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Africa faces immense water challenges. In the southern region, Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa, drought threatens the area’s development
The ‘Global water availability forecasting service to support water security’ (GLOW)-consortium works to address this problem.
The approach
The Mbuluzi and Maputo river basins, with their complex water management challenges and high population density, are ideal for piloting the GLOW services. This project integrates the GLOW services into the HydroNET platform to analyse the water system and provide risk-based seasonal forecasts of water supply failures. Using hydrological models, it enables integrated water resources planning and simulations of moisture storage and water exchange. A prototype within HydroNET will deliver risk-based seasonal water supply predictions.
The objectives
The GLOW project aims to provide timely access to water resources information for sustainable development and water security in the Maputo and Black Umbuluzi river catchments. By focusing on reservoirs, soils, and groundwater, it supports SDGs 2, 6, and 13. Through the GLOW services like water availability forecasts and distribution advisories, it addresses the needs of upstream, downstream, and environmental users, enhancing overall water management.
The team
The GLOW consortium brings together the expertise of three companies: HydroLogic, FutureWater, and Emanti Management.
- HydroLogic specialises in offering decision support services for water managers through HydroNET. HydroNET enables the implementation of operational rules for water distribution.
- FutureWater supports water managers worldwide by applying cutting-edge solutions and tools.
- Emanti Management offers professional guidance and support in the drinking water, wastewater, and sanitation sectors.
How does the project affect water security
Development in the Maputo River and Mbuluzi River basins faces threats from natural drought hazards, putting water security at risk. Persistent drought worsens existing challenges of food security and sustainable development. With significant population growth and economic development, competition for limited freshwater resources intensifies.
Climate change exacerbates water stress and degrades water quality. Access to up-to-date information on forecasted water availability is crucial for day-to-day and seasonal water resource management. This information is essential for planning and managing reservoir inflows, groundwater storage, water distribution, and ensuring reliable water supply, thus safeguarding water security in the region.
What makes this project unique is using and combining proven techniques to produce operational water availability and demand, up to several months in advance
Expected outcomes
The anticipated outcomes of this project include:
- Implementation of operational GLOW services tailored to end-user requirements
- Successful demonstration and validation of GLOW services
- Engaged and trained personnel benefiting from GLOW services
- Increased awareness among staff and stakeholders about water security challenges
- Comprehensive understanding of the economic benefits and impacts of GLOW, supported by a business plan
- A plan for scaling up GLOW services for deployment in other countries
Innovation in progress series
GLOW features in the Partners for Water’s ongoing Innovation in Progress series. Throughout this series, Partners for Water closely follows a selection of projects that have received a Partners for Water subsidy, from start to finish. Over the next few years, these projects will take you with them on their journey of testing the feasibility or application of innovative solutions to enhance water security abroad. You’ll be able to gain insights into their processes, collaborations with local partners and their potential solutions; as well as their struggles, challenges and their lessons learned.
Follow the GLOW journey:
Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we initiate impactful changes for a better living environment.
