A project of the National Research Programme "Sustainable water management" (NRP 61).

Prof. Rolf Weingartner presents the research work carried out in the scope of the project:

In future, water is likely to become scarcer. How can it be optimally used in dry but intensively utilized regions of the Alps?

Climate change as well as societal and economic development will in future significantly modify the offer and consumption of water, and consequently fuel conflicts of interest. Dry valleys in the Alps will be particularly affected, as one has to assume that in these regions water will become even scarcer. At present, the distribution of water is generally organized at the communal level and follows historical norms and regulations. Up to now, water management was mainly orientated towards covering water needs, rather than offer of water resources.

In close collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders involved in the water sector of the study area, the Crans-Montana-Sierre region in the Valais, the project aims at developing solutions required for a more sustainable and balanced management and distribution of water. Specific goals are:
- Evaluation of present and future availability of water in the Crans-Montana-Sierre region. The Plaine Morte Glacier and the water diversion systems used today will also be examined.
- Evaluation of water use by different user groups. Assessment of future water use, taking into consideration societal and economic changes. In this way, possible areas of conflict can be identified.
- Evaluation of the presently existing legal and practical organization of water management. Development of options for a more adequate water distribution, for adapted irrigation techniques, and for coping with future challenges. The possible effects of the developed solutions on the different water uses will be assessed.

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