Water Resources Assessment (WRA)

Water Resources Assessment (WRA) is the "determination of the sources, extent, dependability and quality of water resources for their utilization and control" (1), and of the human activities that affect those resources (2). It is also the “systematic study of the current status and future trends in both water resources and water supply services, with a particular focus on issues relating to availability, accessibility and demand” (3). Water resources assessments is a key component of integrated water resources management and a prerequisite for sustainable development.

A water resources assessment provides a basis for the sound and proper planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of projects associated with the following areas:

To aid with the implementation of Water Resource Assessment, WMO, through its Standing Committee on Hydrological Services (SC-HYD), aims to assist National Hydrological Services by:

1. providing an evolving toolkit of appropriate and adaptable techniques; such as the Dynamic Water Resources Assessment Tool (DWAT) and the WMO Global Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS), that are consistent with their needs and capabilities; and
2. facilitating the exchange of knowledge among them.

More detailed information is accessible at the WMO Water Resources Assessment webpage.

1. WMO/UNESCO International Glossary of Hydrology (2012)
2. Young et al., 1994
3. Batchelor et al., 2005