Variation of tap-water isotope ratios and municipal water sources across Kyiv city, Ukraine
Authors (first, second and last of 5)
Collection
Sustainable Water Resource Management in an Era of Unprecedented Challenges
Watershed Management (also known as Catchment or Basin Management) is widely accepted as the most effective approach to stewarding water resources at the local or regional level. Within these frameworks, the needs of diverse stakeholders and interests can be prioritized by applying collaborative processes and using decisions that are grounded in sound science and data. While the merit of the approach is clear, the practical application to natural and manmade systems where there are multiple priorities to be addressed is complex. Furthermore, both the range of uses to be balanced and stressors to which these systems are subjected continue to grow.
When setting goals for water quality and quantity, needs to be considered range from water supply, flood control, power generation, recreational uses, economic development, or ecological concerns to name but a few. While these needs grow, the parallel impacts of climate change, population growth, the urbanization of watersheds and other factors increase the challenge.
As the range of challenges expands, so does the science of watershed management and our understanding of how innovation in technical approaches, policy, governance, or stakeholder engagement can better balance competing needs and address emerging challenges.
It is within this context that papers that share recent challenges and/or novel solutions in watershed management are being solicited. Studies may address a specific issue such as emerging toxins or a novel mitigation tool or approach. Papers that consider or demonstrate how new and more holistic thinking can or is improving a specific watershed are especially welcomed.
Keywords: Watershed/Basin Management, Emerging Toxins/Contaminants, Water Quality Goals, Multiple Uses, Stormwater Management, Harmful Algal Blooms, Nutrient Loading, Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation
Editors
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Christopher A. Impellitteri
US Environmental Protection Agency, USA Chris Impellitteri chairs The Water Tower Institute’s Research Advisory Committee and serves on its Board. As Associate National Program Director for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (US EPA’s) Office of Research and Development’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program, he also leads US EPA’s research on water treatment and infrastructure. Currently he focuses on drinking water (lead and PFAS), wastewater (SARSCoV2 monitoring, biosolids management), water reuse (fit-for-purpose reuse), and stormwater management (enhanced aquifer recharge, green infrastructure).
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Melissa Meeker
The Water Tower, USA Currently CEO of The Water Tower, Melissa Meeker has over 25 years experience in water resources management with an emphasis on alternative water supply research and development, workforce development, and public engagement. Previously, she served as the CEO of The Water Research Foundation, Water Environment and Reuse Foundation, and WateReuse Association/Research Foundation and also has been Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District and Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
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Eileen O’Neill
Dr. Eileen O’Neill is a Board member and officer of The Water Tower Institute. Before setting up her own company, she was Executive Director of the Water Environment Federation, an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Eileen also worked in academia and environmental consulting in the U.S. and in Europe. She has a B.S. in soil science from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Aberdeen, is a WEF Fellow, and holds the Board Certified Environmental Scientist credential from the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists.
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Kristan VandenHeuvel
The Water Tower, USA Kristan VandenHeuvel is the Strategic Director of Research and Engagement at The Water Tower. Kristan has a BS in Biology from the University of Dayton, Ohio (US) and her past experience includes serving with The Water Research Foundation where she managed 40+ water reuse and desalination projects valued at over $15M. She has extensive experience in research program planning, working with stakeholders and technical experts, project management and grant management, as well as a passion for helping others understand the importance of water for every aspect of life, including food production.
