ABSTRACT
International awareness about the importance of water resources management is growing. Originally the approach was very sub-sectoral, mostly in relation to water supply, sanitation and irrigation. There is however, a growing consensus that Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is necessary for sustainable resource use for all the sub-sectors and to protect the environment. The object of IWRM is the water system that can be defined as a geographically defined coherent and functioning entity of surface water, ground water, green water, fossil water, river and stream beds, banks and technical infrastructure including all accompanying physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes. Actions to use or control water for specific purposes are aimed at security, social well being, economic gain and the preservation of ecosystems. In water resources allocation there is general agreement that the supply of water for basic human needs has priority.
