Thesis (Ph.D.)--RAND Graduate School, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the internet via WWW in PDF format.

Originally presented as the author's Thesis (M.A.--University of Oregon). / Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-55). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Awareness of the importance of policy regarding the equitable distribution of global water resources is increasing. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effects of allocation rules and drought conditions on allocation decisions through a decision experiment based on an idealized river basin that simulated conditions in the Saskatchewan River Basin. Participants took on the roles of water managers responsible for allocating water resources to four competing sectors in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Three variations of allocation rules were tested: (a) status-quo allocation rules mimicking the current governance structure involving prearranged allocation rules across regions, (b) no predetermined rules, and (c) no predetermined rules but communication among participants. Each allocation rule was tested under two potential water levels: (a) drier-than-average conditions today reflecting 81% of historical flows, and (b) severe drought conditions with a 45% reduction from today’s flows. Results showed that policy had a significant effect on how participants allocated water resources, indicating that the absence of defined minimal flow rules and the lack of communication among riparian users resulted in less equitable distribution of water, with negative ramifications for downstream users. Additionally, results showed that drought-induced water scarcity significantly affected allocation patterns, with participants choosing to protect municipal water use at the expense of industry and agriculture in the face of water shortage conditions. For decision makers and water stakeholders in the Saskatchewan River Basin, these findings provide insight into the effectiveness of the 1969 Master Agreement on Apportionment to ensure the equitable distribution of water through defined minimum flows and the problem of fragmented governance, which prevents effective communication between upstream and downstream users. The findings also highlighted the importance of having a formal rule structure to oversee allocations or ongoing communication processes to facilitate problem solving in preparation for drought conditions.

<p> In this project we created a hydrodynamic model of the Lower Green Bay of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, United States using the Visual Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). The model includes four tributary rivers to Lower Green Bay as well as the open boundary flow conditions at Chambers Island. This case study is used to: 1) compare the results obtained with a previous study of Lower Green Bay to validate the creation of the model 2) examine the hydrodynamics of the bay, and 3) create a framework for future studies at Lower Green Bay. The Geographic Information used to build the Grid was obtained from the NOAA web site. Meteorological and flow information was obtained from the National Weather Service and USGS web sites, respectively. It was necessary to create a new model grid as a platform for future studies of Lower Green Bay, and the Visual EFDC 1.2 code was a useful tool in the development of the grid. However, some limitations in the code made the creation of the grid a challenge. In this project, we summarize the process used to overcome challenges in creating a correct grid, and analyze the hydrodynamic results of the model simulation for the period between June and October 2011. Overall, we conclude that the model reproduces field data reasonably well, and a correct modeling framework for hydrodynamic modeling of Lower Green Bay was created. </p>

10 pp. / Planning for an uncertain future presents many challenges. Thinking systematically and creatively about what is in store through a process called scenario planning can help illuminate options for action and improve decision-making. This guide focuses on a process for developing scenarios to help communities and watershed groups explore what might happen in the years to come, make more informed decisions today, and build a watershed management process. The systematic approach to scenario planning described here is based on the lessons learned through a yearlong scenario planning process in the Upper Gila Watershed in southeastern Arizona and Water Resource Research Center’s (WRRC) research on scenario planning.

<p> The Lawn to Garden Program incentivizes replacing front yard turf grass with California Friendly gardens in Long Beach, CA. The Long Beach Water Department introduced the program in 2009 as a means of water conservation and since that time 2% of the City&rsquo;s single-family homes have successfully completed the program. As of the end of 2014, 3,461 applications had been submitted, but only 1,849 Lawn to Garden projects had been completed, a success rate of 53% and withdrawal rate of 47%. This study seeks to identify some of the factors that contribute to the program&rsquo;s high withdrawal rate, exploring the resources available to participants as well as the barriers to success. Methods used include geographic analysis in the form of density mapping, analysis of survey responses submitted by participants who withdrew from the program, and my professional observations. This study considers which neighborhoods display greater rates of success and withdrawn applications as well as what resources would have most aided those who did not complete their projects. </p>

<p> Snow is a key component of the Earth&rsquo;s energy balance, climate, environment, and a major source of freshwater in many regions. Seasonal and perennial snow cover affect up to 50% of the Northern Hemisphere landmass, which accounts for vast regions of the Earth that influence climate, culture, and commerce significantly. Information on snow properties such as snow cover, depth, and wetness is important for making hydrological forecasts, monitoring climate change, weather prediction, and issuing snowmelt runoff, flash flood, and avalanche warnings. Hence, adequate knowledge of the areal extent of snow and its properties is essential for hydrologists, water resources managers, and decision-makers. </p><p> The use of infrared (IR) and microwave (MW) remote sensing (RS) has demonstrated the capability of estimating the presence of snow cover and snowpack properties with accuracy. However, there are few publicly accessible, operational RS-based snow depth products, and these only provide the depth of recently accumulated dry snow because retrievals lose accuracy drastically for wet snow (late winter - early spring). Furthermore, it is common practice to assume snow grain size and wetness to be constant to retrieve certain snow properties (e.g. snow depth). This approach is incorrect because these properties are space- and time- dependent, and largely impact the MW signal scattering. Moreover, the remaining operational snow depth products have not been validated against in-situ observations; which is detrimental to their performance and future calibrations. </p><p> This study is focused on the discovery of patterns in geospatial data sets using data mining techniques for mapping snow depth globally at 10 km spatial resolution. A methodology to develop a RS MW-based snow depth and water equivalent (SWE) product using regression tree algorithms is developed. The work divided into four main segments includes: (1) validation of RS-based IR and MW-retrieved Land Surface Temperature (LST) products, (2) studying snow wetness by developing, validating, and calibrating a Snow Wetness Profiler, (3) development of a regression tree algorithm capable of estimating snow depth based on radiative (MW observations) and physical snowpack properties, and (4) development of a global MW-RS-based snow depth product built on the regression tree algorithm. </p><p> A predictive model based on Regression Tree (RT) is developed in order to model snow depth and water equivalent at the Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center &ndash; Snow Analysis and Field Experiment (CREST-SAFE). The RT performance analyzed based on contrasting training error, true prediction error, and variable importance estimates. The RT algorithm is then taken to a broader scale, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Global Change Observation Mission &ndash; Water 1 (GCOM-W1) MW brightness temperature measurements were used to provide snow depth and SWE estimates. These SD and SWE estimates were evaluated against twelve (12) Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) sites owned by the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and JAXA&rsquo;s own snow depth product. Results demonstrated that a RS MW-based RT algorithm is capable of providing snow depth and SWE estimates with acceptable accuracy for the continental United States, with some limitations. The major setback to the RT algorithm is that it will only provide estimates based on the data with which it was trained. Therefore, it is recommended that the work be expanded, and data from additional in-situ stations be used to re-train the RT algorithm. The CREST snow depth and water equivalent product, as it was named, is currently operational and publicly accessible at https://www.noaacrest.org//snow/products/. </p><p>

The Clean Water Act's §404 allows states to assume control of wetland dredge-and-fill permitting from the Federal Government. However, since the bill was passed in the 1970's, only two states have successfully assumed control of the permitting program. Each state that has looked into assumption has run into barriers, issues, and problems that have prevented them from successfully assuming the program. I interviewed people involved with assumption at different levels of involvement, and this thesis seeks to provide a conflict management design system that will help states overcome some of the most pernicious issues.

SABOIA, Andrey Luna. Água para quem? Os meandros da gestão de recursos hídricos no estado do Ceará. 2015. 178 f. Dissertação (mestrado em desenvolvimento e meio ambiente)- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 2015. / Submitted by Elineudson Ribeiro (elineudsonr@gmail.com) on 2016-04-01T19:58:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2016_dis_alsaboia.pdf: 2203081 bytes, checksum: 54f28db3c7cb56e9aa86eee6ab00d953 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-05-19T22:52:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2016_dis_alsaboia.pdf: 2203081 bytes, checksum: 54f28db3c7cb56e9aa86eee6ab00d953 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-19T22:52:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2016_dis_alsaboia.pdf: 2203081 bytes, checksum: 54f28db3c7cb56e9aa86eee6ab00d953 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / The water crisis is one of the dimensions of the environmental issue, since it involves a multiplicity of aspects of how societies are structured and relate to nature in time and territory. In this context, the management of water resources is one of the political and scientific agendas privileged to contribute in solving the water crisis. The state of Ceará has emerged as a pioneer in modern government management of water management in Brazil, with previous specific legislation the National Water Resources Policy. From the year 1987, with "Government of Changes," a political process of state of equipment for the systematic management of water resources was initiated through the attraction of capital and integration into globalization. However, water scarcity on which part of Ceará's population is periodically submitted has not been eliminated, is quite evident in this dry cycle. Thus, the overall objective of the research is to analyze the current model of water management in the state of Ceara in the context of corporate restructuring. The theoretical framework uses guiding categories and concepts related to environmental issues, the water crisis, the State, territory, power, conflicts and management of water resources. In the light of historical and dialectical materialism, operational methodology was based on five steps, using documentary research, interviews and fieldwork as the main data collection means. The survey revealed that at the heart of the current model of water management there is intense selectivity of state actions, focusing on the management of supply via water infrastructure for river basins that concentrate the main social and productive sectors plaintiffs. Conflicts over water resources have become frequent in certain territories, generating different dynamics and social conflicts. / A crise da água representa uma das dimensões da questão ambiental, pois envolve uma multiplicidade de aspectos da forma como as sociedades se estruturam e se relacionam com a natureza no tempo e no território. Nesse contexto, a gestão de recursos hídricos é uma das agendas políticas e científicas privilegiadas por contribuir na resolução da crise da água. O estado do Ceará despontou como um dos pioneiros no moderno tratamento governamental da gestão hídrica no Brasil, possuindo legislação específica anterior a Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos. A partir do ano de 1987, com o “Governo das Mudanças”, um processo político de aparelhamento do Estado para a gestão sistemática dos recursos hídricos foi iniciado em meio à atração de capitais e inserção na globalização. Contudo, a escassez hídrica relativa à qual parte da população do Ceará está periodicamente submetida não foi eliminada, sendo bastante evidente no presente ciclo de secas. Desse modo, o objetivo geral da pesquisa consiste em analisar o atual modelo de gestão de recursos hídricos do estado do Ceará no âmbito da reestruturação produtiva. O referencial teórico recorre a categorias e conceitos norteadores relacionados à problemática ambiental, à crise da água, ao Estado, ao território, ao poder, aos conflitos e à gestão de recursos hídricos. Sob a luz do materialismo histórico-dialético, a metodologia operacional foi pautada em cinco etapas, utilizando-se a pesquisa documental, a realização de entrevistas e trabalhos de campo como principais meios de coleta de dados. A pesquisa revelou que no âmago do atual modelo de gestão de recursos hídricos há uma intensa seletividade das ações do Estado, com foco na gestão da oferta via infraestruturas hídricas para as bacias hidrográficas que concentram os principais setores sociais e produtivos demandantes. Os conflitos por recursos hídricos se tornaram frequentes em determinados territórios, engendrando diferentes dinâmicas e embates sociais.

<p> The purpose of this thesis is to provide a combined theoretical and experimental approach to solve several enduring questions in wastewater chemistry. Firstly, the sulfate radical has been proposed as an alternative oxidant in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Its reactivity with dissolved organic matter (DOM) has not yet been studied and will be quantied in this work using electron pulse radiolysis. Next, it has been shown that DOM present in wastewater can act to impede the remediation of harmful pharmaceutical contaminants in the AOP. Using a new binding model presented here, this association was quantied in terms of equilibrium constants. Lastly, due to the use of bleach to prevent biofouling of the membrane bioreactor in wastewater treatment facilities, chlorine atom chemistry is becoming increasingly important to study regarding AOPs. A numerical system is provided in this thesis to understand the reactivity of chlorine atoms in the presence of wastewater constituents.</p><p>