Storing water to alleviate floods and droughts

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A new study by IWMI explores a win-win approach that could boost agricultural production and contribute to flood control on the Chao Phraya River. The study proposes a strategically targeted program of managed aquifer recharge (MAR). MAR is typically used to store wet-season flows in dry climates but has not been systematically employed to capture floodwaters to protect urban infrastructure in the tropics. The economic study shows that the investment cost to implement the project could be recovered in 14 years. The project would generate around US$250 million annually in export earnings while helping to alleviate poverty.

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4 Answers

  1. Two problems have been discussed here. One is utilizing flood water for use in dry season and prevent loss of property and life due to floods. Nothing has been mentioned whether construction of new dams is feasible or not. From the available literature, it seems that new dams are not a possibility. If it is so, then inundation canals directly off taking from the river may be constructed and they may feed contour / check dams to spread water in a large area and recharge ground water. The flood damages can also be minimized by construction of detention reservoirs to modify the peak discharges to a lower level and also by increasing the water way available for river flows, so that maximum water level in rivers and affected areas can be brought down to reduce the flood damages. I understand all these alternatives might have been considered by the Thailand authorities.

  3. Many thanks Claudia and Ali, for sharing info :) fantastic! Totally I agree with you, a typical technique been applied in my country (Sudan). The issue always connected with water shortages and flood as well. That what we trying hardly to added into dictionaries with a name: micro-hydro finance. Since its recharging groundwater artificially, then a parrelal study is highly recommended for long-term flood recurrence (10, 25, 50 and 100 years). However, a hydrogeological sites investigation were also to be undertaken for addressing such issues like climate changes in watercourse, pollution ...,etc. In fact, its very important issue protecting residential, agricultural and generally pervious areas. Its a key question for planers and governments on how you are address water issue. I could say the more you adding feature to your hydro project the more you secured and improving lifestyle. To be Continued …

  4. Being in a geographically arid areas of the Middle east where water scarcity is a major problem, I believe we have developed good expertise in the subject matter of Storing water to alleviate floods and droughts by consructing low-cost small dams for groundwater recharge to serve agriculture and domestic and municipal water supply. These dams are for water harvesting purposes consructed from locally available material (compacted soil and rock)in the form of "DETENTION", "RETENTION", AND "DIVERSION" structures. In my international missions, I have proposed and partly supervised implementation of many dams in Oman, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, and Zambia. Unfortunately the space here does NOT allow for more details.