The Impact of Irrigation Withdrawals on Inland River Systems.

Abstract

Responsible decision making about water extractions in arid and semi-arid areas requires a good understanding of both the physical and biological character of these systems. The intrinsic variability of these systems is an important ecosystem control. Ecological concepts and water management practices developed in temperate areas are inappropriate to these erratic and highly pulsed systems. Key words: Water resource development, environmental flows, environmental impact, management paradigms