REDUCING RISKS IN WATER MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Risk Assessment is crucial in water management due to the stochastic character of natural processes and the indeterminable side effects of human activities. The sources of uncertainties in assessing the probability of performance reliability are presented. In evaluating the given alternatives, the risks associated to the project itself and its environment need to be compared. Although risks can be reduced to a certain extent, some element of risk always remains. The possible sources of risk in flood-endangered settlement areas are shown, and the factors influencing risk assessment and risk management are defined. Water management projects, which are generally long-term oriented and allow various partners to enter and leave established partnerships, demand a transparent, risk-based decision-making process and the precise determination of benefits, obligations and associated risks for each partner. The partnership principle already used in Slovenia in the eighties during the functioning of so-called Regional Water Communities should be reintroduced. The key factors ensuring their successful operation will be proper risk assessment and the sharing of risks between the public and private sectors.