Webliography of Water Technology and Policy Framework in India and the World

For a long time, knowledge asymmetry has been attributed to uneven growth and development across countries. Today, when issues of access to safe and affordable drinking water are not only a national concern and cooperation across the world are pushing towards sustainable goals, web portals, publication of reports by institutions involved in international and national water technology and policy activities are facilitating knowledge exchange. These platforms have developed indicators to assess the water-related concerns and share best management practices, sustainable approaches and data, making knowledge accessible for all. Also, recently bibliometric and scientometric studies have developed tools to assess research in the area of the water sector. This webliography is an effort to produce a comprehensive list of activities undertaken by institutions participating in the knowledge creation and knowledge dissemination process in the area of water internationally as well as in India.


INTRODUCTION
Over decades water security has emerged as a pressing issue worldwide. Over the past 40 years, the world's population has doubled whereas the use of water has quadrupled. [1] With the decrease in groundwater level water large parts of Africa, Asia and Europe and southeast of Britain, experience water stress or scarcity. With rising water scarcity across the world, efforts are being taken by several international and national organizations to make safe drinking water available and affordable for all. The Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In order to achieve sustainability, Water technologies have emerged in promoting research and development in the areas of industrial water and wastewater management. This has called in for several science and technological interventions in carrying out processes of water treatment, monitoring, storage, disposal and reuse.
Ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water is the mandate of UN initiated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to achieve this goal several initiatives have been taken at national level and international level cooperation to encourage "water efficiency and support treatment technologies". This article provides a webliography, which lists the international and national water technology and policy framework to aid this mission. Web portals across the world seek to address the knowledge asymmetry existing in the issues related to water issues by sharing best management practices, promoting sustainable approaches, offering platforms for interactive public data and information and thereby creating awareness. On World Water Day, March 2018, the Water, Peace and Security Initiative (WPSI), was launched. WPSI aims at providing interventions in taking actions on water security. Several datasets and tools have been developed by WPSI to enable appropriate decision making. Bibliometrics have been developed to assess the research performance. These tools have been of immense use in the prediction of future trends. This form of quantitative analysis offers certain advantages in gathering objective information required for decision making. According to Thomson Reuters, there are two ways in which this kind of research works (a) by offering a top-down review, this approach facilitates analysis and data of all the activities in an area, summarizes the data and a comprehensive perspective on activity and achievement and (b) by offering weighted quantitative measures, such as papers per researcher or citations per paper. [2] While the latter approach, analyzing water-related technology research is very common in the area of water. No study so far has taken the former approach and enlisted the activities and programs to identify indicators surrounding research on water related technologies. Webliographies have emerged recently as a tool to offer exhaustive details of activities and programs initiated in an area of concerns. This webliography, thereby, aims at providing a comprehensive picture of activities and achievements in the area of water, both at the global and national level.
For the latter approach to bibliometric studies, the Scopus database 1 (by Elsevier) and Web of Science (by Clarivate Analytics) have been considered rich data sources. Though bibliometric studies have been carried out in the area of water, [3][4][5][6] Hu et al. have carried out a historical review of publications on drinking water research between 1991 and 2007. [4] Hu et al. have criticized the bibliometric study as the change in citation and publication counts of a country cannot be held as a true indicator of research or research development or the future research orientation. This study, therefore, takes a closer look at the emphasis laid on water-related research globally and in India by studying the several web-portals, databases, digital libraries and monographs. Studies on waterrelated technology have been carried out worldwide level as is evident from Table 1, bibliometric studies carried out in the area of the water-related research field. In this Table, we also represent the number of citations each paper has received in Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus. L Zhang et al. carried out a bibliometric analysis of wetland research during 1991-2008 based on the Science Citation Index (SCI). [7] The emphasis in these researches was on the water quality, biodiversity, constructed wetland diversity. Fu et al. carried out a bibliometric analysis based on the Science Citation Index Expanded from the Web of Science to study the research activities in the area of global drinking water from 1992 to 2011. [6] Water Research, Environmental Science and Technology and Journal American Water Works Association were the three most common journals in drinking water research. The authors also identified the mainstream research emphases was water treatment methods, disinfection process ozonization and chlorination in disinfection and adsorption was identified to be the most common techniques for treating drinking water. Sun et al. carried out a bibliometric analysis on Science Citation Index-Expanded published by the Thomson Reuters of the global estuary pollution research between 1991 to 2010. [8] Marine Pollution Bulletin was the most active journal publishing in this area. Sediment was the most active research besides heavy metals received a stable focus on a high degree in the field of estuary pollution research. Mostly refractory organic compounds (e.g., PAHs), Biomarkers, bioaccumulation and Eutrophication of estuarine waters received high emphasis in the area of estuary pollution research. Such emphasis on water related research over the last decade motivates us to take a closer look at the local, national as well as transnational initiatives of resource creation to support the research in the areas. For the study, the paper has been divided into four sections. Section 2 gives a brief outline of what can encompass water technologies. Section 3 we discuss the methodology adopted for the study. In Sections 4 and 5, we discuss the various water related initiatives at both the international and national level.

Defining Water Technologies
UN-Water defines water security as "The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and waterrelated disasters and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability". [9] In order to achieve this, security countries across the world are investing in scientific R&D to come out with innovative technologies to resolve water-related issues. Besides this, according to UN Water [9] achieving water security requires good governance practices; and collaboration across sectors, communities, disciplines and political borders; reduced risk of potential conflicts over water resources and innovative sources of financing.
The technology comprises "any systematic, goal-directed procedures that go beyond unstructured, elementary actions". [10] Technology in a most simple manner can be comprehended in terms of four closely interlinked elements: technique, knowledge the organization of the production and the product. [11] In this sense, water technology can be defined as techniques, knowledge, organization and products that can resolve water-related issues. This paper is organized on the basis of different international and national water technologies for industrial water and wastewater management.

Methodology
The Millennium Development Goals and the UN-SDGs identify water as a crucial issue. Following this, nations worldwide have launched water missions and corroborated research on water, sanitation and related subject areas. The objective of this webliography is to highlight the various knowledge resources generated in the areas of water technology-related research and development. We look into the international activities and programs in water research which have aimed at developing indicators for assessing and forecasting. We then take the case of India and highlight the resources and emphasis of research in the last decade as a consequence of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In  has initiated several water technology-related knowledge resources.
At the national level, we observe several institutions participating in developing indicators for water technology and surrounding issues. Equal access to essential health, clean water and sanitation services continue to be a priority for India, which houses one-sixth of the world's population. Shiao et al. argues that India is one of the most water-challenged countries in the world. Groundwater levels are falling. [12] Whatever water is available is often severely polluted. And the national supply of water predicted to fall 50 percent below demand by 2030. Over the last two decades, we observe a number of movements around water in India. In the section that follows we discuss the institutions engaged in developing indicators and carrying out assessments in water-related technology. Keeping in mind the objectives of the study, several international and national institutions functioning to support the missions surrounding water. While doing so, we look up to (i) the efforts taken by these institutions in publishing findings and reports of their study (ii) publications related to technological development and innovation in the area of water. Many of these institutions have also developed and maintain repositories of data related to water; this study also highlights such databases. Recently the "Composite Water Management Index (CWMI): A Tool for Water Management" was introduced in India in 2018 by the NITI Aayog as a set of indicators for addressing India's suffering from the worst water crisis in its history, to enable data-backed water management and to promote competitive, cooperative federalism in the country.

Databases
The European Environment Agency (eea.europa.eu) The European Environment Agency (EEA) provides access to datasets, infographics, indicators, interactive data, interactive static maps as well as graphs. It is a prominent repository for indicators on wide range of water related issues such as usage of freshwater resources to urban wastewater treatment and water-and food-borne diseases. Some of its databases area. Waterbase: It is the generic name given to the EEA's databases on the status and quality of Europe's rivers, lakes, groundwater bodies and transitional, coastal and marine waters, on the quantity of Europe's water resources and on the emissions to surface waters from point and diffuse sources of pollution.
b. UWWTD (Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive -reported data): UWWTD concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and the treatment and discharge of waste water from certain industrial sectors.
c. Copernicus Land Monitoring Service: This service provides an EU-Hydro for the EEA member and cooperating countries. It provides a photo-interpreted river network, consisting of surface interpretation of water bodies and a modeled drainage network with catchments and drainage lines.
EEA's web portal is a major information source for those involved in developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating environmental policy and also the general public. a. The TDB presents referenced information on the control of contaminants in drinking water. This database houses performance evaluation data for rehabilitation technologies used in the water and wastewater sectors on a national basis, the databases can also assist utilities to more effectively implement comprehensive asset management, provide reliable service to their customers and meet their Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

USGS National Water Information System
b. WATERiD is a database used for helping utilities choose the best pipe rehabilitation, condition assessment and pipe-location determining technologies for both wastewater conveyance systems and drinking water distribution systems. It includes primary information about individual renewal technologies' cost and performance, case studies for their real-world applications and the list of vendors, consultants and contractors available for a particular technology on a regional basis. The database allows utilities to input their experiences in these areas for the benefit of other utilities. The dataset also provides metrics for the number of dataset views in catalog.data.gov month by month beginning from 2014.

OECD Studies on
Water (Oecd-ilibrary.org/ environment/oecd-studies-on-water_22245081): OECD iLibrary is the online library of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which encompasses books, papers and data. The institution has published reports encompassing indicators on various dimensions of water. Some of these publications include: "Implementing the OECD Principles on Water Governance: Indicator Framework and Evolving Practices" (2018, https://bit.ly/2Jdpfin), "Water Utility Performance Indicators (IBNET)" (2011, https://bit. ly/2CgQpPi), "OECD Inventory: Water Governance Indicators and Measurement Frameworks" (2015, https:// bit.ly/2Fc3s6s). a. Alaska Groundwater Database provides indicators of groundwater collected by local, state and federal cooperative partners.

The Alaska Hydrological
b. The Alaska Water Use Data System (AKWUDS) offers online water use report system/database. This platform offers a two-way space for water right/authorization holders to submit monthly water use data online and at the same time allows them to download data entered here.
c. The Alaska Well Log Tracking System (WELTS) offers online water use report system/database for water well logs. This platform allows water well drillers to submit water well logs online and at the same time allows them to download data entered in the system. d. ARID database is a summary of stream characteristics resulting from an initial investigation into navigable streams within the state. The database has continued to grow as new data becomes available.
e. Streams provides a compilation of discrete discharge measurements conducted by Division of Mining, Land and Water personnel.
f. Lakes is a compilation of lake data gathered during specific field projects within the state.
g. Water Quality is an index to water quality data collected by Hydrologic Survey staff.

The Water Hub Stories (Thewaterhub.org): The HSBC
Water Programme aims to provide and protect water sources, inform and educate communities in need and enable people to prosper, driving economic development across the world. WaterHub is an internationally acclaimed exhibition of select images and stories from across six countries from four continents, depicting the world's global water crisis.   Magazine, published monthly, delivers updated information on technology, products and trends in the water and wastewater industry. The editorials cover a wide range of topics covering -energy management, biosolids treatment and disposal, chemicals, pipe maintenance and repairs, stormwater management, computers and automation technology, corrosion control and glances to industry events. Industrial WaterWorld serves management, operation, engineering and consulting professionals in the industrial process water and wastewater industry. Industrial reports generated by this organization provides the news and product and service information necessary for successful planning, designing, operations and maintenance of industrial water systems. Water and Wastewater International caters to water industry around the world, reporting on the latest news, technologies and projects of interest to a global water audience.

Water Technology (Water-technology.net): Water
Technology website services entails latest news, views and project information from the water industry across the world, covering industrial and municipal wastewater treatment and water supply and transmission. Water Technology brings together chief engineers and technologists working in the area of water. It also works along with an active network of journalists worldwide to collect information on the emerging issues that could be useful for experts and professionals. A national-level think-tank the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) is affiliated to DST, which is responsible for carrying out technology impact assessments, aiming to discover the probable implications and consequences. TIFAC is also involved in technology forecasting and assessment of water projects in a systematic and continuing basis.

India Water Portal (Indiawaterportal.org): India
Water Portal is a prominent website, which provides unparalleled resources such as reports, data, news, events, opportunities and discussions pertaining water. The platform encourages sharing experiences and solutions. It highlights the recent publications on the related subjects published in the country. It is a one stop gateway to sanitation portal, school water portal, Hindi water portal and Conflict water portal.

India Sanitation Portal (Indiasanitationportal.org): The India Sanitation
Portal is an open, inclusive, webbased platform for sharing sanitation knowledge amongst practitioners and the general public. It aims to draw on the rich experience of sanitation-sector experts, package their knowledge and add value to it through technology and then disseminate it to a larger audience through the internet.  Indiawater.gov.in/IMISReports/ provides reports on financial progress report, physical progress report of this mission and case studies on water important for decision making.

UNICEF India's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
(WASH) Programme (Unicef.in/Sections/6/WASH | Twitter.com/ToiletICO): The UNICEF initiated WASH supports the Indian national and state governments in developing and implementing a range of models for sanitation, hygiene and water supply. Some of the recent reports by UNICEF-WASH include SAWM INDIA and UNICEF partner for stories on adolescents across India (2017).

SUMMARY
One of the objectives of this webliography was to produce a comprehensive list of activities undertaken by institutions participating in the knowledge creation and knowledge dissemination process in the area of water at the national and international level. We discussed that scientometric and bibliometric tools have over time emerged as a methodology to assess the research performance in a given area. This approach uses indicators and tools to assess research performances across the field of study. Development of these tools and indicators not only facilitates further research but also assists in the evidence-based decision-making process. While at international level, we observe that a number of indicators tools have been developed in the area of water and sanitation, at the national level recently efforts have been taken by the government of India for development of related indicators and tools for facilitating water-related research encompassing both forecasting and assessment activities. In case of India, the release of recent report "Composite Water Management Index (CWMI): A Tool for Water Management" provides useful information for the Ministries and Departments at the Centre and State level for formulating and implementing strategies suitable for water resource management. It is therefore imperative at country level for Indian institutions to identify the key themes and issues around water to construct meaningful indicators and tools for assessing the water scenarios.