Dynamic attribution of global water demand to surface water and groundwater resources: Effects of abstractions and return flows on river discharges

•Dynamic water allocation is needed to mimic changes in water consumption worldwide.•Return flows strongly affect exploitation intensities of the water resources.•Nonrenewable groundwater abstractions reduces (∼10%) when return flows are included.•Impacts of abstractions and return flows are largest...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advances in water resources 2014-02, Vol.64, p.21-33
Main Authors: de Graaf, I.E.M., van Beek, L.P.H., Wada, Y., Bierkens, M.F.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Demand
Dynamic tests
Dynamical systems
Dynamics
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Exploitation
Feedback
Freshwater
Global hydrological model
Groundwater
Hydrogeology
Hydrology
Hydrology. Hydrogeology
Return flows
River low flows
Surface water
Water abstractions
Water resources
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Summary:•Dynamic water allocation is needed to mimic changes in water consumption worldwide.•Return flows strongly affect exploitation intensities of the water resources.•Nonrenewable groundwater abstractions reduces (∼10%) when return flows are included.•Impacts of abstractions and return flows are largest for irrigated regions.•The impact of water consumption on river discharge is largest during low flows. As human water demand is increasing worldwide, pressure on available water resources grows and their sustainable exploitation is at risk. To mimic changes in exploitation intensity and the connecting feedbacks between surface water and groundwater systems, a dynamic attribution of demand to water resources is necessary. However, current global-scale hydrological models lack the ability to do so. This study explores the dynamic attribution of water demand to simulated water availability. It accounts for essential feedbacks, such as return flows of unconsumed water and riverbed infiltration. Results show that abstractions and feedbacks strongly affect water allocation over time, particularly in irrigated areas. Also residence time of water is affected, as shown by changes in low flow magnitude, frequency, and timing. The dynamic representation of abstractions and feedbacks makes the model a suitable tool for assessing spatial and temporal impacts of changing global water demand on hydrology and water resources.
ISSN:0309-1708
1872-9657
DOI:10.1016/j.advwatres.2013.12.002