ABSTRACT
Most development within a watershed/river basin will have some effect on that ecosystem. Landuse changes, especially forest clearance, will affect the local microclimate and possibly regional climate. Location within a watershed/river basin affects land-use potential. The watershed/river basin is a biogeophysical unit, it has recognizable boundaries. To be successful, water resources management must be aware of the linkages between land-use, streamflow and groundwater storage. Management of water resources for agriculture may involve developing and maintaining more than one water source. Water resources development involves the use of river systems or groundwater shared by more than one user, region, state or country. Enforcing law may be very difficult in rural areas. People are often suspicious of outsiders, particularly the government (who might wish to tax them). Family and tribal loyalties can outweigh the sense of responsibility to wider social groups.
