The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science

A special issue of Hydrology (ISSN 2306-5338).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2016) | Viewed by 27941

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Senior Water Resources Engineer, AECOM 3101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Interests: TMDL planning and implementation; sustainable water management
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Guest Editor
Department of Geography, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

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1. Founder & President, Green Water-Infrastructure Academy, Blacksburg, VA 24040, USA
2. College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Interests: climate change and water resources; food, energy, water nexus; watershed science
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite significant advances in watershed science and technology, water availability, water quality, and water related health problems remain a significant worldwide concern. While the concept of watershed-scale management to address these concerns remains intact, most scientists recognize that application of natural science concepts and advanced technologies are not sufficient to adequately address watershed-scale water management issues. There is a significant need for a paradigm shift, i.e., increased public interaction and participation in watershed management and decision-making. The effective application of an integrated approach requires developing new scientific concepts on integration of natural and social sciences. In recent years, concepts, such as integrated watershed management and/or holistic approaches to water resource management, have been widely promoted.

The theme of the proposed Special Issue, “The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science”, intends to compile scientific information, state of knowledge and case studies on integration of natural and socio-economic sciences in watershed management. The term intersection encompasses a wide range of topics from integrating the public into science to societal barriers. Articles (theoretical and applied) to be submitted for inclusion in the journal may include, but are not limited to:

  • The role and significance of social factors in watershed science
  • Barriers to integrated watershed management
  • Integrating socio-economic analysis in watershed management
  • Integrated watershed management – case studies
  • College level curricula on integrated watershed management
  • Evolving water policy for integrated watershed management

Dr. Tamim Younos
Dr. Tammy E. Parece
Ms. Alaina J. Armel
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • watershed science
  • integrating natural and social sciences
  • citizen and stakeholder partnerships
  • social barriers
  • policy and regulation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Editorial

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604 KiB  
Editorial
Introduction to the Special Issue “The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science”
by Tamim Younos, Tammy E. Parece and Alaina J. Armel
Hydrology 2015, 2(3), 132-133; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology2030132 - 7 Aug 2015
Viewed by 3695
Abstract
Despite significant advances in watershed science and technology, water availability, water quality, and water related health problems remain a significant worldwide concern [1]. While the concept of watershed-scale management to address these concerns remains intact, most scientists recognize that application of natural science [...] Read more.
Despite significant advances in watershed science and technology, water availability, water quality, and water related health problems remain a significant worldwide concern [1]. While the concept of watershed-scale management to address these concerns remains intact, most scientists recognize that application of natural science concepts and advanced technologies are not sufficient to adequately address watershed-scale water management issues. There is a significant need for a paradigm shift, i.e., namely increased public interaction and participation in watershed management and decision-making. The effective application of an integrated approach requires developing new scientific concepts on integration of natural and social sciences. In recent years, concepts, such as integrated watershed management and/or holistic approaches to water resource management, have been widely promoted (e.g., [2–6]). [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science)

Research

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2049 KiB  
Article
An Institutional Analysis of Groundwater Quality Control: Experiences in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
by Takahiro Endo
Hydrology 2016, 3(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology3020020 - 18 May 2016
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4649
Abstract
A considerable number of studies have been made of institutional arrangements that can prevent excessive groundwater pumping based on Hardin’s seminal work, the “tragedy of the commons.” In contrast, this paper is concerned with groundwater quality control for which policy studies are very [...] Read more.
A considerable number of studies have been made of institutional arrangements that can prevent excessive groundwater pumping based on Hardin’s seminal work, the “tragedy of the commons.” In contrast, this paper is concerned with groundwater quality control for which policy studies are very limited. This paper not only clarifies institutional challenges specific to groundwater contamination, but also demonstrates how government and industry could solve them using a case study of Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, which has pioneered countermeasures for groundwater pollution in Japan. Hadano solved the challenges by enacting an innovative local ordinance with three pillars: Proxy purification by the city government, fundraising for purification activities and a retroactive system. Lessons learnt from the Hadano case will be very useful to policy makers because these problems already occur in other urban areas, or are likely to occur in the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science)
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1605 KiB  
Article
A Conceptual Framework for Assessment of Governance Performance of Lake Basins: Towards Transformation to Adaptive and Integrative Governance
by Peter Emmanuel Cookey, Rotchanatch Darnsawasdi and Chatchai Ratanachai
Hydrology 2016, 3(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology3010012 - 15 Mar 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 9655
Abstract
Governance is essential to lake basin management, but it is the most challenged and needs increased attention. Lake Basin Governance performance assessment is designed to measure the progress and impacts of policies, institutions and the roles of various actors in ensuring sustainability. It [...] Read more.
Governance is essential to lake basin management, but it is the most challenged and needs increased attention. Lake Basin Governance performance assessment is designed to measure the progress and impacts of policies, institutions and the roles of various actors in ensuring sustainability. It measures the performance of technical/operational, social/networks, and institutional arrangement that make up the socio-ecological system. Governance performance assessment becomes very necessary with over-emphasis of institutions on resources utilization and exploitation. The purpose of this paper is to present a governance performance assessment framework specifically for lake basins. The Adaptive Integrated Lake Basin Management (AILBM) framework is a diagnostic and prescriptive performance assessment tool with an outcome to produce an adaptive and integrative system with equity, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability and flexibility to problem-solving and resilience. A case study on water governance performance assessment of the Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB) in Thailand is provided for illustration and application and indicated a poor performance rating on governance in the Basin, revealing gaps, defects, strengths and weaknesses in the current system, necessary to recommend future improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science)
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1035 KiB  
Article
Exploring Perceptions and Behaviors about Drinking Water in Australia and New Zealand: Is It Risky to Drink Water, When and Why?
by Andrea Crampton and Angela T. Ragusa
Hydrology 2016, 3(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology3010008 - 19 Feb 2016
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 9193
Abstract
Consumers in most developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand, presume their drinking water is safe. How social perceptions about drinking water are formed, however, remains inadequately explored in the research literature. This research contributes exploratory insights by examining factors that affect consumer [...] Read more.
Consumers in most developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand, presume their drinking water is safe. How social perceptions about drinking water are formed, however, remains inadequately explored in the research literature. This research contributes exploratory insights by examining factors that affect consumer perceptions and behaviors. Individual perceptions of drinking water quality and actions undertaken to mitigate perceived risks were collected during 183 face-to-face interviews conducted at six research sites. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed the majority did not consider drinking water a “risky” activity, trusted water management authorities to manage all safety issues and believed self-evaluation of drinking water’s taste and appearance were sufficient measures to ensure safe consumption. Quantitatively, significant relationships emerged between water quality perceptions and sex, employment status, drinking water treatment and trust in government to provide safe water. Expert advice was rarely sought, even by those who believed drinking tap water posed some health risks. Generational differences emerged in media usage for drinking water advice. Finally, precautionary measures taken at home and abroad often failed to meet national drinking water guidelines. Three major conclusions are drawn: a. broad lack of awareness exists about the most suitable and safe water treatment activities, as well as risks posed; b. health literacy and interest may be improved through greater consumer involvement in watershed management; and c. development of health campaigns that clearly communicate drinking water safety messages in a timely, relevant and easily understandable fashion may help mitigate actual risks and dispel myths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Intersection of Society and Watershed Science)
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