Water security involves the sustainable use and development of water resources, the protection of ecosystem services, and the management of water-related hazards. Based on the principles of IWRM, HR Wallingford has considerable experience of translating the latest science into practical policy advice, strategy formulation and decision support for optimisation of investment planning.
Areas of expertise
- Water resource planning and management – HR Wallingford has UK and international expertise in the water sector including major studies for government, river basin organisations and water company clients at national, river basin and community levels.
- Climate change – our focus is increasingly on climate change, adaptation and resilience to extreme events. We have assessed the impacts of climate change on water resources (surface water and groundwater) in over 70 UK river basins, as well as major basins overseas.
- Water balance – closing the gap between supply and demand is key to water security. Balancing water demands across competing sector interests, including the environment, requires a combination of technical, regulatory and policy measures underpinned by a clear understanding of risk and uncertainty.
- Water cycle studies – HR Wallingford specialises in hydrological and hydraulic studies to assess water availability, water recycling and water re-use opportunities for a wide range of clients involved in dams and reservoirs, hydropower, irrigation, mining and minerals, water supply and other water-dependent business sectors.
- International water resources – water scarcity is acute in many developing countries. We have completed studies for World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Commisssion and DfID, including assessments of the impacts of climate change on water resources and agricultural, flooding and drought.
- Decision support systems - HR Wallingford applies the latest tools for water resource planning, optimisation and risk assessment. We specialise in the development and application tools for hydrological and hydraulic analysis, surface and groundwater assessments, water demand analysis, and climate change impacts.
- Capacity building and training – HR Wallingford provides technical support, expert advice and training across a wide range of water sector clients. HR Wallingford has excellent experience in the application of climate change output from UKCP09 and tools such as weather generators, essential components in addressing water resource analysis for the future.
Water resource related research
- hydrological assessment
- arid zone hydrology
- flow forecasting, including floods and drought
- surface and groundwater flows
- water resources for food, people and environment
- water cycle and rainwater harvesting
- risks and uncertainty.
