Integrated Water Resource Management

As defined by the Global Water Partnership, integrated water resource management is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Resources available within this theme provide guidance on how to conserve and restore watersheds, reduce pollution, adapt to climate change and reduce risks from floods and droughts.

Integrated Water Resource Management Resources

Water Quality Benefits from the Conservation Reserve Program

Published: 
February 1, 1989
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Conservation Reserve Program may generate an estimated $3.5 to $4 billion in water quality benefits. Potential benefits include lower water treatment costs, lower sediment removal costs, less flood damage, less damage to equipment which uses water, and increased recreational fishing. Benefits...Read more

Improving Air and Water Quality Can Be Two Sides of the Same Coin

Published: 
September 1, 2005
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Air quality policies have traditionally focused on urban areas and industrial emissions. Extending these laws to cover agriculture would require an understanding of how farmers respond to different policy incentives. Farmers have many choices in deciding on what to produce and the production...Read more

Water Use and Pricing in Agriculture

Published: 
July 1, 2006
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Irrigated agriculture remains the dominant use of freshwater in the United States, although the share of water consumed by irrigation is declining. National irrigated cropland area has expanded by one-third since 1969, while irrigation water application rates have declined by about 15 percent...Read more

Managing Manure To Improve Air and Water Quality

Published: 
September 1, 2005
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal waste from confined animal feeding operations is a potential source of air and water quality degradation from evaporation of gases, runoff to surface water, and leaching to ground water. This report assesses the potential economic and environmental tradeoffs between water quality policies...Read more

Irrigation Water Management

Published: 
July 1, 2006
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Water management is an important element of irrigated crop production. Efficient irrigation systems and water management practices can help maintain farm profitability in an era of limited, higher cost water supplies. Efficient water management may also reduce the impact of irrigated production on...Read more

Irrigation and Water Use - Briefing Room

Published: 
November 22, 2004
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agriculture is a major user of ground and surface water in the United States, accounting for 80 percent of the Nation's consumptive water use and over 90 percent in many Western States. This ERS research program investigates water allocation, water conservation, and water management issues...Read more

Irrigation and Water use: Glossary

Published: 
October 26, 2004
U.S. Department of Agriculture
An overview of agricultural methods, systems, and practices to increase land and water productivity. Several definitions are offered for terms associated with water use and agriculture. Read more

A Procedure to Estimate the Response of Aquatic Systems to Changes in Phosphorous and Nitrogen Inputs

Published: 
October 1, 1999
U.S. Department of Agriculture
This document provides a simple assessment procedure to estimate the responsiveness of a waterbody to changes in the supply (loading) of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Lakes, rivers, streams, and estuaries may be assessed with this procedure. Few data about the waterbody are required. The...Read more

Stream Visual Assessment Protocol: Procedure to Evaluate the Condition of a Stream Based on Visual Characteristics

Published: 
December 1, 1998
U.S. Department of Agriculture
This assessment protocol provides a basic level of stream health evaluation. It can be successfully applied by conservationists with little biological or hydrological training. It is intended to be conducted with the landowner and incorporates talking points for the conservationist to use during...Read more

National Water Quality Handbook: Definitive USDA Resource for Water Quality Technical Information, Guidance and Procedures

Published: 
September 1, 2003
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Water quality is an important natural resource concern for the Nation. Being a lead natural resource technical agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed this handbook as a principal reference pertaining to water quality as it relates to all agricultural land uses. The...Read more

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