Enhancing Water Supply Resilience in a Tropical Island via a Socio-Hydrological Approach: A Case Study in Con Dao Island, Vietnam

Abstract

Socio-hydrological approaches are gaining momentum due to the importance of understanding the dynamics and co-evolution of water and human systems. Various socio-hydrological approaches have been developed to improve the adaptive capacity of local people to deal with water-related issues. In this study, a social-hydrological approach was developed to enhance the water supply resilience in Con Dao Island, Vietnam. We used a water-balance model, involving the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) tool, to conduct a scenario-based evaluation of water demands. In doing so, we assessed the impacts of socio-economic development, such as population growth and climate change, on increasing water demand. The modelling results showed that the existing reservoirs—the main sources to recharge the groundwater (accounting for 56.92% in 2018 and 65.59% in 2030)—play a critical role in enhancing water supply resilience in the island, particularly during the dry season. In addition, future water shortages can be solved by investment in water supply infrastructures in combination with the use of alternative water sources, such as rainwater and desalinated seawater. The findings further indicate that while the local actors have a high awareness of the role of natural resources, they seem to neglect climate change. To meet the future water demands, we argue that upgrading and constructing new reservoirs, mobilizing resources for freshwater alternatives and investing in water supply facilities are among the most suitable roadmaps for the island. In addition, strengthening adaptive capacity, raising awareness and building professional capacity for both local people and officials are strongly recommended. The research concludes with a roadmap that envisages the integration of social capacity to address the complex interaction and co-evolution of the human–water system to foster water-supply resilience in the study area.

Building resilience for an uncertain drinking water future

“…Previous studies of drinking water system resilience have primarily focused on countermeasure identification and feasibility analysis (Adepu et al, 2022; Anwarul Abedin et al, 2019; Haxton et al, 2018; Nguyen et al, 2021; Pamidimukkala et al, 2021; Weisman & Epting, 2011), resilience assessment framework development (Ayala‐Cabrera et al, 2018; Klise & Murray, 2018; Liu et al, 2021; Morley, 2019; Shuang et al, 2019; Zhan et al, 2020), and comparisons of system and technology design (Nikolopoulos et al, 2021; Schoen et al, 2015). Despite these efforts, a comprehensive review of countermeasures and their influence on drinking water resilience is still lacking.…”

Diversifying Water Sources with Atmospheric Water Harvesting to Enhance Water Supply Resilience

“…From a technical point of view, diversifying water sources besides surface water is a fundamental and vital approach to increasing urban water reliability [10]. In another word, this principle is covered by the framework of water supply resilience which highlights the ability of water supply system to promise residents the accessibility to safe drinking water under extreme events like drought [11]. In terms of water sources, seawater desalination, rainwater harvesting [12,13], sewage reuse [14][15][16], and inter-basin water transfer [17,18] can be supplements to surface water and enhance water supply resilience.…”

Water Resource Management through the Lens of Planetary Health Approach

“…Considering the emergence of different nexus approaches to understanding the dynamics and co-evolution of water and human systems, Nguyen et al [9] developed a social-hydrological approach to enhance the water supply resilience in Con Dao Island, Vietnam. It used a water-balance model involving the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) tool to conduct a scenario-based evaluation of water demands.…”