Comments (3)

1. 

   Pinkers, Mathieu, J.H.P. - September 3rd, 2011 at 23 h 04 min

   While the IWRM approach as “integrated WATER  resources management” has its focus on water RESOURCES management taking into account different users including landuses the IWRM approach is still seen as the primary domain of water resources MANAGERS. When demands for water ( by users/stakeholders) become critical and competing with SUPPLY  of water (by watermanagers) the management of the DEMAND  for water becomes equally important as the management of the (supply) of water resources. Where DEMAND for water is focused on waterUSERS , linked to LANDuses,the  mainstreaming of a ILWRM approach (= Integrated LANDuse & WATERresources Management) is a contribution/solution towards making IWRM not only the watermanagers approach to finding solutions for water. ILWRM calls upon all waterusers to manage landuse  and water  more wisely , integrated and holistic.

   Lets make IWRM  everybodies business by advocating the ILWRM approach; managing land use(rs) to balance multiple and competing demands for water wisely i.c sustainable.

2. 

   Dr.Roy Kunjappy - October 4th, 2011 at 9 h 19 min

   Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.
    
   Water has varied uses such as household, agricultural, industrial and environmental. Integrated water resource management (IWRM) is a concept based on the fact that different uses of finite water sources are interdependent and, therefore, to be considered together .In a sense it is sustainable resource usage which involves coordinated development and management of water in order to meet the range of people water needs. The growing concern over depletion of water resources and its quality deterioration makes people think in terms of IWRM.
   IWRM is necessary to combat increasing water scarcity and pollution. Methods include water conservation and reuse, water harvesting, and waste management. An appropriate mix of legislation, pricing policies and enforcement measures is essential to optimise water conservation and protection.
   Water resources mean water in the broad sense as available for use and susceptible to human interventions. Water can be surface or groundwater, and is characterised by both quantity and quality. Development and management cover all phases of resources planning, development, use and protection, i.e. assessment, planning, implementation, operation & maintenance, and monitoring & control. They include both combined resource and supply management and demand management. Integrated means development and management of water resources as regards both their use and protection, and considering all sectors and institutions which use and affect water resources.

3. 

   Bilal Khan - October 28th, 2011 at 18 h 11 min

   Hello Mathieu and Roy. This is a very interesting insight on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). Can you give some examples or case studies where IWRM is implemented? In which city, country and in what context? Thanks.