Assessing and Managing Scarce Tropical Mountain Water Resources

The present article documents increasing water abstraction and the difficulties in establishing limits for low flows such as the Q80 value (flow available on 80% of the days per year). The article also presents the role of water users" associations in mitigating water conflicts related to over-abstraction. Water users" associations are also involved in activities such as environmental education, awareness creation, improved irrigation practices, afforestation, and water regulation. Long-term data on availability, abstraction, and water use are needed to mitigate water conflicts within and between Water Users" Associations, negotiate water allocation, and establish allocation thresholds.