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Hydrological alterations including examples of measures (ecological flows)
Hydrological alterations are pressures that alter the flow regime and/or the water levels of surface and groundwater. Where water flows and levels are not in a good condition, this can affect the abundance and diversity of aquatic plants and animals by reducing the extent, quality, diversity and connectivity of aquatic habitats.
The main pressures on flows and levels are from water abstractions (for public water supply, agriculture or industry) and reservoirs used mainly for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation. Impounded river sections may also be the result of barriers on rivers, which serve uses other than hydropower. Impoundments – in addition to interrupting river/habitat continuity – alter the upstream flow conditions of rivers. A specific type of hydrological pressure related to hydropower comes from hydropeaking activities. Hydropeaking relates to hydropower generation for the provision of peak electricity supply resulting in artificial water level fluctuations.
Hydrological alterations (mainly due to hydropower) affect 17% of the surface water bodies impacted by hydromorphological pressures. One of the key measures to mitigate hydrological impacts from water abstractions or hydromorphological pressures is the establishment of ecological flows. Table 6.6 illustrates examples of ecological flow (or minimum flow) measures implemented during the last years (first RBMP).
Table 6.6: Examples of measures related to E-flows.
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River basin district or country |
Measures |
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Austria
|
Minimum flow was ensured for ca. 200 residual water stretches (2009-2015 – Austria 2nd RBMPs 2015). |
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Danube iRBD |
Ecological flow requirements for the achievement of GES/GEP have already been achieved for 13 out of 144 significant water abstractions identified in the Danube international RBD (2009-2015 - ICPDR 2015) |
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Spain |
Minimum flow was ensured for 3200 water bodies this is an increase of more than 800 water bodies since the first RBMPs (2009-2015 – Spain 2nd RBMPs 2017). |
Source: Austria national RBMP 2015: https://www.bmlfuw.gv.at/wasser/wisa/fachinformation/ngp/ngp-2015/text/textdokument_ngp2015.html
ICPDR 2015; http://www.icpdr.org/main/activities-projects/river-basin-management-plan-update-2015
Spain 2017: Summary of Spanish River Basin Management Plans. https://servicio.magrama.gob.es/es/agua/temas/planificacion-hidrologica/summaryrbmp2ndcycledraft_tcm7-448674.pdf
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In reference to the sentence starting by "The main pressures on flows and levels are from water abstractions (...)" : A recent study (2016-2017) on water management in the aggregates sites by the European Aggregates Association (UEPG) is showing that the impact of aggregates extraction sites on the quantitative status of surface water and ground water is negligible. All the water abstractions in quarries are subject to a permit granted by river basin management bodies. Moreover, a vast majority of aggregates sites with washing processes have in place water recycling circuits and systems with very high efficiency rates minimising water consumption. Water is reused in a closed circuit and clarified before discharged (50% of aggregates sites do not make any discharge).
According with the conclusions of that study, the demand for water is decreasing thanks to water efficiency policies and techniques.
In countries with water scarcity problems the use of water is very effcient in the aggregates sector.
In reference to: "Hydrological alterations (mainly due to hydropower) affect 17% of the surface water bodies impacted by hydromorphological pressures. One of the key measures to mitigate hydrological impacts from water abstractions or hydromorphological pressures is the establishment of ecological flows. Table 6.6 illustrates examples of ecological flow (or minimum flow) measures implemented during the last years (first RBMP)." Suitable hydromorphological parameters are taken into consideration for aggregates extraction sites into rivers to minimise any hydrological alterations. This is guaranteed by the fact that the river basin management authorities are delivering the permits. The sector is an ally of local, regional and national authorities to maintain (when necessary) the capacity of the rivers to prevent floods.
BE-FLA (RV): p. 70 Hydrological alterations (mainly due to hydropower) affect 17% of
p. 32: 7%
"The main pressures on flows and levels are from water abstractions (for public water supply, agriculture or industry) and reservoirs used mainly for hydroelectricity generation and irrigation. Impounded river sections may also be the result of barriers on rivers, which serve uses other than hydropower. Impoundments – in addition to interrupting river/habitat continuity – alter the upstream flow conditions of rivers. A specific type of hydrological pressure related to hydropower comes from hydropeaking activities. Hydropeaking relates to hydropower generation for the provision of peak electricity supply resulting in artificial water level fluctuations."
This is true. It would be nice to add something like: this peak electricity serves the security of supply and grid stability and is hereby essential for further sustainable development of the EU.
"Hydrological alterations (mainly due to hydropower) affect 17% of the surface water bodies impacted by hydromorphological pressures. One of the key measures to mitigate hydrological impacts from water abstractions or hydromorphological pressures is the establishment of ecological flows. Table 6.6 illustrates examples of ecological flow (or minimum flow) measures implemented during the last years (first RBMP)."
E-flows and minimum flows are not the same (fixed and variable water flows, seasonal changes, etc.).