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Humanity faces a wide range of freshwater challenges and threats, from the failure to provide safe water and sanitation to all, to ecological disruptions and degradation, increasing violence over water resources, accelerating climate change, and failing institutions and infrastructure. In recent years, crises around minerals, energy, food, and water have stimulated new debates over definitions and concepts of sustainability—including whether the world is reaching a point where natural resource limits will constrain growing populations and economic expansion. Understanding the concept of "peak water" and the strategies that might be available to avoid these constraints is key to moving toward a more efficient and sustainable water future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water has been a factor in wars and other violent conflicts for thousands of years. Water can be a trigger of conflict, a casualty of conflict, or a weapon of conflict. In modern times, water-related conflicts appear to be increasing in number, with many of these occurring at the sub-state level, such as between opposing militant groups or between groups with different ethnic and cultural heritages. Action to prevent, mitigate, and recover from these conflicts is possible and available, but insufficiently applied. Investments in the broader effort to create more equitable, sustainable, resilient societies are urgently needed. The good news is that we no longer lack the technological capability to create that world, and action at all levels of society, from the local to the global, will help to foster peace and sustain and protect water resources for everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effect of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) in the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis in 12-year-old children living in Israel. Considering that CWF is important in the prevention of dental caries. Between 2002 and 2014, the water in communities of at least 5,000 individuals was fluoridated. In 2014, CWF in Israel stopped. Method and materials: Data on 12-year-old children from all areas in Israel from the national cross-sectional epidemiological survey conducted in 2011 to 2012 were stratified by city water fluoridation and by city and school socioeconomic status. Two dependent variables were defined: (1) DMFT index of caries experience in the permanent dentition; (2) dental fluorosis in central incisors using the Thylstrup-Fejerskov classification of fluorosis. Results: Data from 2,181 12-year-olds were analyzed. The average DMFT was 1.17 ± 1.72, and 49% were caries-free. Based on DMFT, the caries experience was significantly higher in nonfluoridated cities (1.38 vs 0.98 in fluoridated cities) and there were more caries-free children in fluoridated cities (56.4% vs 40.6% in nonfluoridated). DMFT was higher in cities with lower socioeconomic status than high socioeconomic status (1.29 vs 1.05, respectively, P < .001) and there were fewer caries-free children in low socioeconomic status cities (44.5% vs 53.0% in high socioeconomic status cities, P < .0001). Almost all the 10.3% of children with signs of fluorosis (scoring at least 1 in the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index), had questionable to mild fluorosis (9.3%). Conclusions: CWF is a cheap, simple method of dental health protection that reaches all socioeconomic levels, and cessation of water fluoridation reduced the health of Israel's children. Clinical significance: Water fluoridation provides substantial caries prevention, by reaching a substantial number of people. The relevance of this work is for policymakers to consider CWF as clinically proven method for reducing health inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation δ18O has offered valuable insights into the evolution of the Asian monsoon. Recent researches focusing on precipitation Δ′17O has enhanced our understanding by offering new perspectives beyond those of δ18O, revealing insights into vapor sources and continental recycling. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of interannual triple oxygen isotope data, particularly in the Asian monsoon region. In this study, we analyzed the triple oxygen isotopes and hydrogen isotopes in monthly precipitation samples collected from Chongqing in Southwest China between 2019 and 2022 A.D. Seasonal variations in δD, δ18O, δ17O, and d‐excess values were observed, with lower values during the rainy season and higher values during the dry season, highlighting the impact of changes in moisture sources and local meteorological conditions on seasonal shifts in δD, δ18O, and δ17O. While, mean Δ′17O values were higher in rainy season and lower in dry season. Notably, during rainy season, there is a negative correlation between monthly Δ′17O values and the RH of the vapor source area, as well as a positive correlation with d‐excess. Recalculated Δ′17O values based on RH of oceanic moisture source, are higher than the measured values for this period, indicating the contribution of terrigenous moisture to precipitation in SW China. Precipitation Δ′17O values provide a more precise reflection of changes in moisture source, continental recycling, and evapotranspiration processes that drive water cycling compared Integrating modeling works in future will facilitate the use of precipitation Δ′17O values to quantify the impact of different moisture source on precipitation. Plain Language Summary: In the context of climatic warming, changes in water vapor source areas have substantial implications for the stability of regional water resources. Despite the importance of these changes, few studies have analyzed them using precipitation data from SW China. We conducted monthly measurements of isotopic compositions in precipitation samples collected in monsoonal SW China between 2019 and 2022 A.D. Seasonal variations in δD, δ18O, δ17O, and d‐excess revealed low values during the rainy season (May–October) and significantly higher values during the dry season (November–April). These variations are primarily attributed to different water vapor sources in distinct seasons. Moreover, we observed a negative correlation between precipitation Δ′17O and relative humidity in the source area of the water vapor during the rainy season, suggesting that Δ′17O contains valuable information about the water vapor's source area. Additionally, the relatively higher Δ′17O values observed in the rainy season imply the influence of continental recycling and evapotranspiration processes. Key Points: Characteristics of triple oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in precipitation were analyzed based on a 4‐year monitoring period in Southwest ChinaTriple oxygen isotopes in precipitation serve as indicators of the extent of isotopic fractionation in water vapor between different seasonsChanges in precipitation Δ′17O show a negative correlation with relative humidity from the moisture source area during the rainy season [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streamflow generation and biochemical hotspots are significantly influenced by groundwater contributions distributed along the drainage network. However, identifying the geomorphic landscape features that drive groundwater‐surface water interactions remains challenging. In this study, we investigate the role of knickpoints in controlling these interactions in a mountainous stream in Switzerland. We employ a combination of synoptic sampling of environmental tracers, endmember mixing calculations, and groundwater flow simulations. Our findings reveal substantial groundwater seepage concentrated near the knickpoint of the main river stem. Using parsimonious groundwater flow modeling, we validate the hypothesis that the topographical shape of the knickpoint enhances local groundwater discharge rates. We quantify that approximately 20% of the total catchment streamflow originates from around the knickpoint. These results indicate that knickpoints are significant hotspots for groundwater seepage and physicochemical mixing, providing a clear method for identifying major localized sources of streamflow generation. Plain Language Summary: In ice‐free catchments, groundwater is the main water source maintaining streamflow during extended dry periods. In addition to its importance for water resources, locations where groundwater contributes to surface stream water are important hotspots where interactions between biological and chemical processes occur, that have major implications for aquatic ecosystems. However, those hotspots remain difficult to identify. Specifically, our understanding on the relationships between landscape and groundwater discharge in streams remains limited. In our study of a Swiss Alpine catchment, we sampled a stream for water chemical analysis and used statistical and numerical models to find where groundwater emerges into the stream. We discovered that most groundwater enters the stream around a "knickpoint", a location where the stream profile becomes steeper. According to our calculations, this knickpoint, although of minimal extent, contributed one fifth of the total streamflow in the catchment. Although our results are site‐specific, knickpoints are ubiquitous in mountain areas, thus they might be important when predicting water availability and biogeochemical fluxes at regional scale. Key Points: We highlight the sporadic nature of groundwater seepage hotspots along a river profileKnickpoints influence groundwater flow patterns, creating preferential mixing zones between groundwater and surface watersBiogeochemical hotspots are influenced by knickpoints in mountainous hydrographic network [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dry months, there are acute water shortages as a result of reservoir water being released to improve reliability based on the full supply of needs in certain months. This study provides a method that stores some water from rainy months in the reservoir to be released during dry months to reduce failure during those times. The method is based on reservoir zoning and uses a multi-objective optimization system. The multi-objective gray wolf optimization (MOGWO) and multi-objective reptile search algorithm (MORSA) are connected to the WEAP simulator model and contrasted for this purpose. The primary goal of this type of system is to propose a solution that raises the proportion of demand supplied during dry months while maintaining an acceptable level of demand supply reliability across the entire duration. Ultimately, the role curve is assessed using the outcomes of two scenarios: the OS and the RS (depending on the actual circumstances). The findings demonstrate that MORSA outperforms MOGWO in terms of response quality and convergence time. The RS results show that in many dry years, particularly the last planning years, the percentage of supply for demand in three to five consecutive months is equal to zero in most uses, and in the remaining low-water years, it is less than five percent in the same months. In the best-case scenario, the percentage of demand during these months ranges from 30 to 60% thanks to optimization of the dam's rule curve using MORSA. Furthermore, in low-water months, the OS increases the proportion of meeting downstream environmental obligations. This study demonstrates that applying this strategy results in appropriate reservoir management and lessens the degree of failure when providing different uses during low-water months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is the sustainable provisioning of clean water and sanitation services. The sustainable management of water resources strengthens resilience, protects livelihoods, fosters economic growth, and contributes to poverty reduction. This paper reviews the challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a focus on water resource management. While the Caribbean region is seemingly blessed with water resources, with more than 90% of Caribbean residents having access to improved water, it faces challenges due to inefficient management and diverse geographical realities, creating spatial disparities. Furthermore, economic and physical scarcity coexist with some islands lacking proper infrastructure and others nearing the exhaustion of natural freshwater reserves. Climate change intensifies these issues through variable precipitation patterns and extreme weather events. Additionally, the region's dependence on tourism and susceptibility to environmental pressures necessitates a focus on targets related to SDGs 1 and 8. To address increasing water stress within the region, it is becoming increasingly urgent to identify root causes and develop targeted solutions that consider socioeconomic and environmental factors. The promotion of Integrated Water Resource Management is a key strategy for encouraging increased investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and fostering sustainable financing practices. Article Highlights: Caribbean islands face water scarcity due to climate change, population growth, and outdated infrastructure. Effective water management strategies are crucial for ensuring access to clean water and supporting local economies. Collaborative efforts and investments in resilient infrastructure can enhance water security across the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is the basis for sustainable regional development and an important indicator of core competitiveness, and its quantitative assessment and comparison is a key link in clarifying the development capacity of the region. The study comprehensively considers economic, social, resource, environmental and ecological factors, constructs a WRCC evaluation index system based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model, adopts the entropy value method to assign weights to each index, and utilizes the set-pair analysis method and the obstacle diagnostic model to evaluate WRCC of the urban agglomerations in central Yunnan (UACY) in the period from 2008 to 2020. The results show that the comprehensive development of WRCC of UACY is characterized by stage-by-stage evolution in the time dimension, with a decreasing trend in the carrying capacity from 2008 to 2012, and an overall fluctuating upward development trend from 2013 to 2020. In the spatial dimension, Kunming's WRCC is generally poor, and Honghe and Yuxi have the greatest advantages in water resources storage and conservation capacity. The stress of water use in Kunming is higher, but Kunming has advantages in industrial structure and water resources development and utilization rate. Through the diagnosis of obstacle degree, the main obstacle factors of WRCC have large differences among cities (states), but the main subsystems constraining WRCC are all pressure subsystems. The results of the study can provide data support for water resources related policies and rational water resources dispatching in the UACY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quarrying of rock aggregates generates produced water that, if not handled properly will be a source of pollution for nearby water bodies, thus affecting the chemistry of the water. This study examined the chemistry, impact of quarrying activities on water resources and the health consequences/risks posed by ingestion of the water by humans in the Akamkpa quarry region in southeastern Nigeria. Thirty (30) water samples consisting of pond water, stream water, hand dug wells, and borehole samples were collected and analyzed for their physicochemical parameters using standard methods. The results obtained from the analyses indicated that the water was moderately acidic, fresh, and not salty, with many parameters below the recommended standards with Ca2+, and HCO3− being the dominant ions present in the water resources. Rock weathering processes including silicate weathering as illustrated by hydrochemical facies, cross plots, and Gibbs diagrams are the dominant mechanisms influencing the quality and major ions chemistry of the water resources with minor contributions from dissolution, anthropogenic activities, and ion exchange. Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl and Na–K-HCO3− are the most important water types. Although the water quality index shows that the water is suitable for human use and irrigation, the mean values of As, Cd, Pb, and Se are above the acceptable limits. Additionally, the calculated contamination factor revealed the water resources are moderate to highly contaminated by As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Se, and are therefore unsuitable for consumption with regards to these parameters. However, the residual sodium carbonate and water hazard index (WHI) values showed that 38% to 90% of sites in the quarry area were unsuitable for cultivation, 10–30% were in the low to medium impact category, and 60% were classified as risky and are from high to very high impact category. A non-cancer study of inhabitants living in the vicinity of the quarry area indicated that 6.7% of the sites have values greater than one, indicating that it may endanger the health of the people. Therefore, constant monitoring of the water quality is recommended as long-term use of contaminated water can harm humans, plants, and soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially explicit, near real time information on surface water dynamics is critical for understanding changes in water resources, and for long-term water security planning. The distribution of surface water across the African continent since 1984 and updated as every new Landsat scene becomes available is presented here, and validated for the continent for the first time. We applied the Water Observations from Space (WOfS) algorithm, developed and well-tested in Australia, to every Landsat scene acquired over Africa since the mid 1980s to provide spatial information on surface water dynamics over the past 30+ years. We assessed the accuracy of WOfS using aerial and satellite imagery. Four regional geospatial organisations, coordinated through the Digital Earth Africa Product Development Task Team, conducted the validation campaign and provided both the regional expertise and experience required for a continental-scale validation effort. We assessed whether the point was wet, dry, or cloud covered, for each of the 12 months in 2018, resulting in 34,800 labelled observations. As waterbodies larger than 100 km² are easy to identify with Landsat resolution data and can thus boost accuracy, these were masked out. The resulting overall accuracy of the water classification was 82%. WOfS in Africa is expected to be used by ministries and departments of agriculture and water across the continent, by international organisations, academia, and the private sector. A large-scale collaborative effort, which included regional and technical skills spanning two continents was required to create a service that is regionally accurate and is both hosted on, and implemented operationally from, the African continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate water supply, poor sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools, insufficient puberty education and a lack of hygienic menstrual hygiene management (MHM) items (absorbents) cause girls in developing countries like Ethiopia to view menstruation as shameful and uncomfortable. However, there was little evidence of female MHM practice and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia. Objective: To assess MHM practice and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia. Design: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Methods: A total of 473 secondary schoolgirls were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, double-entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was computed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviations. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the association of the school water, sanitation and hygiene facilities with MHM. Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval was computed to show the strength of the association between dependent and independent variables. The goodness of fit of the model was tested by the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Results: Out of 473 study participants, 72.93% of them (95% CI: 68.74–76.76) reported good MHM practices. The study also found that availability of continuous water supply (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: (1.42–4.01)); types of toilet (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: (1.20–3.40)), confined space (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: (1.49–4.76)) and having females' toilets alone inside in the school (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: (1.20–4.40)) were significantly associated with female students' good MHM practice. Conclusion: The survey revealed that some of the secondary schoolgirls practiced poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM), which needs further improvement. The study also found that the availability of continuous water supply in the school, types of toilet facility in the school, availability of private space to manage periods at school, learning about MHM in schools and availability of female toilets kept locked inside were factors significantly associated with MHM practice of students, which require integration of Zonal Health and education bureau to jointly work towards the improvement of school WASH facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the historical context and current dynamics of the transboundary water issues between India and China. Both countries share multiple transboundary river basins, with the Brahmaputra River being one of the most significant. The importance of the Brahmaputra River to both nations goes beyond just providing resources. It has implications for national security, regional stability, and human livelihoods. However, China's upstream control over the river and its extensive dam-building projects have raised concerns in downstream India and Bangladesh about potential impacts on water availability, agriculture, and livelihoods. The river system is critical for the socioeconomic well-being of millions of people, yet the competing demands for water resources have led to geopolitical tensions. The paper highlights China's strategic use of water resources, including plans for large-scale dams, which India views as a potential threat to its water security. It also underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of hydropolitics, emphasizing the need for human security, particularly water security, in addressing these challenges. It argues that while "water wars" are unlikely, "water tensions" are significant and must be addressed through comprehensive bilateral agreements and collaborative efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reduced water content in the soil triggers physiological, biochemical, and morphological damage to plants, aggravated by nutritional deficiency. One possible strategy to mitigate this damage comprises the use of silicon (Si). This study investigated whether Si can mitigate the damage caused by water deficit through nutritional mechanisms in bean plants grown under field conditions. Furthermore, it investigated whether the effectiveness of Si is influenced by water availability in the soil and the Si dose supplied. Methods: Therefore, two split-plot experiments were carried out: with and without K supply. In both experiments,the treatments comprised a 3 x 4 factorial scheme. Treatments included three water regimes: 80% (no water deficit), 60% (moderate water deficit), and 40% (severe water deficit) of the soil's water retention capacity. Moreover, they comprised four doses of Si supplied via fertigation-0 kg/ha, 4 kg/ha, 8 kg/ha, and 12 kg/ha-arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Results and discussion: The appropriate dose of Si to be applied increased with the severity of the water deficit, with the recommended dose being 6 kg/ha, 7 kg/ha, and 8 kg/ha of Si for adequate water conditions, moderate water deficit, and severe water deficit, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms inhabiting gypsum have been observed in environments that differ greatly in water availability. Gypsum colonized by microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and diverse heterotrophic communities, occurs in hot, arid or even hyperarid environments, in cold environments of the Antarctic and Arctic zones, and in saline and hypersaline lakes and ponds where gypsum precipitates. Fossilized microbial remnants preserved in gypsum were also reported. Gypsum protects the endolithic microbial communities against excessive insolation and ultraviolet radiation, while allowing photosynthetically active radiation to penetrate through the mineral substrate. We here review the worldwide occurrences of microbially colonized gypsum and the specific properties of gypsum related to its function as a substrate and habitat for microbial life on Earth and possibly beyond. Methods for detecting and characterizing endolithic communities and their biomarkers in gypsum are discussed, including microscopic, spectroscopic, chemical, and molecular biological techniques. The modes of adaptation of different microorganisms to life within gypsum crystals under different environmental conditions are described. Finally, we discuss gypsum deposits as possible targets for the search for microbial life or its remnants beyond Earth, especially on Mars, where sulfate-rich deposits occur, and propose strategies to detect them during space exploration missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender and social dimensions of access to and use of water resources are often overlooked in policy and programming despite their importance in shaping water security. This study examines factors affecting water security in urban Pakistan through a gender lens. We surveyed 560 men and women in two towns in Islamabad and Rawalpindi facing water and sanitation challenges. Through a binary logit model and marginal effects analysis, we analyzed the relationship between water security and multiple variables, including gender, education, age, employment status, payment for water, urban wealth quintile, drinking water source, individual water concern level, water satisfaction, and water quality perception. While more than 50 percent of both genders experience water insecurity, the prevalence of water insecurity is notably higher among women. Men in the surveyed population had higher levels of employment wealth, and education levels compared to women. The regression analysis across both genders reveals that paying for drinking water negatively and significantly impacts water security, while concern about future water issues, satisfaction with drinking water, and water quality significantly and positively impact water security levels. For women specifically, access to improved drinking water sources higher education levels, and employment significantly improve their water security level, underscoring the importance of promoting women's education and economic empowerment. For men, age and wealth levels emerged as significant factors impacting their water security, with older men more vulnerable to water insecurity than younger men and women. These findings underscore the complex interplay of individual, social and structural dynamics shaping water security experiences, emphasizing the need for gender-responsive and intersectional approaches to water interventions in urban Pakistan and beyond Equitable water policies and programs necessitate the collection of more disaggregated data. This study marks the first application of the Individual Water Insecurity Experiences (IWIE) Scale used in Pakistan's urban context with recommendations for its broader implementation to improve decision-making that can lead to sustainable water solutions across gender and social groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) has received unprecedented attention as a future water and energy platform. However, the water productivity of SAWH systems is still constrained by the slow sorption kinetics at material and component levels and inefficient condensation. Here, we report a facile method to prepare hygroscopic interconnected porous gel (HIPG) with fast sorption-desorption kinetics, high scalability and stability, and strong adhesion property for highly efficient SAWH. We further design a solar-wind coupling driven SAWH device with collaborative heat and mass enhancement achieving continuous water production. Concentrated sunlight contributes to enhancing the desorption and condensation synergistically, and natural wind is introduced to drive the device operation and improve the sorption kinetics. The device demonstrated record high working performance of 14.9 Lwater m−2 day−1 and thermal efficiency of 25.7% in indoor experiments and 3.5–8.9 Lwater m−2 day−1 in outdoor experiments by solar concentration without any other energy consumption. This work provides an up-and-coming pathway to realize highly efficient and sustainable clean water supply for off-grid and arid regions. Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH), despite great promise, is constrained by slow sorption kinetics and inefficient condensation. Here the authors synthesize a hygroscopic interconnected porous gel with excellent sorption kinetics and high scalability and adopt solar concentration strategy for efficient continuous SAWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued threat from climate change and human impacts on water resources demands high-resolution and continuous hydrological data accessibility for predicting trends and availability. This study proposes a novel threefold downscaling method based on machine learning (ML) which integrates: data normalization; interaction of hydrometeorological variables; and the application of a time series split for cross-validation that produces a high spatial resolution groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) dataset from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its successor mission, GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO). In the study, the relationship between the terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA) from GRACE and other land surface and hydrometeorological variables (e.g., vegetation coverage, land surface temperature, precipitation, and in situ groundwater level data) is leveraged to downscale the GWSA. The predicted downscaled GWSA datasets were tested using monthly in situ groundwater level observations, and the results showed that the model satisfactorily reproduced the spatial and temporal variations in the GWSA in the study area, with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) correlation coefficient values of 0.8674 (random forest) and 0.7909 (XGBoost), respectively. Evapotranspiration was the most influential predictor variable in the random forest model, whereas it was rainfall in the XGBoost model. In particular, the random forest model excelled in aligning closely with the observed groundwater storage patterns, as evidenced by its high positive correlations and lower error metrics (Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 54.78 mm; R-squared (R²) of 0.8674). The downscaled 5 km GWSA data (based on random forest) showed a decreasing trend in storage associated with variability in the rainfall pattern. An increase in drought severity during El Niño lengthened the full recovery time of groundwater based on historical storage trends. Furthermore, the time lag between the occurrence of precipitation and recharge was likely controlled by the drought intensity and the spatial recharge characteristics of the aquifer. Projected increases in drought severity could further increase groundwater recovery times in response to droughts in a changing climate, resetting storage to a new tipping condition. Therefore, climate change adaptation strategies must recognise that less groundwater will be available to supplement the surface water supply during droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six ancestral Pueblo community water supply sources were investigated by a team of engineers, scientists, archeologists, and other specialists affiliated with Wright Water Engineers, Inc. (WWE), and the Wright Paleohydrological Institute (WPI) from 1996 to 2021. The team members applied their various technical backgrounds and research methods to gain more insight into the water available to the ancestral Pueblo people living in the Four Corners area of the United States between 750 and 1280 CE, and how these indigenous people managed the water. Using lab analyses, field research, surveys, and analyses of sediment layers, the WWE/WPI team determined that four mounded areas discovered at Mesa Verde National Park had been ancestral Pueblo reservoirs. Through climate research, lab analyses, and investigations at these and two other sites, the team learned that water in this region was limited, and the community had to work diligently to harvest this water and maintain access to it. In the case of the four reservoirs studied, for example, the runoff used as water supply carried a high volume of sediment that required the water storage basins to be frequently dredged to maintain adequate capacity. These and other examples indicate that the ancestral Pueblo people were resourceful, hardworking, and organized water harvesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the principle of water supply and demand flow and the natural flow of water, this paper analyzes the flow direction and discharge of water resources in the study area. In order to provide scientific and systematic implementation suggestions for regional water resource protection management and ecological compensation, a SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model was constructed to quantify the water resource supply of the upper Hanjiang River basin at three spatial scales: pixel, sub-basin, and administrative unit. The water demand at the three spatial scales was calculated using the LUCC (Land Use and Land Coverage) and water consumption index. The supply and benefit zones under different spatial and temporal scales were obtained. Simultaneously, this study uncovered the spatiotemporal dynamics inherent in water resource supply and demand, alongside elucidating the spatial extent and flow attributes of water supply. The ecological compensation scheme of water resource supply–demand was preliminarily determined. The findings indicate an initial increase followed by a decrease in both the water supply and demand in the upper reaches of the Han River, accompanied by spatial disparities in the water supply distribution. The direction of the water supply generally flows from branch to main stream. The final ecological compensation scheme should be combined with natural conditions and economic development to determine a reasonable financial compensation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water supply system (WSS) is an anthropotechnical system whose reliability depends on proper human activity. Research indicates that 75% of WSS failures are due to human errors. The water treatment plant (WTP) is a key element of the WSS. The water treatment process requires human control as the operator. His task is to maintain an appropriate level of reliability and safety for the system by controlling the technological objects. The aim of the work was to assess the reliability of the WTP operator. The paper presents a Human Reliability Assessment (HRA) of the operator of the WTP using the Fuzzy-Bayes CREAM method. The values of the Human Error Probability (HEP) for operators were determined, which are key to carrying out further analyses of the human impact on the reliability and operational safety of anthropotechnical critical infrastructure systems. The HEP value of the water treatment plant operator varies in the range of 0.0005–0.0746 (depending on the technological process). Identification of new threats related to the impact of the human factor on the WSS's functioning and taking them into account in reliability calculations will allow for a better representation of actual operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wildfires are increasing in size and severity due to climate change combined with overstocked forests. Fire increases the likelihood of debris flows, posing significant threats to life, property, and water supplies. Aims: We conducted a debris-flow hazard assessment of the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed (SFMW) to answer two questions: (1) where are debris flows most likely to occur; and (2) how much debris might they produce? We also document the influence of fuel treatments on fire severity and debris flows. Methods: We modelled post-fire debris-flow likelihood and volume in 103 sub-basins for 2-year, 5-year, and Probable Maximum Precipitation rainfalls following modelled low-, moderate-, and high-severity wildfires. Key results: Post-fire debris-flow likelihoods were >90% in all but the lowest fire and rain scenarios. Sub-basins with fuel treatments had the lowest burn severities, debris-flow likelihoods, and sediment volumes, but treatment effects decreased with increased fire severity and rain intensity. Conclusions: Post-fire debris flows with varying debris volumes are likely to occur following wildfire in the SFMW, but fuel treatments can reduce likelihood and volume. Implications: Future post-fire debris flows will continue to threaten water supplies, but fuel reduction treatments and debris-flow mitigation provide opportunities to minimise effects. Post-fire debris flows are increasing in the western United States, where they further threaten declining surface water supplies. We modelled fire behaviour and post-fire debris flows to understand debris-flow likelihood and volume, as well the influences of fuel reduction treatments, in the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed, New Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylepis (Queñua) is a dominant woody plant genus in Andean Puna forests that occurs in a wide range of montane habitats and is ecologically diverse in endemism, which may be particularly threatened by climate change. Wood anatomical traits are essential for understanding how plants adjust their ecophysiological requirements and maximize their resilience, resistance, and recovery to extreme climates. Although the effects of extreme climatic conditions in high altitude ecosystems have been studied extensively, our knowledge is relatively limited to quantitative differences in the main xylem tissues. To address this gap, we assessed the acclimation of wood anatomical traits in six Peruvian Andean Polylepis species with different water availability (semi-dry with high moisture and semiarid with dry winters). We selected hydraulic diameter, vessel density, vessel grouping index, solitary vessel index, vulnerability index, mesomorphy index, vessel element length, fiber length, fiber wall thickness, fiber lumen diameter, and total fiber diameter that can provide relevant eco-wood anatomical acclimation to hydric stress. We performed multivariate analysis to determine the leading dimensions of covariation among Polylepis species and climatic factors. Specific wood anatomical traits (vessel grouping index, vulnerability index, and fiber wall thickness) were dissimilar between xeric- and mesic-Polyelpis species. This study demonstrates that wood anatomical traits in Peruvian Andean Polylepis species provides high-resolution and long-term eco-wood anatomical signals on how climate oscillations drive the acclimation processes of fiber and vessel traits. Our findings underscore the significance of xylem hydraulic adjustment to various hydrological environments in Andean puna forests. By evaluating the effects of drought on wood anatomical characteristics and ecological function, we demonstrate the capacity of tree species to adapt and endure climate-related changes, thereby emphasizing their resilience and adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring regeneration in woody communities and understanding the drivers of its success is crucial for gaining insight into the long-term persistence of trees in African drylands, where they play key socio-ecological roles. While fire, grazing and water availability are key factors for regeneration in these ecosystems, seed arrival, germination and seedling recruitment are still poorly documented under natural conditions in the West African Sahel. Tree planting is commonly carried out in West Africa to promote regeneration. The cost is considerable, the success is variable and its influence on spontaneous regeneration is unknown. We conducted a field inventory to ascertain the regeneration ability of woody communities in a Sahelian savanna in three land management types (plantations, communal grazing, old enclosures) to determine (i) the proportion of the different regeneration mechanisms; (ii) the influence of adult trees; (iii) the influence of management type and topography and (iv) their temporal dynamics. We first showed that regeneration diversity was poor, with half of the adult species not recorded in the regeneration phase. Secondly, regeneration mostly came from true seedlings compared to resprouting. Thirdly, adult communities were found to greatly influence regeneration density and composition. Fourthly, topography proved to influence regeneration density, whereas we observed little effect of the land management type. Lastly, historical data highlighted a steep decline in regeneration density over recent decades. These results raise questions about the persistence of woody vegetation in Sahelian savannas and highlight the need to protect large trees in suitable microsites, such as topographic depressions, to promote regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased tree mortality associated with hotter-drought events has rarely been recorded in mature (>10 years old) commercial plantations. However, we report a recent (2021–2022 warm season) event of this kind that occurred across the Mesopotamian region of Argentina, South America. We aimed to elucidate the mortality timing, rate, and magnitude associated with environmental and stand characteristics at local scale to determine which conditions make these productive systems more vulnerable to extreme climatic events. Using Sentinel-2 satellite images and field-data we estimated the canopy mortality from November 2021 to October 2022, in Pinus spp afforestations (mainly P. taeda). We found that spatio-temporal heterogeneity in canopy mortality was associated with variation in soil and topographic characteristics, but not in stand age and size. We found that canopy mortality occurs at greater extent, earlier and faster in shallow soils (≤ 0.6 m), while the lowest mortality occurred at depressed and waterlogged areas. Intermediate levels of mortality were observed in deep soils (> 1 m), where relatively higher mortality occurred in areas with shallow water table signs, inhibiting deep root development. Our results suggest that sites allowing a deeper rooting system and/or where soil water availability is expected to be higher and long-lasting could represent areas with low-mortality risk for fast-growing pine plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover cropping is practiced in conservation agriculture to preserve soil and water resources, alleviate soil compaction, sequester organic carbon, and control weeds. Meanwhile, cover cropping is rarely used in forestry, probably due to the lack of awareness of this management practice. In this short essay, we discuss the concept of utilizing cover crops to prepare degraded lands for afforestation or reforestation projects. The benefits of this practice are similar to those in agriculture. The risks of this practice are mostly related to plant-plant interactions, and particularly, to the potential competition for resources with the target trees. As such, this practice should be implemented cautiously, to prevent adverse impacts on the forest system. Also, attention should be paid to ensure the delivery of ecosystem services and functions by the target land. Further, the co-use of complementary practices may be considered to accelerate the success rate of cover cropping in degraded lands designated for afforestation and reforestation. Among these practices, application of soil additives, such as composts, manures, and biochars, may be useful in increasing soil concentrations of organic carbon and nutrients, thus improving soil quality and fertility. Additional complementary active practices may be the direct seeding or planting of nurse shrubs and trees, as well as the inoculation of soil surface with biocrust slurries, aimed to increase ecosystem complexity by forming a multi-story vegetation structure. Recommendations and guidelines for implementing cover crops in forestry should be site-specific and case-dependent, and consider both the desired benefits and potential risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of non-native plant species to tolerate water scarcity and high temperatures, especially during the early stages of development, may influence their invasive potential. Ligustrum lucidum is a tree native to warm temperate areas of Asia. To understand the potential expansion of this non-native invasive species into more arid regions, we conducted an experiment in incubation chambers to evaluate seed germination under different water potentials and the response of its seedlings under different water availability and temperature scenarios. Seeds were collected from central Argentina and placed to germinate under four different water potentials (−0.2; −0.4; −0.7 and −1.2 MPa) created with polyethylene glycol 6000. Additionally, L. lucidum seedlings were subjected to contrasting levels of water availability combined with different periods of exposure to high temperatures. Germination measurements (germination percentage, velocity, and synchronicity) decreased at lower water potentials. No germination occurred at −0.7 and −1.2 MPa. The seedlings showed a slight increase in mortality and a significant reduction in most of the growth variables under low water availability, while exposure to high temperatures had significant effects only on chlorophyll estimate. The germination response of L. lucidum to water deficits could pose a significant constraint on its establishment in arid ecosystems. Nonetheless, this constraint may be alleviated by the species' prolific propagule production, coupled with asynchronous seed germination, which may help it exploit more humid micro-sites or sporadic water events. Furthermore, the drought tolerance of its seedlings strongly warns against the use of this species as an ornamental plant in arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean water supply in low-income countries can be improved by utilizing affordable renewable energy-powered desalination technologies. In this research work, viability of community scale solar desalination plant (at least 3.0 m3/d capacity) capable of addressing the daily fresh water demands of hundred families in twenty three coastal locations of Somalia has been investigated through year-round simulations. The required desalination plant size and investment is heavily dependent on solar radiation potential of the site. The potable water production cost ranges between 8.66 to 9.48 USD/m3, and is lower than the nonreliable conventional water supply cost in eighteen Somalia coastal locations. Moreover, the desalination plant can sooth at least 2.5 to 13.6-kilo tons of CO2 emission, 6.0 to 33.3-tons of SO2 emission and, 2.30 to 12.6-tons of NOX emission during its 5.0 to 25.0 years operation period. The sustainability index and finance payback time of community scale solar desalination plant is about 1.08, and 4.0 to 13.0 years, respectively. The economics and environmental foot print results indicate feasibility and potential application of community scale solar desalination plant in water starved Somalia coastal locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the presence of Entamoeba histolytica in water sources of Niğde province in Turkey, between June and November 2021. Methods: A total of 90 water samples were taken from 15 different water sources (drinking water, well water, spring water, wastewater and dam water) every month and the presence of E. histolytica antigens in the samples was examined by ELISA. Results: The positivity for E. histolytica was determined in 7 (7.7%) of 90 samples. While no antigens were found in any of the samples in June and September, E. histolytica was positive for three samples (20%) in July, one sample (6.6%) in August and October and two samples in November (13.3%). One of 24 dam samples (4.1%), 1 of 12 wastewater samples (8.3%), 1 of 12 well samples (8.3%), and 4 of 24 fountain samples (16.6%) that examined by ELISA were found positive. On the other hand, none of the examined 18 spring samples were positive. In addition, 4 (8.8%) of 45 samples that examined in summer and 3 (6.6%) of 45 samples that examined in autumn were detected positive by using ELISA. Entamoeba histolytica positivity in samples was statistically insignificant in terms of months, water resources and seasons (P > 0.05). Conclusion: As a result, the presence of E. histolytica, which is an important public health problem in water sources, was determined for the first time in Niğde province of Türkiye with this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of groundwater resources in the Makutupora basin, Dodoma, Tanzania. The framework was developed through a systematic four‐phase methodology. Phase I involved a literature and document review to generate foundational insights. Phase II comprised a review of existing conceptual frameworks to identify best practices. Phase III included primary data collection through interviews, focus groups, and stakeholder surveys to understand current challenges and capacities. Phase IV involved synthesizing the findings to develop the proposed management framework. The framework includes a nested, multi‐scale structure with four hierarchical levels, overarching goals, primary management functions, specific operations, and subordinate tasks. It was informed by sustainability Principles and Intergrated Water Resources Mangagement concepts. The framework facilitates coordinated planning and implementation across relevant organizations through well‐defined roles and regular monitoring/evaluation. Key functions address resource assessment, regulatory compliance, stakeholder participation, financing, and capacity development. Validation by subject matter experts strengthened the framework's grounding in evidence and enhanced its implementation, adaptability, and long‐term sustainability. The final framework is envisioned as a dynamic decision support tool to address the complexities of groundwater utilization, protection, and conservation in an equitable, adaptive manner for current and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review study, the major available methods for measurement and estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) are discussed briefly while explaining the latest developments. The best available validation methods are also reviewed and explained. It highlights the importance of accurate ET quantification in managing water resources, evaluating climate change impacts, and supporting crop water requirement management. Measurement methods such as scintillometry, lysimetry, and the eddy covariance (EC) flux method are presented. Additionally, hydrological models are discussed as estimation approaches for actual and potential ET. The paper explores various ET estimation products, particularly those based on remote sensing techniques. Specifically, methods like Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC), Simplified Surface Energy Balance Operational (SSEBop ET), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MOD16), Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL), Global Land Surface Evaporation: Amsterdam Methodology (GLEAM), Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA‐SAF), and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) are described. The integration of machine learning (ML) with EC and remote sensing is investigated, with a comprehensive discussion of different ML approaches. Validation methods including the EC method, water balance method‐derived ET (WBET), and statistical techniques are explained. Overall, this review paper provides a comprehensive overview of ET quantification, covering measurement techniques, estimation approaches, remote sensing methods, and the integration of ML. The insights gained from this review contribute to a profound knowledge of ET dynamics and helps those sectors dealing with drought monitoring, water resource management and climate change assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates households' willingness to pay (WTP) for better water systems, clean water availability, and water quality in Gadaizi tehsil, District Buner, Pakistan. This research aims to shed light on various aspects of water quality, health impacts, and socioeconomic factors influencing households' ability to pay for superior water services. This research also looks into waterborne infection and water purification methods residents utilize to mitigate the risk of water pollution. Utilizing a mixed‐method approach with a structured questionnaire, data from 62 households were collected. SPSS was used for data analysis. Findings reveal awareness of water contamination issues, primarily attributed to marble industries. Most households use untreated water, boiling, chemicals, or candle filters. Water purification methods are influenced by media exposure and higher income. Common waterborne diseases, such as typhoid and diarrhea, are treated in private hospitals. Consumer WTP for better water systems depends on income, education, and media exposure, in which income has a statistically significant positive effect on WTP for improved water services. Although 76% of households do not use any water purification method. 84% of households are willing to adopt a private sector‐provided system. Importantly, this study highlights the necessity for public health initiatives and a thorough understanding of socioeconomic issues to guide political choices for better water delivery. These insights can inform policies that prioritize public health and ensure better access to clean water for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, intensive agricultural activities have adversely impacted the groundwater resources. The post‐green revolution era in India witnessed excessive irrigation practices that negatively impacted sustainable groundwater utilization. This study aims to analyze trends and patterns of groundwater depletion and identify potential factors to determine groundwater depletion across Indian states for the period 2004–2020. In doing so, percentage of safe blocks in terms of groundwater status is used as proxy for groundwater depletion. Employing the Mann–Kendal Method and Sen's slope, the study examines groundwater trends, while spatial analysis is conducted using Moran's I technique. Furthermore, a Fixed Effect‐Generalized Least Square (FE‐GLS) regression approach is employed to identify factors that influence groundwater status. Findings reveal the spatial autocorrelation of groundwater extraction among Indian states, which reflected by a Moran's I value of 0.62. Additionally, this study found that region of northern and southern India exhibits increasing trend groundwater depletion as compared to other regions. Based on the results of FE‐GLS regression and regression with Driscroll–Kraay standard error, our study indicates that crop intensity, gross irrigated land, gross sown area, and the area sown with water‐intensive crops have a negative and significant impacts on the percentage of safe blocks in terms of groundwater availability. Conversely, we found that annual rainfall has a positive and significant relationship with the percentage of safe blocks. From a policy perspective, the study suggests regulating the cultivation of water‐intensive crops and advocates for integrated policies to ensure sustainable water resource and food security – a balance often termed the food‐water‐energy nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To evaluate the seasonal changes in quality and quantity of river Rispana (a tributary of river Ganges—Dehradun region of India) water quality index (WQI) was calculated at four major locations by using the weighted arithmetic method. Sixteen samples in all were taken throughout the pre‐monsoon (April 2022), monsoon (July 2022), post‐monsoon (November 2022), and the Winter season (January 2023). The major parameters, namely, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS), E‐coliform, sulphate, total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were considered for calculation of WQI. The WQI varied from minimum 44.53 (good) at site 1 – Kairwaan Gaon during monsoon season to maximum 302.69 (unfit for drinking) at site 4 – Mothrowala during the pre‐monsoon period. In 75% samples quality of water was unfit for domestic purpose and the contributing factors are DO, BOD, and Coliform which exceeds permissible limit in all samples. The major factors attributed for decline in the Rispana water quality are discharge of sewage, commercial sites effluent, and urban runoff. Pre‐monsoon, monsoon, post‐monsoon, and winter had average total coliform levels of 1849.6, 2419.6, 2419.6, and 1546.25, respectively, in MPN units. The average value of E‐coli for the four season vary from 1306.8 to 1888.1 MPN. The pollution load (physico‐chemical parameters and bacteriological factors) increases as the river Rispana flows to downstream in urban locations. Streamflow was observed as very lean except monsoon season (~1500 cfs) due to more extraction of Rispana's fresh water in upstream and unplanned changes in its catchment basin; thus establishes an extensive decline in availability of fresh water sources (Domestic use) in downstream Dehradun city area. In monsoon season, more streamflow (rain water influx) maintains the WQI also in good‐moderate category. The land use/land cover – LULC analysis in Rispana basin area, depicted 71% enhancement in urbanization (24.16%–41.55%) takes place in 15 years' span (2003–2017). The study establishes the potential causes (natural and anthropogenic) for Rispana deterioration and provides a baseline (quality index) for aquatic and ecological rejuvenation of its watershed by executing a proper management strategy with people participation. This work contributes discernments for effective water resource management to address the smart city objectives and sustainable development goal‐SDG:6, urban and municipal authorities must take cognizance for revival of this domestic water resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most coal in India originates from the Korb basin (Chhattisgarh), where coal mines, thermal power, and aluminum plants operate. Groundwater in this region faces severe pollution due to land reclamation, leaching of coal‐related contaminants, waste disposal, and industrial effluent seepage. This work presents results from monitoring groundwater pollution in the Korba basin from 2012 to 2017. Fluoride, aluminum, manganese, and iron levels exceeded acceptable quality limits across all 28 studied locations, with excessive nitrate, magnesium, calcium, and lead levels in specific sites. Tracking seasonal and temporal fluctuations in the most polluted site, namely Kudurmal, revealed peak solute concentrations during the monsoon period and a sustained 18% increase during the study period. Factorial analysis suggests groundwater contamination arises from both human activities and natural sources. These findings underscore the urgent necessity of devising remediation strategies for the drinking water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological droughts severely affect the demand of water for domestic water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, and several other purposes. The pervasiveness and consequences of hydrological droughts necessitate a thorough investigation of their characteristics, which is hindered due to unavailability of continuous streamflow records at desirable resolutions. This study aims to assess the hydrological drought characteristics and their spatial distribution using high-resolution Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) v3.1 streamflow data for the period 1980 to 2020. Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) was used to characterize droughts at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-monthly timescales starting from June, i.e., the start of water year in India. GloFAS is found to capture the spatial distribution of streamflow and its seasonal characteristics. The number of hydrological drought years over the basin varied from 5 to 11 during the study duration, implying that the basin is prone to frequent abnormal water deficits. Interestingly, the hydrological droughts are more frequent in the eastern portion of the basin, i.e., the Upper Narmada Basin. The trend analysis of multi-scalar SDI series using non-parametric Spearman's Rho test exhibited increasing drying trends in the easternmost portions. The results were not similar for the middle and western portions of the basin, which may be due to presence of a large number of reservoirs in these regions and their systematic operations. This study highlights the importance of open-access global products that can be used for monitoring hydrological droughts, especially over ungauged catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to yearly uneven rainfall distribution, exsiccation of water availability, specifically during the summer in the agricultural field in Saurashtra, is a usual scenario. Saurashtra region's land formation contains Basalt rock. The area is categorized under the semi-arid region. Hence, the Groundwater condition was observed to be poor as the self-characteristic of land for water-storage capacity for the Basalt is negligible within its strata. Mining Engineering and Groundwater Improvement Techniques were incorporated to find a way out of water stress conditions. An experimental study was carried out for mass blasting with the permission of the Government body and an expert team of mining explosions at the study area within the catchment of check dams and river beds. A group containing five borewells was blasted at a 27, 18, and 9 m depth, respectively. In each borehole, 15 blasts of 2.76 unit explosion were exploded together by sealing a cover of sand over it. The impact assessment of 30 wells was monitored Post-blast within the range of 400m of the Bore Blasting Technique (BBT) performed. As a result, a rise in water level up to 19m has been recorded near the streamline of BBT performed. In addition, the movement of the water was diverted from its parental aquifer to the observed dug wells. Hence, it is concluded that channelizing the groundwater can be possible by incorporating BBT in the basalt region, and identical improvement can also possible interms of fractured basalt rock and availability of water in the basalt region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean ecosystems are predicted to undergo longer and more intense summer droughts. The mechanisms underlying the response of herbaceous communities to such drier environments should be investigated to identify the resilience thresholds of Mediterranean rangelands. A 5‐year experiment was conducted in deep and shallow soil rangelands of southern France. A rainout shelter for 75 days in summer imposed drier and warmer conditions. Total soil water content was measured monthly to model available daily soil water. Aboveground net primary production (ANPP), forage quality, and the proportion of graminoids in ANPP were measured in spring and autumn. Plant senescence and plant cover were assessed in summer and spring, respectively. The experimental years were among the driest ever recorded at the site. Therefore, manipulated summer droughts were drier than long‐term ambient conditions. Interactions between treatment, community type, and experimental year were found for most variables. In shallow soil communities, spring plant cover decreased markedly with time. This legacy effect, driven by summer plant mortality and the loss of perennial graminoids, led to an abrupt loss of resilience when the extreme water stress index exceeded 37 mm 10 day−1, characterized by a reduction of spring plant cover below 50% and a decreased ANPP in rainy years. Conversely, the ANPP of deep soil communities remained unaffected by increased summer drought, although the presence of graminoids increased and forage nutritive value decreased. This study highlights the role of the soil water reserve of Mediterranean plant communities in modulating ecosystem responses to chronically intensified summer drought. Communities on deep soils were resilient, but communities on shallow soils showed a progressive, rapid, and intense degradation associated with a loss of resilience capacity. Notably, indexes of extreme stress were a better indicator of tipping points than indexes of integrated annual stress. Considering the role of soil water availability in other herbaceous ecosystems should improve the ability to predict the resilience of plant communities under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water deficit resulting from climate variations limits the profitability and sustainability of sugarcane fields, making water supply through irrigation necessary to sustain the potential production of sugarcane. However, the water used for irrigation purposes must be properly managed, ensuring the conservation of water resources and the reduction of costs with the use of inputs and energy. Pulsed drip irrigation aims to support irrigation management, improving the efficient use of water and mitigating the deleterious effects of water deficit. This study aims to evaluate the growth, productivity, and industrial yield of sugarcane cultivated under continuous and pulsed drip irrigation. A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Sugarcane Station of Carpina, in Carpina in the State of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, from December 2020 to December 2021. The experimental arrangement was randomized blocks in a 2 x 5 factorial design, with two types of irrigation application (pulsed and continuous) and five irrigation levels (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration – ETc), with four replications. Pulsed drip irrigation increased the yield of stalks (9%) and sugar (21%) in the sugarcane crop and ethanol (17%) derived from sugar in the juice. Pulsed drip irrigation, when compared to continuous irrigation, improved the performance of sugarcane, providing a reduction in water consumption and increasing growth, stalk yield, sugar and predicted ethanol yield. Thus, based on this study, pulse irrigation is an efficient approach to irrigation management, contributing to the stability of sugarcane production while conserving water relative to continuous irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water governance demands multi-sector participation beyond the state; and, appropriate laws, policies, regulations, and institutions need to be developed and put in place for sustainable use of water resources. A good water policy, a critical and integral instrument of water governance, guides water use schemes and ensures equitable water distribution among users. The Ethiopian Central Rift Valley (CRV) is rich in water resources, but these water resources are currently under severe strain owing to an imbalance in human-water interactions. This study examined the state of water resources governance framework, policy coherence, actors' engagement and transparency, accountability, and participation in irrigation water supply in the CRV of Ethiopia. Key informant interviews (KII), focused group discussions, and document reviews were used to gather data for the study. The NVivo 11 program was used to organize, code, and analyze the data. The results revealed that water resources governance practices such as water allocation and apportionment, water resources protection, and conservation activities were inappropriately exercised. Water resources management policy mechanisms were not fully put in place. Lack of coherence in water policy implementation, absence of clear roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, absence of transparency and accountability in irrigation water service delivery, and lack of meaningful participation of key actors in water governance decision-making were observed. As a result, over-abstraction, deterioration of buffer zone areas, and chemical erosion from surrounding farming are attributed to the reduction in water volume and quality in the CRV. These challenges have influenced aquatic ecosystem services and threaten the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. Hence, reforms relating to policy coherence and enforcement, stakeholder engagement, water distribution strategies, and the implementation of water governance principles must be given adequate emphasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]