Water statistics, accounts Water statistics, accounts and indicatorsand indicators

Jeremy WebbJeremy WebbAfrican Climate Policy Centre (ACPC), UNECAAfrican Climate Policy Centre (ACPC), UNECA

Part of the ClimDev-Africa ProgrammePart of the ClimDev-Africa Programme

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

IntroductionIntroduction Water definedWater defined Water and climate changeWater and climate change Organising water statistics, accounts and Organising water statistics, accounts and

indicatorsindicators• International Recommendations for Water International Recommendations for Water

StatisticsStatistics• System of Environmental and Economic System of Environmental and Economic

Accounts for Water (SEEA-W)Accounts for Water (SEEA-W)• ECA, UNSD, UNEP Water indicatorsECA, UNSD, UNEP Water indicators

The African Climate Policy Centre and the The African Climate Policy Centre and the ClimDev-Africa ProgrammeClimDev-Africa Programme

Summary and conclusionsSummary and conclusions

Why is water importantWhy is water important

A human can only live a few days at A human can only live a few days at maximum without watermaximum without water

Water is needed for sanitary purposesWater is needed for sanitary purposes Plants and animals need water to grow Plants and animals need water to grow

and surviveand survive Many industries need water for industrial Many industries need water for industrial

processes processes

Water definitionWater definition

Water is a colourless, tasteless and odourless chemical Water is a colourless, tasteless and odourless chemical substance composed of one oxygen atom and two substance composed of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms with the chemical formula Hhydrogen atoms with the chemical formula H22O. O.

In most cases water contains other dissolved chemicals In most cases water contains other dissolved chemicals that affect the colour, taste, odour, acidity and that affect the colour, taste, odour, acidity and conductivity of water. conductivity of water.

In water statistics, water refers to water and any In water statistics, water refers to water and any dissolved, suspended or other chemicals or materials dissolved, suspended or other chemicals or materials carried in the water (e.g. water includes saltwater and carried in the water (e.g. water includes saltwater and polluted water). polluted water).

WaterWater Water has a number of special properties that make it essential for life, Water has a number of special properties that make it essential for life,

sanitation, and many industrial processes. sanitation, and many industrial processes. Water is a super solvent as it can dissolve many other chemicals for Water is a super solvent as it can dissolve many other chemicals for

example salt, sugar and even stone. example salt, sugar and even stone. Because of this property water is essential for life on earth as all Because of this property water is essential for life on earth as all

organisms use water to transport chemicals within their bodies. organisms use water to transport chemicals within their bodies. Water is also used in many industrial processes to dissolve, transport or Water is also used in many industrial processes to dissolve, transport or

remove soluble chemicals, and in households water is used for hygiene remove soluble chemicals, and in households water is used for hygiene and sanitation as it can dissolve and remove waste and germs. and sanitation as it can dissolve and remove waste and germs.

Water has a high specific heat capacity which means water is able to Water has a high specific heat capacity which means water is able to absorb a lot more heat than most other chemicals. absorb a lot more heat than most other chemicals.

Water also has a high thermal conductivity meaning it can absorb and Water also has a high thermal conductivity meaning it can absorb and release heat very quickly, making water suitable for use as a coolant. release heat very quickly, making water suitable for use as a coolant.

WaterWater The abundance of water in the environment (mainly as salt water in The abundance of water in the environment (mainly as salt water in

seas and oceans) coupled with its high specific heat capacity and seas and oceans) coupled with its high specific heat capacity and high thermal conductivity means water is an essential component high thermal conductivity means water is an essential component for the regulation of energy and climate on earth. for the regulation of energy and climate on earth.

Water’s high specific heat capacity also makes water highly suitable Water’s high specific heat capacity also makes water highly suitable for transporting energy for example by steam. for transporting energy for example by steam.

Water has a high surface tension allowing it to move into soils, Water has a high surface tension allowing it to move into soils, roots, and through very small blood vessels in animals. roots, and through very small blood vessels in animals.

Water has many other physical and chemical properties. Water has many other physical and chemical properties. Information on these properties is available from the internet and Information on these properties is available from the internet and other sourcesother sources

Freshwater vs saltwaterFreshwater vs saltwater The distinction between freshwater and saltwater is an important The distinction between freshwater and saltwater is an important

consideration in water statistics. consideration in water statistics. The International Glossary of Hydrology defines freshwater as The International Glossary of Hydrology defines freshwater as

naturally occurring water having a low concentration of salts, or naturally occurring water having a low concentration of salts, or generally accepted as suitable for abstraction and treatment to generally accepted as suitable for abstraction and treatment to produce potable water. (ISO/6107). produce potable water. (ISO/6107).

However, an international standard for the definition of fresh water However, an international standard for the definition of fresh water in terms of the salt content (e.g. in parts per million, grams per litre in terms of the salt content (e.g. in parts per million, grams per litre or electrolytic conductivity) is not available although there is a or electrolytic conductivity) is not available although there is a considerable body of practice (e.g. engineering, agricultural and considerable body of practice (e.g. engineering, agricultural and other practices). other practices).

Different countries have different definitions regarding salinity. Different countries have different definitions regarding salinity. • For example the definition of freshwater in the USA and Canada is water For example the definition of freshwater in the USA and Canada is water

with a concentration of salt of less than 1,000 parts per million, while in with a concentration of salt of less than 1,000 parts per million, while in Australia it is water with a salt concentration of less than 500 parts per Australia it is water with a salt concentration of less than 500 parts per millionmillion UNESCO-IHE, Freshwater UNESCO-IHE, Freshwater http://www.cig.ensmp.fr/~hubert/glu/HINDEN.HTM

Source: Maartin de Wit and Jacek Stankiewicz www.scienceexpress.org/2March2006/Page1/10.1126/science1119929

African climate change water scenarios:African climate change water scenarios:there is a lot of uncertaintythere is a lot of uncertainty

Small changes in temperature will see average river flows and water availability increase by 10-40% in some regions, while in others there will be a decrease of 10-30%

Changes in surface water supply across Africa with Predicted Climate ChangeWill there be increases or

decreases in available water?

Potential ET Actual ET Runoff

10 models show likely decrease of runoff while 7 shows like increase of runoff

Example: Blue Nile GCM downscaling

Precipitation

There is a need to monitor water resources along with water availability, access and use across Africa

The SEEA and supporting suite of The SEEA and supporting suite of publicationspublications

Data

Data Quality Assessment Frameworks

Metadata and documentation (e.g. SDMX)

ISIC, CPC, Asset Classification, Class. of Environmental Activities, Class. of Physical Flows etc

Input frameworks

Cross functional frameworks

SEEA

e.g. IRWS

Other water statistics

Compilation Material

SEEA-W

Energy balances

e.g. IRES

Compilation Material

SEEA-E

Output frameworks

Systems frameworks

Intermediate frameworks

Water statistics and accountsWater statistics and accounts SEEA-WSEEA-W

• The SEEA-W was developed by UNSD and the Water The SEEA-W was developed by UNSD and the Water Subgroup of the London Group on Environmental Subgroup of the London Group on Environmental AccountsAccounts

• The SEEA-W was adopted as an Interim International The SEEA-W was adopted as an Interim International Statistical Standard at the 38Statistical Standard at the 38thth Session of the UN Session of the UN Statistical Commission, 2007Statistical Commission, 2007

IRWSIRWS• The IRWS was developed by an Expert Group on Water The IRWS was developed by an Expert Group on Water

StatisticsStatistics• Part 1 of the IRWS was adopted as international Part 1 of the IRWS was adopted as international

recommendations at the 41recommendations at the 41stst Session of the UN Session of the UN Statistical Commission, 2010Statistical Commission, 2010

• Part 2 of the IRWS was endorsed as supplementary Part 2 of the IRWS was endorsed as supplementary guidance at the same Statistical Commissionguidance at the same Statistical Commission

Water statistics and accounts: Water statistics and accounts: recommendations and standardsrecommendations and standards

International Recommendations for Water International Recommendations for Water Statistics (IRWS)Statistics (IRWS)• Classifies water data items (i.e. water Classifies water data items (i.e. water

variables)variables)• Shows the link between these data items and:Shows the link between these data items and:

the standard tables of the SEEA-Wthe standard tables of the SEEA-W international water indicatorsinternational water indicators

System of Environmental and Economic System of Environmental and Economic Accounts for Water (SEEA-W)Accounts for Water (SEEA-W)• Provides a framework for organising water Provides a framework for organising water

statisticsstatistics• Uses a systems approach and classifies data in Uses a systems approach and classifies data in

terms of stocks and flowsterms of stocks and flows

Water AccountsWater Accounts

Economy

Exports

Evapo-transpiration

Other Industries(incl. Agriculture)

Imports

Abstraction

Sea

Atmosphere

Collection ofprecipitation

Households

Abs

trac

tion

Water collection,treatment and supply

Inland Water Resource System

Surface water(reservoirs, lakes, rivers,snow, ice and glaciers)

Soil water

Groundwater

upstreambasins and

aquifersoutside

the territoryof reference

Natural transfers(e.g. infiltration,seepage, etc.)

Sea

Inflows

downstreambasins and

aquifersoutside

the territoryof reference

Outflows

Pre

cipi

tatio

n

Eva

po-

tra

nspi

ratio

n

Sewerage

Rest ofthe WorldEconomy Rest of

the WorldEconomy

Re

turn

s

Ret

urn

s

Ret

urn

s

Linking flows with stocksLinking flows with stocks

Opening stocks

Closing stocks

+ stocks

- stocks

Human activities+ Returns

Flows

Natural processes+ Precipitation+ Inflows

Human activities- Abstraction

Natural processes- Evapotranspiration- Outflows

Physical water assets: Standard Table XIIPhysical water assets: Standard Table XIIphysical units

 

EA.131 Surface water

EA.132 Groundwater

EA.133 Soil

water TotalEA.1311

ReservoirsEA.1312

LakesEA.1313 Rivers

EA.1314 Snow, Ice

and Glaciers

Opening Stocks              

Increases in stocks              

  Returns from the economy    

  Precipitation    

  Inflows    

  from upstream territories    

  from other resources in t territory              

Decreases in stocks    

  Abstraction    

  of which Sustainable use    

  Evaporation/Actual evapotranspiration    

  Outflows    

  to downstream territories    

  to the sea    

  to other resources in the territory              

Other changes in volume              

Closing Stocks              

Evaporation

TranspirationPrecipitation

(dew, mist, rain, sleet, hail, snow)

Groundwater(aquifers)

Surface water(rivers, lakes, glaciers)

Sea/ocean

Infiltration

Evaporation

Soilwater

Basic concepts and Basic concepts and definitionsdefinitions

Economic activity/Households

UseUse

From the From the environment environment (abstraction)(abstraction)

From From another another economic economic unitunit

Supply

To the To the environment environment (returns)(returns)

To another To another economic economic unitunit

EvapotranspirationEvapotranspiration

ConsumptionConsumption

ConsumptionConsumption

Physical water use: Standard Table IPhysical water use: Standard Table I

Physical units

 

Industries (by ISIC categories)

Ho

use

ho

lds

Re

st of th

e

wo

rld

To

tal

1-3

5-33, 41-43 35 36 37

38,39, 45-99

Total

From the environment

U1 - Total abstraction (=a.1+a.2= b.1+b.2):      

a.1- Abstraction for own use      

a.2- Abstraction for distribution      

b.1- From water resources:      

Surface water      

Groundwater      

Soil water      

b.2- From other sources      

Collection of precipitation      

Abstraction from the sea      

Within the economy

U2 - Use of water received from other economic units                    

U=U1+U2 - Total use of water                    

Includes green waterIncludes green water

AgricultureAgriculture

ServicesServicesWater supplyWater supplyEnergyEnergy

Mining and manufactureMining and manufacture

SewerageSewerage

Physical water supply: Standard Table IIPhysical water supply: Standard Table IIPhysical units

 

Industries (by ISIC categories)

Households

Rest of the world

Total 1-3

5-33, 41-43 35 36 37

38,39, 45-99

Total

Within the economy

S1 - Supply of water to other economic units                    

of which: Reused water        

Wastewater to sewerage                    

To the environment

S2 - Total returns (= d.1+d.2)      

d.1- To water resources      

Surface water      

Groundwater      

Soil water      

d.2- To other sources (e.g. Sea water)      

S - Total supply of water (= S1+S2)                    

Consumption (U - S)                    

Hybrid water use: Standard Table VIHybrid water use: Standard Table VI

Physical and monetary units

 

Intermediate consumption of industries (by ISIC categories) Actual final consumption

Capital formation

Exports

Total uses at purchaser’s price1-3

5-33, 41-43

35

36 37

38,39, 45-99

Total industry

Households

Government

Total

of which: Hydro

Final consumpt

ion expenditu

res

Social

transfers in

kind from

Governme

nt and

NPISHs Total

Total intermediate consumption and use (monetary units)                              

of which: Natural water (CPC 1800)      

Sewerage services (CPC 941)      

Total value added (monetary units)                              

Total use of water (physical units)          

U1 - Total Abstraction          

of which: a.1- Abstraction for own use          

U2 - Use of water received from other economic units                              

SEEAWSEEAW The system defines what The system defines what

should be accounted forshould be accounted for By using the SEEAW:By using the SEEAW:

• Any gaps are obviousAny gaps are obvious• Water data is integrated Water data is integrated

with economic datawith economic data• Water data can by used Water data can by used

with economic data and with economic data and employment data for:employment data for:

integrated water integrated water management purposesmanagement purposes

policy analysispolicy analysis policy monitoringpolicy monitoring otherother

Individual environment statistics or Individual environment statistics or indicatorsindicators

Often developed to Often developed to address individual address individual issues or questionsissues or questions

Often not easy to Often not easy to relate to other relate to other issuesissues

Often not able to Often not able to be integrated with be integrated with economic statisticseconomic statistics

Difficult to be sure Difficult to be sure all relevant all relevant information is information is includedincluded

Environmental AccountsEnvironmental Accounts

Help to make sense Help to make sense of the entire pictureof the entire picture

Water statistics, accounts and Water statistics, accounts and audiencesaudiences

Amount of datae.g. data regarding water resources, water supply and

sanitation, or economic activities and water

Information pyramid

Increasin

g ag

greg

ation

of

info

rmatio

n

e.g. Decision makers, and the general public, managers analysts

and researchers

e.g. Managers, analysts and researchers

e.g. Researchers and others conducting detailed

analytical research

Audiences

Macro data

Micro d

ata

Water statisticse.g. basic aggregates at the data item level, time series

Water accounts

Other statistical compilations

Water indicators

IndicatorsIndicatorsIndicators are:Indicators are: used to synthesise and present complex used to synthesise and present complex

informationinformation a means of summarizing, simplifying and a means of summarizing, simplifying and

communicating information to:communicating information to: decision makers, decision makers, policy analysts, policy analysts, researchers, researchers, the business community the business community the general public. the general public.

used to make comparisons, e.g.:used to make comparisons, e.g.:• over time over time • between areas - countries, river basins or provinces between areas - countries, river basins or provinces • between industries between industries

used to identify and monitor factors that lead to used to identify and monitor factors that lead to the better management e.g. of water resourcesthe better management e.g. of water resources

IndicatorsIndicators

Water resources, availability, access etc

Data collection

Data capture and compilation

Data productse.g. water indicators, tables, balances and

accounts

Action or inaction

Indicators

Statistics and other

information

Indicators flag problems

Other more detailed water statistics are required to analyze and understand the problem

Water accessibilityWater accessibility

Proportion of population using an improved drinking water source [MDG]

MDG/ CSD/NEPAD/Other

% of population connected to public water supply

NEPAD/Other

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

Water quantityWater quantity

Proportion of total water resources used [MDG]

MDG/ CSD/NEPAD/Other

Ratio of external renewable water resources to total renewable water resources

Other

Total annual renewable water resources per capita

NEPAD/Other

Change in surface water discharge NEPAD

Annual groundwater recharge NEPAD/Other

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

Water quality (pollution)Water quality (pollution)Emissions of organic water pollutants (BOD) total/per worker

NEPAD/Other

Biochemical oxygen demand in water bodies [CSD] CSD/NEPAD/Other

Chemical oxygen demand in water bodies Other

Average annual concentration of total phosphorus in lakes and rivers

NEPAD/Other

Average annual concentration of total dissolved solids/sediment flux in lakes and rivers

NEPAD/Other

Average annual concentration of total nitrogen in lakes and rivers

NEPAD/Other

Average annual concentration of dissolved oxygen in lakes and rivers

NEPAD/Other

Presence of faecal coliforms in freshwater [CSD] CSD/Other

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

Water usageWater usage

Total annual water use per capita NEPAD/Other

% of (change in amount/volume) freshwater used for domestic use, irrigation, industry

NEPAD/Other

Water use intensity by economic activity [CSD]

CSD/Other

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

Water borne diseases (bilharzias, Water borne diseases (bilharzias, river blindness, sleeping sickness, river blindness, sleeping sickness,

etc)etc)

Incidence of water borne diseases

NEPAD/Other

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

Water management issuesWater management issues

Developed national & river basin IWRM plans

NEPAD

Wastewater treatment [CSD] CSD/Other

% of population connected to wastewater collecting system

Other

Volume of treated wastewater for domestic use

Other

Amount/volume of disposal of wastewater into wetlands

NEPAD

% of treated waste water produced from wetlands

NEPAD

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

Water availabilityWater availability

Urban water supply from dams NEPAD

Abstraction from boreholes for domestic use in rural/urban settings (per capita yield)

NEPAD

Source: the core list of environment indicators – ECA, UNSD, UNEP following ECOWAS

African Climate Policy CentreAfrican Climate Policy CentreOur goal:Our goal: Making development more sustainable and managing Making development more sustainable and managing

associated climate risks, for the benefit of the majority of associated climate risks, for the benefit of the majority of AfricansAfricans

What we do:What we do: Undertake activities that inform decision making at Undertake activities that inform decision making at

various levels on how do achieve thisvarious levels on how do achieve this

The African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) is:The African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) is: Based at UNECA in Addis AbabaBased at UNECA in Addis Ababa Part of the Climate for Development of Africa programme Part of the Climate for Development of Africa programme

(ClimDev-Africa)(ClimDev-Africa)

ClimDev-Africa ProgrammeClimDev-Africa Programme

Meetings of the Chief Executives of the AUC, ECA and AfDB

Meetings of the Chief Executives of the AUC, ECA and AfDB

Programme Steering Committee (PSC)(AUC, UNECA, AfDB and others)

Programme Steering Committee (PSC)(AUC, UNECA, AfDB and others)

African Climate Policy Centre

(ACPC)

African Climate Policy Centre

(ACPC)

ClimDev-Africa

Special Fund(CDSF)

ClimDev-Africa

Special Fund(CDSF)

Regional / sub-regional levelRECs/SROs, Regional/Sub-Regional Climate Institutions, RBOs, Research Institutions

Regional / sub-regional levelRECs/SROs, Regional/Sub-Regional Climate Institutions, RBOs, Research Institutions

Technical Advisory Panel

Technical Advisory Panel

National levelNMHSs, Sectoral Actors (public

sector, private sector, civil society)

National levelNMHSs, Sectoral Actors (public

sector, private sector, civil society)

Climate Change and Desertification Unit

(CCDU)

Climate Change and Desertification Unit

(CCDU)Stakeholder forums

e.g. Climate Change and Dev. Conf. & other forums/platforms

Stakeholder forums

e.g. Climate Change and Dev. Conf. & other forums/platforms

Work programmeWork programme

The ACPC has three broad areas of The ACPC has three broad areas of activity: activity:

1.1. Knowledge generation, sharing and Knowledge generation, sharing and networkingnetworking

2.2. Advocacy and consensus buildingAdvocacy and consensus building

3.3. Advisory services and technical Advisory services and technical cooperationcooperation

Knowledge generation…Knowledge generation…The ACPC is addressing:The ACPC is addressing: African challenges and opportunities for climate finance, including: African challenges and opportunities for climate finance, including:

• Fast Start FinanceFast Start Finance• The Green Climate FundThe Green Climate Fund• Long Term FinancingLong Term Financing

Mitigation in the context of Africa, including:Mitigation in the context of Africa, including:• the development of national or sub-regional strategies on low carbon economy the development of national or sub-regional strategies on low carbon economy

Adaptation, including: Adaptation, including: • the implementation of AMCEN sub-regional and national adaptation strategiesthe implementation of AMCEN sub-regional and national adaptation strategies• the creation of an adaptation and vulnerability knowledge base, the creation of an adaptation and vulnerability knowledge base, • an assessment of the economics of climate adaptation in Africa (AdaptCost)an assessment of the economics of climate adaptation in Africa (AdaptCost)

Technology transfer, including:Technology transfer, including:• a technology transfer needs assessment that maps out models of technology transfer a technology transfer needs assessment that maps out models of technology transfer

for Africa for Africa

Its website, including:Its website, including:• the development of a knowledge management platform to:the development of a knowledge management platform to:

support climate policy discussions support climate policy discussions act as a hub for climate change and policy communitiesact as a hub for climate change and policy communities

Advocacy…Advocacy…

The ACPC will:The ACPC will: Hold a Climate Change and Development Hold a Climate Change and Development

Conference to:Conference to:• enhance awareness on climate change in Africaenhance awareness on climate change in Africa

Prepare for, and participate in, the Conference of Prepare for, and participate in, the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Climate Change 17 Parties to the Convention on Climate Change 17 (COP17) with the aim of ensuring:(COP17) with the aim of ensuring:• Africa's key concerns in climate change are brought to Africa's key concerns in climate change are brought to

the fore the fore

Develop a communications strategy to ensure:Develop a communications strategy to ensure:• Climate and development information is targeted and Climate and development information is targeted and

makes it to all relevant audiences makes it to all relevant audiences

Capacity mobilisation…Capacity mobilisation…

The ACPC will:The ACPC will: Evaluate and enhance climate information Evaluate and enhance climate information

systems across Africa, such as:systems across Africa, such as:• hydrological and meteorological data hydrological and meteorological data

and information systemsand information systems

Strengthen Measurement, Reporting and Strengthen Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems across AfricaVerification (MRV) systems across Africa

Establish a fellowship programmeEstablish a fellowship programme

SummarySummary For water indicators, accounts and statistics, there For water indicators, accounts and statistics, there

are international statistical standards, are international statistical standards, recommendations and guidance availablerecommendations and guidance available• The SEEA-W applies a systems approach to organising The SEEA-W applies a systems approach to organising

water statistics including monetary datawater statistics including monetary data• The IRWS provides:The IRWS provides:

a list of data items with codes and definitionsa list of data items with codes and definitions formulas for calculation water indicators formulas for calculation water indicators the link to the SEEA-W standard tables and the data itemsthe link to the SEEA-W standard tables and the data items

ECOWAS along with NEPAD, the ACS, UNSD and ECOWAS along with NEPAD, the ACS, UNSD and UNEP have proposed a set of water indicatorsUNEP have proposed a set of water indicators

Indicators flag issues, more detailed data and Indicators flag issues, more detailed data and information are required to analyse and understand information are required to analyse and understand these issuesthese issues

Improvements in basic data coupled with the IRWS, Improvements in basic data coupled with the IRWS, SEEA-W and indicator frameworks afford the SEEA-W and indicator frameworks afford the opportunity to better understand and monitor wateropportunity to better understand and monitor water

Thank youThank you Contact: Contact:

• Jeremy WebbJeremy Webb jwebb@uneca.org

UNSDUNSD• Environmental AccountingEnvironmental Accounting

seea@un.org• Environment StatisticsEnvironment Statistics

envstats@un.org

For more information on water statistics, accounts and For more information on water statistics, accounts and indicators please see:indicators please see:• The IRWSThe IRWS

http://unstats.un.org/unsd/envaccounting/irws/ http://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/doc10/BG-WaterStats.pdf

• The SEEA-WThe SEEA-W http://unstats.un.org/unsd/envaccounting/seeaw.asp