Contribute to the future INBO Handbook on water mix at basin level

A new handbook to be published in March 2027

INBO is beginning work on a new handbook on the Diversification of the water resources mix and water demand management at basin level, alongside the new handbook on integrated management of sediment transport at basin level. These two manuals follow the one on the transfer of waste and plastics into aquatic environments, released in 2024 during the World Water Forum.

This manual is co-published by INBO, the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), and theInternational Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA).

Objectives, Context, and Targets

This handbook explores how integrated water resources management (IWRM) can evolve and expand by incorporating new resources, while preserving its founding principles: a basin-based approach, intersectoral coordination, and inclusive governance. It addresses a growing need for adaptation in the face of water resource pressures by demonstrating how to diversify water sources in a coherent and sustainable manner. The key challenge is to effectively coordinate demand management- by reducing and optimizing the use of blue and green water (surface water and groundwater, respectively) – with the development of alternative resources, particularly non-conventional water sources such as wastewater reuse and desalination. This approach must be integrated into IWRM planning to build resilient water systems while strengthening coordination mechanisms among stakeholders. This handbook is intended for public decision-makers and river basin organizations, providing them with tools to structure, plan, and implement strategies, particularly to ensure secure access to drinking water.

Would you like to submit a case study?

You can share your experience with incorporating the water mix into integrated management planning at the watershed level through a case study. Submissions are welcome in three languages (French, English, Spanish) and should be ½ to 1 page in length, or a maximum of 3,600 characters. A royalty-free illustration or one with permission for use, or graphics (in English or easily translatable) may be included.

Contributions may be included in one of the following chapters:

2. Towards an integrated management of an extended water mix at basin level

2.1. Drivers of change for diversification of the water mix : insufficient resources, demographic pressure, economic development and climate change

2.2. Institutional and regulatory frameworks : extending the water mix into IWRM plans

2.3. Urban & rural context specificities : city-basin dialogue

3. Controlling demand and optimising water use

3.1. Demand management strategies and instruments to reduce water consumption

3.2. Green water management and enhancement

4. Planning and integrating the reuse of treated wastewater

4.1. Reuse of treated wastewater (REUT)

4.2. Advanced treatment technologies and required quality levels

4.3. Regulatory frameworks and health issues

4.4. Applications and feedback (irrigation, industry, groundwater recharge)

5. Planning and integrating seawater and brackish water desalination

5.1. Seawater and brackish water desalination

5.2. Dessalination technologies: economic costs and energy impacts

5.3. Brine management and environmental impacts

5.4. Integration into the overall water system

Case studies must be sent by May 30, 2026, to watermix@inbo-news.org named “NAME_Organization_Water Composition Manual”.

If you would like to submit your case study, please include the name(s) of the author(s) and provide the illustrations as files.

Thank you in advance for your contributions!