Further closing the integrated total water cycle in the Lockyer Valley: a catchment scale integrated water resource management conceptual model

Abstract

There is a need to facilitate decision making on integrated water resource management (IWRM) issues, minimise leakages from and further close the integrated total water cycle (ITWC). The complex social, economic and environmental dimensions and the scarcity of the resource make water management one of the truly "wicked" environmental management problems (cf. Rittel & Webber 1973). This study seeks to contribute to the resolution of this IWRM problem by adding a new definition of IWRM and providing analytical tools for the assessment of water catchments issues, conditions and improving management. A multidisciplinary integrated approach assisted in understanding and managing the complex This study advances water management using an IWRM conceptual approach that further closes the ITWC by focusing on urban-rural IWRM opportunities, going beyond using recycled water for irrigation. This model differs from previous models as it focuses on the ITWC rather than the natural water cycle. The limits of the environment are a feature of this approach, along with recognition of the role of social capital, policy input from government and nongovernment sectors, ecological economic theory and principles, and hydrogeological modelling for a catchment scale conceptual IWRM model, thus setting it apart from previous models in literature. These additions bring a wider perspective to IWRM decision making and assist in the management of ongoing issues of changes in climate, growing demand for irrigation water, population growth, environmental demand for water and excess wastewater.Such issues affect IWRM worldwide.