Integrated water resources management is a conceptual framework that is meant to describe the complexity of water decisions and the importance of balancing stakeholder viewpoints. Implementation is difficult because of institutional barriers and because of definitional confusion over the precise meaning of IWRM. Improved governance is required to overcome institutional barriers. Specific and unambiguous language may reduce confusion, but it may oversimplify the complexity. The present paper offers a brief definition of integrated water resources management and a list of seven elements for integration. Brief examples are then given from different countries in order to illustrate each of these elements. Coordination across geographic areas is recognized as a special challenge of integration and emerging efforts toward integration in some countries will bear close scrutiny to measure their success. Regardless of the ultimate success in promoting the concept of integrated water resources management, it communicates to stakeholders the notion that water decisions require balance and the promotion of shared values, such as conservation and the alleviation of poverty. If institutional barriers and confusion about the concept are overcome, actual improvements in water stewardship may result.

Water infrastructure is multifaceted and essential to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Major categories include dams and hydropower, water supply and sanitation, and irrigation, while stormwater, river and coastal works, and natural systems also provide valuable services. Security concerns have risen on the scale of importance globally. Integrated management approaches can balance natural and built systems, but they face institutional barriers. Research and scholarship can contribute to solutions when directed towards important issues.

Studies indicate an urgent need to upgrade the nation’s aging and deteriorating water distribution systems so they can provide customers with reliable and safe water supplies. In response, water utilities apply performance measurement initiatives including pipeline asset management, which requires condition assessment to identify failure-prone pipes and prioritize their renewal. However, the below-ground location of pipes and lack of standard guidelines or tools make pipeline assessment and renewal decisions difficult. This paper presents a model that uses data commonly found in utilities to assist them with their pipe renewal decisions. The model has unique features that increase its responsiveness to industry needs, and it was developed and tested with collaboration of utility professionals. Two case studies illustrate the model’s application to the study of pipes in early and late performance stages while addressing the data limitations and risk averse characteristics of the industry.

This paper uses tools from systems thinking to address flood problems from multiple perspectives with a case study of flooding in Jakarta, Indonesia, which faces a daunting challenge due to its topography, climate, congested areas and inadequate infrastructure. While it cannot solve flood problems with structural measures alone, Jakarta can incorporate risk management into development strategies and policies, implement an effective early warning system and integrated emergency response programme as well as improve law enforcement; it can also work to develop a culture of resilience through collective strategies, greater public awareness and a flood management information system.