Introduction: Sustainability of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

Abstract

Water is essential for life, ecosystems, and social and economic development. We depend on a reliable, clean supply of drinking water to sustain our health. Water is also needed for agriculture, energy production, navigation, recreation, and manufacturing. Its exploitation and use must be well planned and managed in a sustainable manner. Water availability has been reduced due to periodic droughts, overconsumption of surface and groundwater resources, and pollution and climate change. Population increase, fast growth of cities, and accelerating economic activity are increasing the demand for water, energy, and food and creating further pressures on water resources. In many developing countries, the lack of adequate, clean, and safe water, pollution of aquatic environments, and the mismanagement of natural resources are still major causes of environmental health problem and mortality. Irregular rainfall, more floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent events in different parts of the world.