The sustainability project proves its potential to curb water management problems
Author: Stacy Rebecca Juliana A
One of the feared ecological problems in most places around the world is water exhaustion. From the most developed countries to the smallest of rural places face issues with water management and the scarcity of the same resource. Yes, the reasons and causes for the problem vary according to the nature of the places, but the issue’s intensity remains the same. To decrease the levels of exhaustion and direct towards saving water, sustainable water management comes in as the solution.
Taking on water management through sustainability can help meet the world’s economic, ecological, and social needs. Not only does this help water managers look beyond borders but also showcases itself as a solution with minimal risks.
Sustainable Water Management (SWM) Profile was developed as a tool by the Water Foundation and its partners Sonoma Ecology Center, The Bay Institute and Environmental Science Associates in 2012. This helps to regulate the stress conditions of water on the ground and evaluate their advancement towards sustainable water management by assessing their management responses to these statuses.
They worked on generating a tool that was of help to commercial and residential consumers, financial analysts, land use planning agencies, state and federal agencies and public services.
Every single stakeholder involved in the project possesses a vital role for water management to be successful. Also, for the stakeholders to be motivated to manage the water sustainably in a region and cooperate, the SMW Profile looks to boost the provision of incentives.
For the sake of development and progression, the SWM Profile was tested and assessed. A team of experts in the field were assembled to work on developing the tool. They were backed by an advisory committee for further support.
In 2014, a pilot project was launched with Sonoma County Water Agency for the development and testing of the tool’s first version.
The lessons from the first version’s testing were utilised to involve a wide range of stakeholders. This was inclusive of delegates from water agencies, state and federal government, academia, NGOs, and the business and financial sector, to receive feedback and further improvements and changes to come up with in making the second version of the SMW Profile.
In 2016, the launching of a second pilot project with the revised tool with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency took place.
The resulting tool inspects the water supplies, agencies rely on. The SWM Profile recognises the vulnerability of water systems to risks or threats in the allocated areas and regions. It assesses management responses to the water agencies stressors and determines an agency’s position on the path to sustainability.
In 2019, a paper was released on the SWM Profile and the lessons learned through its development and testing.
Image Credits: Water Foundation
Reference: Water Foundation
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