deforestation and unregulated cattle ranching compromise water access. The methodological approach combines stakeholder interviews, spatial mapping, and policy analysis to understand the socio-political drivers of water scarcity. The project’s participatory framework prioritises local stakeholder voices, proposing the use of actor-centred workshops to collaboratively design land management solutions that mitigate water scarcity while fostering sustainable livelihoods. The initiative also builds on long-standing community relationships, ensuring that legal, social, and cultural perspectives inform the strategies. Finally, the T-SECA Project (Transdisciplinary Social Ecohydrology for Community Adaptation), in its design development phase, exemplifies a community-led research approach. Centred in the Mundurukú Indigenous territory in Pará, this initiative aims to use participatory visual social science methods such as photovoice and videovoice to capture local narratives of changes in water dynamics in the environment. In this project, community members will co-direct research priorities by documenting their lived experiences of floods and droughts through visual media. The team integrates these insights with scientific ecohydrological data, such as precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater levels, supplemented by isotope tracing to understand water sources and flows. The goal is to co-develop adaptation plans tailored to the community's needs, with outputs intended to support large-scale implementation. These three initiatives reaffirm the need for iterative, inclusive, and place-based co-creation processes in hydrology and water management. By prioritising mutual learning and power-sharing among scientists, policymakers, and local stakeholders, these initiatives aim to promote actionable solutions that are both scientifically robust and socially grounded. This presentation invites discussion on how co-creation can be scaled and diversified in hydrological sciences to address complex water challenges across diverse socio-ecological contexts.
How to cite: Nóbrega, R., Ribeiro, S., Penfield, A., Famelli, S., Costa, R., Nehemy, M., Bowness, E., Bezerra, U., Oliveira, S., Galvao, C., Perez-Marin, A., and Cunha, J.: Bridging knowledge systems in the Amazon through co-creation for resilient water management, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12376, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12376, 2025.
Freshwater is a critical resource, which is also the reason for why water have been altered by humans for centuries. During the last decades due to population growth, socio-economic development and climate-related effects the societal challenges related to water have amplified. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are often highlighted as a key response to these challenges. However, according to Seddon et al., (2020), a major challenge with nature-based solutions is “inflexible and highly sectorized forms of governance”, which is why the cross sectoral Water Councils, voluntary and participatory organisations bringing together a range of stakeholders at the water-shed level regulated under the EU Water Framework Directive, potentially have a unique position to overcome the challenges. While NbS are identified as solutions for the interconnected social, economic and environmental challenges, literature points towards the approach taken (O’Brien et al., 2022).
This is a case study which develop, facilitate and assess a dialogue process of co-creation of a new water management plan in Kävlinge Water Council between 2023-2025 related to NbS-challenges. The study aims to analyse the transformational changes throughout the dialogues. Kävlinge Water Council is situated in the south of Sweden, a heavily cultivated area largely affected by the wetland drainage in the 19th century. This water council is also a pioneer in implementing NbS. However, during the last decade, water availability has fluctuated in the region, creating conflict of interest among stakeholders. The study uses a multi-level stakeholder co-creative process including meetings with civil servants respectively politicians, industry stakeholders and landowners. The process is designed by a transdisciplinary team of researchers and civil servants. Material about participants perspective on the design of the process as well as its end-product: A new water management plan, is collected through interviews workshops and surveys.
The preliminary results show that the process is engaging and leads to in-depth discussions on the present and future water management in the catchment. Politicians and civil servants to some extent have different focuses on necessary challenges and changes. So far, two out of five dialogues have been facilitated. Dialogue one focused on a general identification of challenges while dialogue two focused on a broader spectrum of solutions and evaluation of solutions. The upcoming dialogues will focus on organisation, urban versus rural communities, financing and communication. The study also plans to incorporate dialogue with higher-level stakeholders such as national and regional authorities and citizens. We believe this type of iterative process has the potential to level the implementation of NbS, specifically in water councils throughout Sweden, but particularly in Kävlinge Water Council. We also believe that the result can be incorporated in regional and national water policy to level the implementation of NbS, the EU Water Framework Directive and the Floods Directive.
References
Seddon, N., Chausson, A., Berry, P., Girardin, C.A.J., Smith, A., Turner, B., (2020). Understanding the value and limits of nature-based solutions to climate change and other global challenges. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 375, 20190120. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0120
How to cite: Enström, E. and Alkan Olsson, J.: The Transformative Potential of Water Councils – A Case Study of Kävlinge Water Council in the South of Sweden , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15387, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15387, 2025.
Merapi is known as one of the world’s most active and densely populated volcanoes. Despite the constant threat it poses, local residents continue to live on its slopes, largely because of the vital ecosystem services that support their livelihoods. One of the cultural ecosystem services provided by the rivers around Merapi volcano is recreation, including at Krasak river which has been impacted by Merapi's eruptions from 2010 to 2023. This study aims to identify the development of tourism destination along the Krasak River as part of ecosystem services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the head and representatives of the Grojogan Watu Purbo management team in Merdikorejo village, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Content analysis was used to examine the operation of the site and its connection to local knowledge of the river. The research findings show that the community tried to seek alternative sources of income by utilizing the beauty of the sabo dam built in their village. Since 2017, they prepared this tourist spot and in 2019, visitors began to arrive. Many visitors come to enjoy the view of the cascading waterfalls created by the sabo dam on the Krasak river, especially for taking selfies and enjoying the sunset in the countryside. For safety reasons, a simple communication network has been established, involving the hamlet (dusun) head, management team, and operational staffs, to monitor the river’s flow, especially during heavy rainfall. The presence of water hyacinth or twigs carried by water is an indicator of high-water discharge, signalling the potential for flooding or lahar. The colour of the river water also reflects mining activities upstream. For them, the flow of the river is important in attracting the visitors. Although they do not have yet a specific program in river monitoring and conservation, they have already cooperated with Disaster Management Agency and Tourism Agency in Regency level in terms of Early Warning System and site management. Strengthening communication and cooperation with other tourism managers along the Krasak River and involving communities in neighbouring villages would be beneficial for the sustainable management of the volcanic river.
How to cite: Nurani, I. W., Lavigne, F., and Gautier, E.: River Management and Community-Driven Tourism: Harnessing Cultural Ecosystem Services at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-21682, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-21682, 2025.
Kashkadarya Province in Uzbekistan faces persistent water management challenges, including accelerating water scarcity, unstandardized and inefficient water reporting, climate change impact, transboundary complexities, and outdated irrigation systems. Traditional water monitoring methods fall short of providing the integrated insights required for effective decision-making. To address these challenges, we launched a participatory co-design initiative to conceptualize a next-generation water monitoring tool tailored to the province’s unique needs. This study employs participatory methodologies to engage a diverse range of stakeholders - water managers, policymakers, and technical experts- in the tool’s design process. The approach began with stakeholder mapping and needs assessment surveys to identify critical gaps and set priorities in water management practices. Iterative discussions during a consultative workshop and focus group sessions informed the development of a conceptual framework for the tool. Key functionalities identified include enhanced water monitoring, improved allocation mechanisms, drought monitoring, and early warning systems, all leveraging data integration, interactive dashboards, and cloud-based predictive analytics. The co-design approach fosters mutual understanding and collaboration between stakeholders and researchers, emphasizing usability, accessibility, and scalability. By actively involving stakeholders, the process has strengthened ownership, institutional coordination, and capacity building, even in the prototype design phase. This initiative underscores the transformative potential of inclusive, co-creation-driven solutions to address water management challenges in drylands, moving from fragility to resilience. The Kashkadarya case serves as a model for innovative and context-specific socio-hydrological solutions, with implications for addressing similar challenges in drylands globally.
How to cite: Khalifa, M., Gafurov, Z., Adkhamov, U., Abdurahmanov, B., Kenjabaev, S., and Al-Zu’bi, M.: Co-designing Next-Generation Water Monitoring System for Sustainable Water Management in Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-1569, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-1569, 2025.
Agriculture is the most water-consuming sector in the Mediterranean region, accounting for up to 70% of total uses in southern regions. Addressing this high demand while fostering socio-economic growth necessitates improving irrigation efficiency and water productivity. However, the dual pressures of climate change and population growth threaten water availability and increase agricultural water demand. Effective water resource management faces challenges, including sectoral policy conflicts, fragmented governance, inefficient water use across overlapping domains, and the lack of integrated digital tools to optimize water allocation and monitor usage effectively. Digital transformation in the water sector is pivotal for sustainable Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). Advanced digital tools enable comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and decision-making within a unified framework, enhancing cross-sectoral coordination and supporting sustainable growth. However, for these tools to impact water governance, they must be user-friendly and collaboratively developed with stakeholders and end-users from diverse fields to ensure acceptance and practical application.
For these reasons, we carried out this work, aiming to develop a real-time digital platform for irrigation optimization and water resource management, leveraging Living Labs to ensure the tools meet local needs and challenges and then combining digital innovation and participatory methods to enhance IWRM and sustainable irrigation at farm and basin scales. The work employs a suite of innovative tools, including IoT sensors for real-time monitoring, Web of Things technology for interoperability, and advanced modeling tools for efficient operations and decision support. Two interactive dashboards were developed: one for farm-level irrigation management and the other for basin-scale decision-making. Real-time data collected through sensors is stored in a OGC SensorThings compliant database, enabling models to estimate crop water requirements and assess sectoral water consumption. The platform has been developed and tested in four Mediterranean case studies: Italy's Tirso River Basin, Jordan's Central Jordan River Basin, Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, and Tunisia's Jeffara Plain. These regions face acute water scarcity and climate challenges, making them ideal testbeds for the proposed solutions. Living Labs in these areas facilitate collaboration with farmers and decision-makers, ensuring that tools are tailored to local needs. Two series of workshop were conducted in the four pilot areas: the first aimed at collecting local needs and expectation from the digitalization of the water accounting, and the second focused on presenting initial platformn advancement refining functionalities based on local feedback, training end-users, and assessing the tools effectiveness. This feedback loop ensures continuous improvement and alignment with stakeholders' expectations. Simultaneously, data were collected both from installed sensors and from existing monitoring tools, in order to calibrate the irrigation model at farm scale and the hydrological model at basin scale.
The integration of digital tools with participatory engagement enables simulation of complex interactions between environmental and socio-economic factors over different timeframes. This holistic approach enhances decision-making and informs policy recommendations, supporting climate change adaptation and sustainable water resource management in the Mediterranean region.
This work is conducted as part of the ACQUAOUNT PRIMA Project, which aims to advance digital innovation and participatory approaches for sustainable water resource management in the Mediterranean region.
How to cite: Debolini, M., Mereu, S., Funaro, M., Borgo, A., Napolitano, L., Rianna, G., Constantianos, V., Kandarakis, A., Martini, F., Pijuan Parra, J., Vine Rius, L., Marras, S., Nagaz, K., ElMokh, F., Mazahrih, N., and Jomaa, I.: Co-Creation of a Real-Time Platform for Integrated Water Resource Management: Combining Stakeholders’ Engagement, Modelling and Digital Tools at Farm and basin Scale, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17906, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17906, 2025.
Posters on site: Thu, 1 May, 10:45–12:30 | Hall A
Understanding how hydrological conditions influence public sentiment toward climate and environmental issues is essential for effective policy-making and communication strategies. This study adopts a co-creation approach by integrating hydrological data with insights from social media, engaging multiple stakeholders in the process of knowledge generation. Utilizing a multi-year dataset, we analyze daily weather parameters—specifically focusing on temperature and precipitation—alongside social media comments pertaining to environmental discussions.
Sentiment analysis methods, including both VADER and transformer-based machine learning models, are employed to identify and quantify negative sentiments within these comments. Additionally, time series analysis techniques such as Error-Trend-Seasonality (ETS) decomposition and LSTM neural networks are applied to forecast climatic conditions and assess their impact on sentiment patterns over time. This allows us to examine how adverse hydrological conditions, such as increased precipitation or extreme weather events, heighten negative public sentiment regarding climate issues.
Sentiment analysis methods are employed to identify and quantify negative sentiments within these comments, allowing us to examine patterns over time. By incorporating public perceptions expressed on social media, we co-create a more comprehensive understanding of how hydrological phenomena impact society.
Preliminary results indicate a significant association between adverse hydrological conditions, such as increased precipitation or extreme weather events, and heightened negative public sentiment regarding climate issues. By exploring this relationship, we aim to uncover how changes in weather impact public perceptions and attitudes toward the environment, facilitating mutual learning between scientists and the public.
This research bridges hydrological sciences and social media analytics, contributing to an interdisciplinary and participatory understanding of the societal impacts of hydrological phenomena. The insights gained will inform policymakers and stakeholders, aiding in the co-development of proactive communication strategies and interventions that address public concerns related to climate and weather. Through this collaborative approach, we demonstrate how integrating diverse knowledge systems can enhance water resources management and environmental decision-making.
Keywords: Hydrology, Public Sentiment, Climate Change, Social Media Analysis, Environmental Communication
Presentation: 2024 - Water and Surrounding Sentiment: Evidence from Andros for Greece Summer Symposium,
Greece-Qatar, https://arcg.is/11afjP
How to cite: Kaziyev, U. and Hakimdavar, R.: Analyzing Public Response to Hydrological Stress through Machine Learning and Social Media Sentiment: Evidence from Andros, Faroe, Mauritius and Samoa, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-89, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-89, 2025.
To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the marine industry and mitigate global warming, ammonia is being considered as a premising alternative to traditional fossil fuels. As one of the world’s busiest ports, Singapore is actively exploring ammonia bunkering as part of its decarbonization strategy. However, before initiating ammonia bunkering operations, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) addressing potential ammonia leakage is crucial.
This study employs a coupled eutrophication model with nine biogeochemical variables integrated into a high-resolution hydrodynamic model of Singapore’s coastal waters to evaluate the potential marine environmental impacts of ammonia releases during bunkering. This model is calibrated using hourly sea surface level data from Tanjong Pagar and dissolved oxygen measurements from Kusu Island, demonstrating robust performance in simulating diurnal variations in biogeochemical variables and the tidal dynamics, with a horizontal resolution ranging from 60 to 300 meters and a temporal resolution of 3 minutes.
Using coral and fish as key receptors in the Singapore Strait, ammonia concentration thresholds for 50% lethality within 48 hours (LC50) were from the literature: 0.057 mg N/L for coral (LC50Coral) and 2.1 mg N/L for fish (LC50fish). Sensitivity experiments were conducted to evaluate the spatial extent and duration of ammonia toxicity under different scenarios, varying release locations, flow rates, timings. Results indicate that ammonia dispersion near jetties is slower due to weaker currents and structural obstructions, resulting in localized impacts on coral that can persist for one to several days, depending on release volume. Conversely, in deep water areas with stronger currents and obvious tidal influence, ammonia disperses more rapidly, with coral toxicity effects lasting only a few hours. Furthermore, the magnitude of toxicity increases with higher release volumes, and release time significantly influences the plume’s direction, affected area, and duration, thereby altering its impact on marine life. The study also examines changes in nitrate concentrations and the potential for eutrophication associated with ammonia release. These findings provide critical insights into the environmental risks of ammonia bunkering in the Singapore Strait and inform mitigation strategies to minimize ecological impacts.
How to cite: Wang, Z., Tkalich, P., Mengli, C., and Christy, E.: Potential Marine Environmental Impacts of Ammonia Releases during Bunkering: A Simulation Analysis Using a Coupled Eutrophication and Hydrodynamic Model in the Singapore Strait, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-1869, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-1869, 2025.
Surface drainage system within the polder is designed to collect internal inflow, resulting
from rainfall, and external inflow, resulting from sea water infiltration, that gravitates into
the canal network. Excess water that impedes agricultural production is cyclically
pumped out of the polder, lowering the water level below the root zone. Water level
monitoring in the main canal of the drainage network is set-up as continuous real-time
measurements of surface water levels and index water velocity using radars. The
Automated Continuous Monitoring System installed under the DELTASAL project
consists of surface water regime monitoring, water quality monitoring, soil salinity
monitoring, and the monitoring of weather conditions with sensors integrated to provide
synchronized real-time data. The data collected is available to the stakeholders, polder
users, and public through an online platform. Co-creation is central to the DELTASAL
project, involving stakeholders (research-oriented community, public administration, local
authorities, and farmers) in every phase, from problem identification to development of
guidelines to optimize the water regime for agricultural use. Through workshops
stakeholders exchange requirements of water quality and quantity, validate findings, and
discuss the potential solutions that are aligned with agricultural goals specific to the
polder. The overall goal is to provide functional prognostic model as a platform for polder
management. The participatory approach aims to foster collaborative decision-making,
improving the sustainability of the drainage system. The objective of this research is to
determine the relationship between canal surface slope, water volume, and pump flow
rate under different water regime management scenarios. The research uses surface
water levels in the canal and associated pump flow rates as primary inputs to develop a
drainage optimization model as a part of the water quantity/quality prognostic model.
How to cite: Perokovic, D. and Gilja, G.: Water surface slope variation in Vidrice polder resulting from pumping operation, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-2538, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2538, 2025.
This research proposes a new methodology for participatory water monitoring in Andean-Amazonian watersheds, taking as a case study the Mulato river basin, Colombia. The main objective is to develop an approach that strengthens sustainable water management and the resilience of local communities to the challenges of climate change.
The proposal establishes a participatory process that actively involves local communities, with emphasis on the inclusion of women and minority groups, in the design and implementation of a water monitoring system. This system will integrate water quality and quantity indicators, as well as traditional knowledge and the specific needs of the watershed.
Through the development of this methodology, we seek to strengthen territorial appropriation through community training strategies in water data collection and analysis techniques. It also promotes the active participation of communities in decision-making related to water resource management.
It is expected that the results of this research will contribute to the development of innovative tools and strategies for a more sustainable management of water resources in the Andean-Amazon region, strengthening the resilience of communities to the impact of climate change.
Key words: Participatory water monitoring, Andean-Amazon basin, gender, equity, local communities, climate change, water management.
How to cite: Román-Chaverra, D., Romero-Hernández, C.-P., and Rodrigo-Ilarri, J.: Methodological Proposal for Participatory Water Monitoring in Andean-Amazon Basins: The case of Mulato River, Colombia., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-4586, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4586, 2025.
Soil moisture plays a pivotal role in driving hydrological, ecological, and agricultural processes. Yet, its accurate estimation remains a significant challenge, particularly in data-scarce and semi-arid regions of West Africa. This study presents a comprehensive approach that integrates field measurements, high-resolution remote sensing data, and advanced machine learning techniques to enhance soil moisture prediction in small-scale agricultural systems. By combining innovative downscaling methods with deep learning models, the proposed framework effectively captures both the spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture and its complex temporal dynamics, addressing a critical gap in existing methodologies. The predictive framework demonstrated outstanding performance, achieving a Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.854, reducing root mean square error (RMSE) by 33%, and exhibiting negligible bias when compared to conventional approaches. These metrics highlight its capability to provide more accurate and reliable predictions, even in the context of limited ground-based observations. Moreover, the study underscores the significant impact of soil conservation practices, such as stone bunds, on enhancing soil moisture retention. The analysis revealed that these interventions are particularly effective on steep slopes and in areas with lower moisture accumulation potential, offering valuable insights for sustainable land and water resource management. By bridging the gap between coarse-resolution satellite observations and the fine-scale data needs of localized agricultural systems, this study delivers a scalable and adaptable solution for soil moisture monitoring. The integration of cutting-edge technologies with on-the-ground insights not only enhances predictive accuracy but also provides a robust framework for improving agricultural resilience and water management in semi-arid environments. These findings emphasize the transformative potential of leveraging modern tools and multidisciplinary approaches to address pressing challenges in soil moisture estimation and agricultural sustainability, paving the way for more informed decision-making in vulnerable regions.
How to cite: Tefera, M. L., Zeleke, E. B., Pirastru, M., Melesse, A. M., Seddaiu, G., and Awada, H.: Integrating Field Data, Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning for Enhanced Soil Moisture Prediction in Semi-Arid West Africa, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6008, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6008, 2025.
Drought stress on local and regional water systems is of increasing concern to authorities, especially in the wake of severe drought periods since the start of the century. This is particularly true in North-Western Italy, which faced previously unprecedented drought impacts, including the need for provisioning local water systems via tanker trucks, from the end of 2021 through 2023. The need for developing responses to such emerging issues calls for the gathering of all available knowledge regarding previous drought events to make conscious and informed choices in the future. In particular, much knowledge can be gained by studying how professionals in the water sector addressed previous water stress conditions, which impacts they faced and how well such impacts can be represented through the study of already available meteoclimatic data. Furthermore, understanding how water providers characterise the multidimensional and systemic condition of drought can shed light on how and why certain responses are taken, and help in the co-development of useful strategies. The study presents an application of a mixed-method approach, conducted through semi-structured interviews to employees of water-providing firms in the Cuneo Province, Piedmont. The method aims at obtaining both quantitative and qualitative data on drought impacts, as well as qualitative data on the interviewees and their perception of the drought phenomena, bridging the gap between the data-driven representation and the embedded experience of drought conditions.
How to cite: Mombrini, E., Rivella, B., Viglione, A., and Tamea, S.: Interview based mixed-method characterization of drought impacts: Case study in North-Western Italy, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11823, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11823, 2025.
A graphical cost-effectiveness tool has been developed to communicate flood-mitigation plans and measures to decision-makers. In its simplest form, the tool is based on flood hydrograph and water level data at a critical location along a river stretch, for a design flood expressed in terms of its return period. A three-panel graph is made with water-level data in quadrant three, a rating curve in quadrant two and a hydrograph in quadrant one, sharing axes with the adjacent quadrant(s). After establishing a water-level threshold of flooding, a discharge-threshold follows. The discharge over time above that threshold defines the flood-excess volume to be mitigated to avoid flood damage. Expressed as a square lake of 2m depth and 100m’s or 1000m’s side length, the fraction of each flood-mitigation method is overlayed on this square-lake chart, plus its costs, costs per percentage and total costs. Choices can be made by comparing square-lake graphs for each mitigation scenario [1]. Where possible, more complicated cost-effectiveness assessments can be based on ensemble simulations of flood forecasts with various flood-mitigation measures, and made by including uncertainties.
Info-gap theory [2] will be applied in an idealised Haigh Beck case study, a stream of ~2000m length and ~100m decline that flows into the River Aire (UK). The beck has caused floods with combined-sewer overflows during severe rainfall, in a neighbourhood near the beck’s mouth and upstream of the Leeds-Liverpool canal, flooding several apartments (e.g., on May 6th, 2024). Proposed mitigation measures are inflow into canal C1, an upstream bund B2 and flood-plain storage FP3, combined into cost-competitive mitigation scenarios C1 and a B2-FP3 combination [3]. Challenging is that crucial pieces of information, on costs and risks (of failure), are missing for informed decision-making, either because organisations refuse to provide the information, the data are lost or do not exist. Info-gap theory will be used to deal with these true or Knightian uncertainties. An info-gap is the gap between what one knows and what one needs to know for reliable decision-making. Info-gap theory aims to quantify decisions with a high robustness, concerning decisions on flood-mitigation scenarios that satisfy performance requirements over a range of unanticipated eventualities. In this study, it is comprised of (a) a cost model, (b) a performance criterion (costs below a threshold) and (c) model uncertainty intervals. Furthermore, costs of scenario B2-FP3 are known, but the value of co-benefits for scenario C1 are unknown while its base costs are somewhat known. This use of info-gap theory to facilitate cost-effectiveness decisions is novel and practical. Alternatively, the unknown uncertainty (pertaining to (c)) in the flood-excess volume can be used as decision support, a type of application of info-gap theory found in, e.g., [4].
[1] Bokhove, Kelmanson, Kent, Piton, Tacnet 2020: Water 12(3), 652. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12030652
[2] Marchau, Walker, Bloemen, Popper 2019: Decision making under deep uncertainty. Chapters 1, 5 and 10 (e.g. by Y. Ben-Haim) on info-gap theory. Springer. 405 pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05252-2
[3] Knotters, Bokhove, Lamb, Poortvliet 2024: Cambridge Prisms: Water 2, e6. https://doi.org/10.1017/wat.2024.4
[4] Hine, Hall 2010: Water Resources Research 46. W01514. https://doi:10.1029/2008WR007620
How to cite: Bokhove, O.: Info-gap assessment of cost-effectiveness for flood-mitigation scenarios: Haigh Beck case study, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12211, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12211, 2025.
Floods are recurring natural disasters in the province of Quebec, with recent major events in the springs of 2017, 2019, and 2023, when snowmelt and heavy rainfall converged. These events not only caused significant property damage and population displacement but also posed serious risks to public health, especially in areas where drinking water is sourced from private wells that may be vulnerable to contamination. Critical risk factors include the proximity of wells to rivers, the presence of contaminants in floodwaters, and surface pollutants on flood-prone lands, which can infiltrate drinking water sources during floods. This interdisciplinary project evaluates the spatial risk of potable water contamination and consumption in the Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury region, QC, through a combined approach involving natural and social sciences.
The natural science component involves assessing the water quality of residential wells during baseline and flood periods, and conducting spatio-temporal analyses to: 1) identify factors influencing contamination risk; 2) assess duration of contamination post-flood; and 3) determine the lateral extent of contamination. To do so, water samples collected over 15 field campaigns were analyzed for a variety of geochemical, isotopic and microbiological parameters. Although the chemical quality of well water was generally acceptable, microbiological contamination (e.g., total coliforms and E. coli) frequently exceeded safety thresholds.
The social dimension of the project explores: 1) riverside residents' risk perception in relation to their well water quality during floods; 2) their water consumption practices during floods; and 3) the views of various stakeholders (riverside residents, municipality, regional water agencies) regarding roles, responsibilities and approaches to promote safe water consumption. This was achieved through semi-directed interviews conducted with seven residents participating in the well sampling campaigns, and three organization representatives.
The results of this study aim to strengthen the resilience of flood-prone communities by integrating scientific data, local knowledge and community feedback to develop practical recommendations to reduce the contamination risks and promote safe water use during flood events. The results will be shared through workshops organized with residents and the municipality of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, as well as local water organizations. Results will also be shared with the Quebec Department of Environment to provide feedback on adequacy of the current government guidelines regarding well water consumption during floods.
Keywords: Floods, human health, contamination, interdisciplinary, social, drinking water, groundwater, community, spatial assessment, risks.
How to cite: Ben Arous, Y., Bordeleau, G., Lavoie, R., and Roy-Michel, C.: Potential contamination of drinking water in private wells during floods in southern Quebec, Canada: an integration of water geochemistry, risk perception and behavioural changes, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-14121, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-14121, 2025.
Floodplain urbanization shapes exposure to floods, and necessitates the deployment of structural water infrastructure (e.g., dams) to mitigate the exposure. While the flood regulation capacity of a basin is traditionally assessed by the total capacity of its infrastructures, the changing hydro-climatic factors and increasing floodplain urbanization creates continuously evolving demands on the system. These changes highlight flood regulation as a complex and multivariate challenge, yet a systematic framework to capture these dynamic interactions remains underdeveloped. This study introduces a novel quantification framework that models the key elements and the dynamics of flood regulation. Specifically, we quantify the floodplain urbanization pattern by the cumulative distribution function of Height Above Nearest Drainage (HAND), and estimate the pressure it poses on the infrastructures under different flood magnitudes (e.g., 100-year and 500-year floods) under different flood exposure levels. To test the proposed approach, we apply it to the Ganjiang River Basin in China, focusing on the interactions between Ji’An city and the upstream Wan’An Dam. We find that during a 100-year flood with urban expansion up to 2015, the Wan’An Dam must operate at 42.5% capacity to limit flood exposure in Ji’An to below 5%. The effectiveness of our framework is supported by validating results against historical flood data from the Ganjiang River Basin. Moreover, our analysis reveals a monotonic increase in flood regulation pressure as both urban exposure levels and flood magnitude rise. We further define a characteristic curve that synthesizes the interactions among all components of the system, which offers a systematic illustration of the dynamics at play. Our proposed framework represents the first standardized quantitative approach for assessing multivariate flood regulation dynamics, offering a valuable tool for probing into the complex interplay of flood regulation under changing climate and urbanization conditions at large scales.
How to cite: Zheng, K. and Lin, P.: Quantifying Flood Regulation Dynamics: A Systematic Approach, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-15452, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-15452, 2025.
The rapid expansion of dam construction highlights the need to understand the impact of human regulation on river ecosystems and surrounding communities. This study focuses on the Lower Yellow River Basin, a region severely affected by water scarcity, flooding risks, and low ecological resilience. The Xiaolangdi Reservoir, completed in 1999, was designed to address these challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis of the reservoir’s effects on downstream hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, and human activities, we evaluate its effectiveness and explore the interaction between natural processes and human interventions. Our findings indicate that reservoir operations have transformed the river channel from a braided to a meandering form, enhancing flood transport capacity by 79%. While sediment scouring has partially mitigated sediment interception, helping reduce coastal erosion in the Yellow River Delta. However, altered seasonal flow patterns have created water shortages for irrigation and environmental flows, exacerbating conflicts between human and environmental water requirements. Riverbed incision has decreased water diversion efficiency, contributing to groundwater over-extraction with depletion rate of -31.9 mm/year. Additionally, Degradation of tidal flats caused by sediment deficiency has threatened migratory shorebirds, with its populations declining by an average of 1,573 individuals annually. This study also indicate that the influence of hydrological factors is diminishing over time, while local human activities are having a growing impact on the system. To mitigate future risks, we advocate for the adoption of adaptive, localized, and nature-based management strategies, including the restoration of riparian wetlands, dynamic water allocation, and enhancement of delta resilience through hydrological connectivity and living shorelines. This research offers valuable insights for sustainable water resource management in the Lower Yellow River and other regions facing similar issues.
How to cite: Wu, X.: Evolution of the socio-hydrological system in the Lower Yellow River under human regulation, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-19753, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-19753, 2025.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to advance sustainable social and economic progress globally. Out of Kazakhstan´s about 20 million people, 7.5 million people reside in 6,500 rural settlements, with 6.5 million in 3,900 settlements connected to centralized water supply systems. About half of all households rely on private boreholes and public standpipes. Additionally, 80% of rural households use outdoor toilets, with just 3% connected to sewer systems, highlighting significant disparities in water and sanitation access. Consequently, safe access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for rural people is the most important priority for Kazakhstan regarding SDGs. However, there is large discrepancy between official statistics and the actual conditions highlighting urgent needs for accurate baseline data to better reflect the realities of water and sanitation access in Kazakhstan. For this purpose, we used structured questionnaires to assess water access, sanitation services, and a multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine the factors influencing households' willingness to pay (WTP) for individual water supply systems in Atyrau households. Water sources, sanitation availability, and household practices were investigated offering insights into sustainable water and sanitation management. Indoor taps served 44.2% of households, while 60.5% used centralized systems for drinking water. Daily interruptions affected 19.9%, with 23.0% dissatisfied with quality. Outdoor toilets were used by 79.6%, and 43.7% relied on pit-filling. While 82.5% of respondents favored free individual water supply installations, only 11.6% were willing to pay the $426 installation cost, highlighting financial constraints. Consequently, there are persistent challenges in ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation in rural areas of Kazakhstan. Infrastructure gaps, poor water quality, and reliance on outdoor toilets pose health risks. Financial constraints further limit access. Targeted investments, improved oversight, and community engagement are critical for sustainable solutions aligned with the SDGs.
How to cite: Tussupova, K., Bolatova, Z., Beisenova, R., Omarova, G., and Kabiyev, Y.: Towards Sustainable Solutions: Assessing Rural Access to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-21844, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-21844, 2025.
