What is integrated water resource management?

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) is a process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water resources.

In more detail, Integrated Water Resource Management is a comprehensive and coordinated approach to water management that recognises the interconnectivity of water systems and promotes their sustainable use. It is a process that aims to ensure the sustainable use, protection, and conservation of water resources, while also promoting their equitable distribution and efficient use.

The concept of IWRM was developed in response to the growing concerns about the sustainability of water resources, particularly in the face of increasing demand and the impacts of climate change. It recognises that water is an integral part of the ecosystem, a natural resource, and a social and economic good. Therefore, its management should involve a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, private sector, civil society, and communities.

IWRM is based on four key principles. Firstly, it promotes a participatory approach, involving users, planners, and policymakers at all levels. Secondly, it recognises water as a finite and vulnerable resource, and therefore promotes its sustainable use. Thirdly, it acknowledges the economic value of water and promotes its efficient use. Lastly, it advocates for a holistic approach, considering the interconnectivity of water systems and the need for integrated management.

In practice, IWRM involves a range of strategies and activities, such as water demand management, watershed management, and the integration of water management into broader environmental and land-use planning. It also involves the use of various tools and techniques, such as water quality monitoring, water pricing, and the use of water-efficient technologies.

In essence, IWRM is about managing water resources in a way that balances the economic, social, and environmental needs of a community or a country. It is a flexible, adaptable, and inclusive approach that recognises the complexity of water systems and the need for integrated, sustainable solutions.