How truthful are water accounting data?

Abstract

Water accounting is an important tool for water managers. Many studies use official water accounting data or similar data for their assessment. In particular, large-scale studies or water footprint studies have limited opportunities for “in-situ” data collection. In many cases, the processors of studies do not know the origin of the data and their limitations. Water accounting data are very often used for decision-making process, water resource management, and planning in the water sector. This article tries to answer the question “How truthful are water accounting data?” For this task water accounting in the agriculture sector in the Czech Republic was selected. The data on water withdrawals for the agriculture purposes was analysed and compared with water needs estimation based on additional data on agricultural production.

An exploration of circular water management accountability: A case from Indonesia

“…Water accounting is an essential tool for managing water ( Ansorge et al., 2016 ) and analyzes water use, depletion, and water production ( Molden, 1997 ). Water accounting systems can solve various economic, social, and environmental problems ( Chalmers and Godfrey, 2012 ).…”

“…Water accounting systems can solve various economic, social, and environmental problems ( Chalmers and Godfrey, 2012 ). Although differences in measurement methods can lead to different results in water accounting data, water sources, availability, use, and maintenance must remain the main measurement factors ( Fitriasari et al., 2021 ; Ansorge et al., 2016 ). Linking water accounting and accountability can assist entities in deciding appropriate steps toward improving water conservation and help stakeholders oversee the entity's accountability for clean water availability ( Fitriasari et al., 2021 ).…”