Surface water flow theory application to public policy development and adaptation for arid and semi-arid regions

Abstract

Regions that had acceptable levels of water resources are becoming arid due to global warming and human-caused damage. Yet, public policies in such regions remain unsuitable for local conditions. Although this is owed to broad economic, political, and engineering factors, this paper focuses on water project methodologies and local policy design toward sustainable development. Water surface flow formulas utilize simplified assumptions adequate for perennial rivers, but require upgrades to accommodate arid regions and seasonal river behavior. The paper proposes a framework that links engineering to public policy using field data collected in Mount Lebanon, where drought periods are increasing. A dependent variable is defined as an index about community benefits based on water projects. Four independent variables are defined as (X1) the extent to which local communities would contribute to the engineering management and maintenance of water facilities, (X2) the ability to use project output for power supply, (X3) the potential use for agricultural purposes, and (X4) local community amenability and support for the privatization of water civil works. Results showed a statistically significant and positive relationship with X1, X2, and X3 and negative correlation with X4. Public policies need to be designed to involve local communities.