A water scarcity information portal
Scientists are laying the foundations for a water scarcity information portal to be used in medium- and long-term water cycle forecasting in Africa, Europe and globally. The EU-funded 'A collaborative project aimed at pre-validation of a GMES global water scarcity information service' (Glowasis) project is combining water supply and demand data in three pilot studies for assessing imminent drought events and providing tracking of climate change effects. The Glowasis portal will be fully compatible with the Water Information System for Europe (WISE)-RTD Water Knowledge portal. The Glowasis portal will determine water supply information from both satellite and in situ measurements in a near-real–time manner. Satellite data is being assimilated from two Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) Core Services, Land (Geoland2) and Marine (MyOcean). In situ data will be obtained from the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) initiative. Agricultural and industrial water use and demand is based on statistical data from the United Nations (AQUASTAT and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water (SEEAW)), as well as data from models. During the first reporting period, scientists determined user requirements, translated these into information technology (IT) system requirements, and established the foundations for the Glowasis prototype data portal. They also improved on measured and modelled water cycle parameters for integration with water demand statistics. Input datasets were prepared for the forecasting models in all three pilot studies and trial runs were carried out to evaluate water scarcity forecasts. Glowasis is on track to deliver a water scarcity and drought prediction information portal that should facilitate an efficient and effective synergy among policymakers, water managers and research institutes. Working together, stakeholders can minimise the negative impact of water scarcity on people, industry and agriculture.
