Enhanced reservoir operation - concept for improving water quality and water management in water stressed areas (a comparison and synthesis from case studies in Central Asia and North-Africa).

摘要

While water scarcity (quantity deficit) receives great attention in semi-arid and arid regions, water quality aspects are frequently neglected. Where a water deficit is combined with high pollution levels, any improvement of water quality will increase the availability of usable water. Large dams play an important role in water deficit regions. In particular, multi-reservoir systems provide possibilities for raising the availability of high quality water, which is needed to meet drinking water demand and, irrigate specific crops. A concept for enhanced reservoir operation is introduced and tested for a number of case studies. Detailed management of in-stream and off-stream reservoirs is analysed for the Sidi Salem reservoir (Tunisia) and the Tuyamuyun Hydro Complex (Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan). Modelling studies indicated that, under favourable conditions, modified reservoir operation can reduce salinity over 30%. Together with newly developed assessment criteria, the concept provides a suitable platform to make the consequences and efficiency of measures for storing, diverting, and use of water more transparent. With the improvement of water quality, the concept will also contribute towards the revised use of existing large infrastructure in achieving the Millennium Development Goals..