Advancements in Hydrological Modeling and Water Resources Management for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Vikram Kumar ¹ Jahangeer Jahangeer ² Rajneesh Singh ^3,4* Prabhat Kumar Singh Dikshit ⁵

• ¹ BMSK, Planning and Development Department, GOB. Patna, India, Patna, India
• ² University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
• ³ University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, United States
• ⁴ Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
• ⁵ Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

The sustainable management of our existing water resources is of utmost importance as water is a fundamental resource for life and critical for food security, sanitation, and human wellbeing. At the global scale, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), directly needs a serious effort towards effective management of water resources. This special issue titled "Advancement in Hydrological Modeling and Water Resources Management for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" explores the crucial role that hydrological monitoring and modeling, along with innovative water resources management practices, play in achieving these SDGs. Integrating advanced hydrological tools and models with water resources planning and management strategies is crucial for decision-makers to minimize the impacts of climate change, a global issue. In this issue, emerging challenges and their solutions have been showcased from the different regions, which are as follows:Hydrological Modeling: The Foundation of Effective Water Resources Management Hydrological models have long been applied to predict and develop an understanding of the distribution of water and other challenges within the environment. Several articles on this issue bring advancements in hydrological modeling, which offers better simulations, thereby improving predictions of hydrological behavior under various scenarios. Integrating various hydrological models with climate change models facilitates more accurate forecasts of future water availability in the face of climate change, helping policymakers design more effective strategies for water management and climate-resilient infrastructure. Such hydrological models provide an understanding of how a minor change in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events can directly affect planning for local and regional water resources. For instance, a study in this issue utilizes advanced downscaling techniques to improve climate projections, particularly in regions susceptible to water stress. By using biascorrected regional climate model (RCM) data, the study offers valuable insights into how climate change may influence water availability, highlighting at-risk areas and providing decision-makers with the tools to anticipate challenges and plan accordingly, aligning with SDG 13-15.To date, groundwater remains one of the most important sources of freshwater, facilitating water for domestic purposes, agriculture use, and industrial use, especially in regions with limited surface water. However, groundwater resources are dwindling due to over-extraction, pollution, and climate change. Several articles in this special issue highlight the need for improved methods to assess and protect groundwater resources. For example, one study discusses the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the DRASTIC model to assess groundwater vulnerability to contamination. Approaches like this help us identify areas where groundwater is at risk, allowing for targeted protection measures, such as land-use regulations or establishing buffer zones around vulnerable aquifers. Such innovative approaches to groundwater management may prove vital to ensure that groundwater resources remain available for future generations, aligning with SDG6 and SDG13.Models relating to the transportation of sediment and streamflow analysis are essential for predicting floods, managing river systems, and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems. Accurate simulation of water flow through catchments and movement of sediments through rivers can help reduce the impacts of floods, prevent soil erosion, and preserve water quality. In this special issue, several articles explore using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate streamflow and sediment transport. One such case study in the Song River basin uses the SWAT model to predict how land use and climate changes affect water and sediment dynamics in the region. This type of understanding is crucial for developing flood control strategies, as it helps identify areas at risk, which may be highly important for designing flood protection infrastructure. Furthermore, the study elucidates the need for integrated land and water management approaches, considering the complex interactions between hydrological systems and human activities. Such study also helps ensure that river ecosystems remain resilient, supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services like water purification and carbon sequestration aligning with SDG 3,11-13 and SDG15.With the growth of the urban population boom, the need for a sustained climate-resilient water system is becoming more pressing. Traditional approaches for water management, such as dams and pipelines, are observed to be less effective in addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern cities. In response to the above, the application of such solutions is gradually gaining acceptance. Such solutions utilize natural resources associated with often biologically mediated processes, such as wetlands, forests, and green infrastructure, to manage water resources and enhance resilience to climate change. An article in this issue explores the role of NbS in urban water management, specifically focusing on their ability to provide multiple ecosystem services, such as regulation of floods, water quality enhancement, and temperature moderation. Furthermore, it integrates NbS with urban planning to create a cost-effective, resilient, and sustainable city, aligning with SDG 11.Addressing Droughts in a Changing Climate Frequent droughts limit water security and agriculture and affect the ecosystem. With climate change's impact on the frequency and intensity of droughts, the need for an early prediction and management of conditions such as drought becomes of utmost importance. A study featured in this special issue explains the use of drought models to predict drought conditions in semi-arid regions. Through the analysis of historical data and advanced modeling techniques, this research facilitates early warning signals, allowing communities and governments to take proactive measures, such as water rationing or the implementation of drought-resistant crop varieties. Such efforts contribute towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by ensuring food and water security.Innovative technologies promoting water reuse are pivotal to addressing the challenge of water scarcity. Several articles in this special issue discuss advancements in wastewater treatment processes, focusing on developing efficient and affordable technologies for wastewater treatment to meet the water demand and water quality standards for reuse. Such innovations are crucial for reducing the burden on freshwater resources, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. Reusing treated wastewater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, industrial use, or landscape irrigation, can help conserve valuable freshwater resources and contribute to the achievement of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).The articles published in this special issue underscore the transformative potential of advanced hydrological modeling and innovative water management techniques toward achieving the SDGs the United Nations (UN) set up. By incorporating climate change projections, improving groundwater vulnerability assessments, utilizing nature-based solutions, and enhancing water reuse technologies, we should be better equipped to take care of the challenges posed by water scarcity, pollution, and extreme weather events. Moreover, scientists and engineers are not the only communities responsible for such advances; policymakers, along with community members, should also be involved in realizing these scientific insights and developing effective and actionable strategies. The synergy between science, policy, and practice is imperative for a sustainable and resilient water future. As we peep into the future scenarios, it becomes clear that SDGs can be achieved by continuing innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Through continued research, the adoption of best practices, and the integration of science into policy and governance, we can move toward a world where water resources are managed sustainably, equitably, and effectively.