Assessing Freshwater Sustainability at the River Basin Scale

The book focuses upon understanding the process of developing water sustainability indicators. The study deals with the assessment of environmental, economic and social processes related to sustainable water management. In order to develop the framework of indicators, a group of catchments was selected in Scotland (Rivers Clyde and Dee) and in Brazil (Rivers Sinos and Pardo). Drawing on international experience and in consultation with local stakeholders, a list of critical criteria of water sustainability was selected: water quality; water quantity; system resilience; water use efficiency; user sector productivity; institutional preparedness; equitable water services; water-related well-being; and public participation. From these criteria a framework was developed through an inductive and participatory approach, which included prospective contacts with water stakeholders, a sequence of trial exercises. The calculation of indicators required the gathering and manipulation of secondary data using both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The proposed framework of indicators is able to stimulate critical thinking about the use and conservation of the water environment.