Author(s): Brian Salamin; Tony Arborino; Jacopo Grazioli; Franck Pidoux; Paolo Perona

Linked Author(s): Tony Arborino, Paolo PERONA

Keywords: Catchment resilience; Holistic methods; Integrated water resources management; Low-flow hydrology; Transboundary river basins

Abstract: Small rivers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to summer low-flows, winter floods, and rising human pressures. To address these challenges, a systemic methodology based on a conceptual catchment model is proposed, linking diagnostic assessment, stakeholders, water uses, and the hydraulic thresholds that must be maintained. Applied to the Aire and Drize rivers, this approach made it possible to identify critical temperature and discharge thresholds required for supporting aquatic fauna and urban cooling, and to quantify the resulting summer water deficit. Several effective levers were highlighted: winter infiltration into the aquifer, storage of agricultural roof runoff, use of untreated water for irrigation and low-flow support and beaver-inspired dams to reconnect alluvial margins and cool river water. These solutions increase natural water availability, improve thermal conditions, and restore a more natural hydrological regime. A catalogue of additional measures complements the analysis to support integrated catchment management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.317

Year: 2026