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  • Integrated water resource management
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  • Water resources
  • Water supply

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) addresses issues related to sound utilisation of water resources in the broadest possible context including an array of economic, social and ecological characteristics of a specific river basin. In other words, IWRM is a process, which promotes a coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources. This implies that in practical terms policies, strategies and programs/projects involving other resource areas have to be carefully analysed to assess how they may influence demands placed upon the water sector.

In recognition of the multi-disciplinary tasks imbedded in IWRM, NIRAS has strategically geared itself towards being able to provide teams of specialists in both natural and social sciences, including hydrologists, hydrogeologists, biologists, agronomists, foresters, environmental engineers, socio-economists and financial analysts. Further, many of our specialists have well proven experience from the public sector and carried out scientific/research activities. NIRAS can render consulting services covering IWRM-related aspects such as:

• Hydrological studies: surface water investigations, river basin water action planning and catchment studies. NIRAS covers the full range of surface water assessments, including evaluation of vulnerability and absorptive capacity of streams, lakes and coastal waters.
• Groundwater assessment: Denmark’s water supply schemes are based on highly advanced techniques to utilise groundwater. NIRAS has a leading position in Denmark within these areas of services, which include: hydrogeological, geological and geophysical field surveys, mapping of groundwater reservoirs, well-field design, computerised groundwater modelling, water quality assessments and borehole logging.
• Soil and water pollution: NIRAS’ experience includes chemical, biological and toxicological analyses and contamination risk assessments of percolate or pollutant intrusion from waste dump sites, oil storage facilities, industrial plants and mining operations. Preparation of guidelines and evaluation of tolerance limits for acceptable impact of polluting substances on man, fauna and flora, and planning, design and monitoring of pollution abatement schemes are also part of the services.
• Socio-economic aspects: While the technical soundness of any water resource development scheme is important and necessary, the real success and long-term sustainability depend on its socio-economic viability and the local community’s sense of ownership and involvement in decisions concerning source utilisation. These aspects are part of our advisory services, and our experience is gained from a number of projects, which incorporated socio-economic studies as an important component.
• Capacity building and institutional strengthening: NIRAS has carried out a variety of assignments covering capacity building and institutional strengthening, formulation of management systems and administrative procedures, training needs assessment, planning and implementation of training programmes both in the public and private sectors. To organise and to act as facilitators at workshops and seminars, including preparation of didactic materials, are part of our services.
• Legislation and administration: NIRAS has been given a number of assignments covering aspects of water resources administration and legislation, including implications of EU directives, regional and spatial planning guidelines, and revision of aqua-environmental laws and regulative provisions. Additionally, preparation of water conservation and water demand management strategies is also part of our scope of services.