The construction of toll road infrastructure is crucial for driving economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity. One of the largest ongoing projects in Indonesia is the Trans Sumatera Toll Road mega project, developed by PT Hutama Karya (Persero). Despite its promising prospects, the project faces significant challenges, including providing clean water for operational use. Effective water management is essential, impacting project operational costs, worker and toll road user health, rest area functionality, and environmental sustainability.

This study presents an overview of water use in construction and recommends measures to enhance water management practices. It analyzes various solutions for clean water management, ranking them based on efficiency, sustainability, and practicality. Using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, the research evaluates the potential benefits of each solution, with Hutama Karya’s wastewater treatment technology being a key focus.

The results indicate that the proposed solution ensures optimal water availability and quality, particularly in toll road projects and rest areas. Furthermore, this research offers advantages in sustainability and eco-friendly energy use. This technology proves effective, economically viable, and beneficial for sustainable water management. This paper aims to identify and rank the best solutions for clean water management to support the Trans Sumatera Toll Road mega project.

Understanding the spatio-temporal variations in actual evapotranspiration (ETa) over irrigated agricultural areas is essential for effective water resource management. Remote sensing methods have been developed to estimate ETa, but selecting a suitable method remains challenging. Satellite-based (ETa) products offer a promising solution, but identifying an adequate product is difficult due to limited validation data. This study aims to evaluate the performance of different satellite-based (ETa) products, addressing the challenge of product selection and contributing to the prudent use of freshwater resources. This study conducts an evaluation and comparison of freely available satellite-based ET products. It presents a case study focused on a selected site in Sindh Pakistan, analyzing these products' spatial and temporal patterns, resolution, and accuracy. The goal was to identify the most suitable ET product for the study area. We have observed significant differences in ET values among the satellite-based products, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation to select the most suitable product for the study area. This research highlights the importance of an in-depth validation of available satellite-derived (ETa) products. Such validation is crucial for making informed decisions in water resource management and assessing crop water productivity effectively within the region. Moreover, understanding these variations can significantly enhance irrigation practices and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in agriculture.

Produced water (PW) is seen as one of the largest waste streams emanating from the oil and gas industry. Often, PW is highly saline and exhibits high oil contents. Therefore, it cannot be discharged into the environment directly. Rather, very often, PW is treated rudimentarily and subsequently injected into disposal wells in the sub-surface. An initial water–oil separation is achieved with a three-way separator, frequently followed by gravity-based separations, such as with hydrocyclones. Further treatment, which adds to the cost of the operation, depends on the potential utilization of PW as a fresh-water substitute for drilling and workover operations, or enhanced oil recovery methods within the oil and gas industry itself, as a source for recoverable commercial salts such as calcium carbonate and sodium chloride, or as a source of water for cooling or for irrigation, the latter especially in regions that are water-scarce, where the utilization of treated PW as an alternate water source can contribute significantly to the water production of a country.

In the current paper, the treatment of PW from a South Kuwaiti oilfield is examined to explore whether the generated PW can, upon such treatment, be disposed of in an environmentally safe way, and whether the generated PW can deliver commercial products such as salts and usable water of adequate purity to make the treatment economically sustainable. Different treatment methods, such as ceramic membrane filtration and sorption filtration on biomass, both for the separation of residual oil from water, the precipitation of calcium as calcium carbonate, and solar evaporation/distillation for the recovery of salts and purified water, have been examined experimentally, where products of adequate purity could be obtained to make them commercially viable.

Finally, different combinations of treatment methods for the purification of PW have been assessed for their economic feasibility in the state of Kuwait.

Water resource management is a critical component of environmental conservation and sustainable development. However, rising worldwide water demand and a significant decline in availability due to a lack of dynamic management and over-extraction have resulted in a complex scenario in terms of water availability. This paper investigates the integration of advanced technologies and innovative governance frameworks to address the complex challenges of water resource management under the pressures of climate change, population growth, and urbanization. Advanced technologies such as remote sensing, IoT-based hydraulic structures, Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing water body monitoring and management. These tools enhance predictive capabilities, optimize water use, and inform decision making by providing comprehensive data on water levels, quality, and distribution. Remote sensing offers vast area coverage, while GIS facilitates spatial analysis. AI algorithms extract valuable insights from large datasets, enabling the prediction of trends and patterns. This study focuses on developing sustainable, resilient, and adaptive approaches to water resource management by considering uncertainties and risks. This paper further examines the role of integrated water resource management (IWRM) and effective governance in achieving equitable water allocation and protection. Case studies are presented to illustrate successful implementations of these technologies and policies. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of holistic water management solutions that ensure water security for future generations.

Water scarcity and long-term water management practices are critical in agricultural systems around the world. Water retention polymers (WRPs) provide exciting alternatives for improving agricultural water use efficiency (WUE). WRPs, or hydrogels, are polymer substances that absorb and hold a considerable amount of water. The review investigates the efficiency of several types of WRPs, such as synthetic polymers, natural polymers, & composite materials, in enhancing WUE. WRPs can considerably increase soil water retention, allowing plants to have more water and reducing irrigation intensity. They also aid in the prevention of water loss due to evaporation and runoff, so conserving water resources & lowering environmental impacts. WRPs have a variety of applications, including seed coating, soil supplements, and irrigation systems. Understanding how WRPs interact with soil features is critical for optimizing WRPs and customizing their use to specific soil & crop requirements. However, affordability, impact on the environment, breakdown, and long-term impacts on soil health as well as plant development are all considered. Finally, WRPs have the potential to significantly improve WUE in agriculture by increasing water availability, minimizing water loss, and optimizing irrigation practices. More research and field studies are required to evaluate their efficacy across various agro-climatic areas and cropping systems, and to assess their lasting impact on soil and ecosystem health.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the combined process of water loss to the atmosphere from the Earth's surface through evaporation from soil and water bodies, and transpiration from plants and vegetation. The accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) plays a crucial role in optimizing agricultural water use and irrigation practices, especially in semi-arid regions with limited freshwater resources. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model in estimating the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of wheat crops at the field scale in Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan. The SSEBop model is a satellite-based energy balance approach that derives ETa by integrating remote sensing observations with ground-based meteorological data. In this study, 30 m resolution Landsat 8 and 9 imagery was utilized to map land surface parameters, while ancillary data from an on-field meteorological station provided inputs for computing reference evapotranspiration. The methodology involved preprocessing satellite data and computing vegetation indices, land surface temperature, and net radiation fluxes required by the SSEBop algorithm. Actual ET across different wheat growth stages (initial, mid, and late) was mapped for the study area. This research highlights the potential of the SSEBop approach for mapping ETa at field scales, which can inform sustainable irrigation management and water accounting practices for wheat cultivation in semi-arid regions like Pakistan.

The availability of freshwater in all forms is declining at a rapid rate. Many major cities are on the verge of experiencing “day zero” due to the risk of running out of drinking water. A huge volume of wastewater is being generated daily from these cities. Therefore, there is scope for a water reuse process in which this wastewater, after treatment, is discharged into natural water bodies or artificially built water bodies for groundwater recharge. The reuse of this water for drinking and household purposes still carries a risk potential. This wastewater carries effluent from industries that might be rich in nanoparticles and other heavy metals. Water containing nanoparticles is dangerous for human consumption. This study investigates the potential effects of nanoparticle release on ecosystems and human health, as well as providing novel strategies for their mitigation and use. The literature was searched to study the removal efficiency of Ag nanoparticles using nature-based units after secondary wastewater treatment. Treated wastewater carrying Ag nanoparticles is discharged into nature-based units (constructed wetlands and soil aquifer treatments) and their removal efficiency was found to be 99.34% in the case of CW only, 99.83% in the case of CW+SAT, and 95.75% in the case of tertiary soil. The initial concentration of Ag NPs in these effluents was in the range of 0-200µg/L. The final concentrations in the water were found to be less than the regulatory permissible guidelines of 100µg/L of silver ions that is seen as being fit for consumption by humans. Limited research data were found that addressed the fact that higher levels of Ag NPs may cause an accumulation of these NPs in the biota and in sediment form on CW. Further studies for the removal of higher concentrations of Ag NPs needs to be done for the risk assessment of NP dosage on humans, the removal efficacy threshold of CW and SAT, and the effects of long-term exposure.

Due to the growing demand of food and fibers, natural resources are under significant pressure. To increase production and improve yield, new agricultural areas are being developed. These developments can disrupt ecosystems by altering land cover and use patterns, diverting streams for irrigation, and extracting groundwater. In some cases, the conversion of land into irrigated area leads to land degradation and ultimately reduces the agricultural productivity over time. In this context, effective water management plays a crucial role in maintaining soil's quality and fertility. The Darawat Dam, situated on the Nai Baran River near Janghri village, approximately 70 km from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan, is a critical infrastructure project, designed to develop a new command area and to increase the agricultural productivity through the development of irrigation systems. The dam plays a pivotal role in sustainable land use and water management in the region, as it improves groundwater recharge and aids in flood control. Considering this context, this study explores the existing fertility status and physico-chemical characteristics of soil within the command area of Darawat Dam, aiming to contribute towards sustainable water and water management. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) using an auger, with a total of fifty samples analyzed. The findings indicate that the soils in this area range from sandy loam to clay loam and are non-saline (EC 0.065-0.744 dS m-1) and slightly alkaline (pH 7.0-8.0). No salinity hazard was observed based on the soluble cations and SAR values. However, the organic matter levels are low (0.227-1.557%), as are available phosphorus (2.66-16.44 mg kg­^-1) and potassium (80-290 mg kg­^-1) levels, suggesting potential nutrient deficiencies for high-input agriculture. Additionally, water availability and management within the catchment area are vital factors influencing soil fertility and agricultural productivity, as they impact the nutrient transport and soil moisture levels

Introduction and study objectives

The issue of global climate change has begun to play an increasing role in scientific and policy debates over effective water management. This article describes and discusses the concerning geological and hydrological conditions in the Zarqa Ma'in basin (ZMB), directly conditioned by the climate regime, the geomorphology of the land and the lithology of geological formations.

Recently, evidence that global climate change will have significant effects on water resources in Jordan and, in particular, in the Zarqa Ma'in basin (ZMB) has continued to accumulate.

This study aims to evaluate the risks of flash floods that occur in the study area due to the climatic regime that changes the physical characteristics of the hydrological and hydrogeological system in the Middle East, the impact of which is already evident worldwide.

The Zarqa Ma'in region has moderate to high relief with elevations ranging from -348 m below sea level to 924 m above sea level. Due to the high relief of the study area, especially in the southwestern part, the risk of damage from a flash flood is very high. The Zarqa Ma'in area is very hilly, with steep slopes without soil. Soil erosion and runoff rate are directly proportional to slope and inversely proportional to the permeability of geological formations.

Urban water systems are under great strain due to population expansion, climate change, and aging infrastructure. Conventional water management practices are falling short of addressing the rising demand for both sustainable and efficient water utilization. Approximately,30% of urban water is wasted due to leaks and inefficiencies, underscoring the pressing need for innovative solutions. This study explores how smart water grids and advanced technologies can boost the efficiency and resilience of urban water systems. By integrating IoT sensors, real-time data analytics, and automated control systems, smart water grids deliver valuable benefits such as real-time monitoring, leak detection, and improved water distribution efficiency.

A mixed-methods approach is employed in this study, integrating quantitative data analysis from smart water grid installation in various urban areas with qualitative perspectives from stakeholder interviews and detailed case studies. Key components involve the installation of IoT-enabled sensors for the live monitoring of water quality, flow, and pressure. The data gathered from these sensors will be evaluated with advanced statistical models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to chart water usage patterns and pinpoint infrastructure weaknesses. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms will be used to predict potential failures and dynamically adjust water supply to match demand.

The anticipated results of this study include notable reductions in non-revenue water, timely leak repairs, and improved water distribution efficiency. Such improvements are more likely to foster more sustainable urban development by guaranteeing a reliable water supply, lowering operational costs, and lessening environmental impacts. By tackling the pressing challenges of urban water management, this study aspires to establish more robust, efficient, and sustainable urban water systems, offering worldwide advantages to societies.