Abstract
Water is essential for human development and is an indispensable
resource for any economic activity and country’s development. However,
current water practices, increasing land-use change, climate change, and
agriculture practices have significantly altered the hydrological cycle
and water availability. This study defines the concept of a
resilient flow regime—a flow regime that absorbs some
perturbation by human alterations but still preserves ecologically
beneficial characteristics associated with the natural flow regime—and
its implications for sustainable water management. Using the Rio
Grande/Bravo (RGB) basin as a case study, the research evaluates the
similarities and differences between natural, resilient, and regulated
flow regimes. The RGB, a transboundary basin shared by the U.S. and
Mexico, faces significant water resource challenges due to extensive
infrastructure development, water overuse, and climate variability. The
study identifies three natural streamflow classes in the
RGB—snowmelt-driven, Monsoon-driven, and Bimodal—and evaluates
functional flow metrics across 16 gage stations. Results indicate strong
correlations between natural and resilient flow metrics, particularly
for magnitude components, whereas regulated flows show greater
differences from natural conditions. Statistical analyses show that
resilient flow regimes maintain ecological functionality and
hydrological integrity, balancing human water needs and ecosystem
health. By maintaining or restoring resilient flow conditions, water
management strategies can mitigate adverse impacts of human activities,
preserve biodiversity, and enhance the long-term sustainability of
riparian ecosystems. This research provides a framework for integrating
ecological considerations into water management practices, addressing
the challenges of climate change, population growth, and increasing
water demands.