Integrating equity and justice principles in water resources modelling and management

Conventional water resources management models focus primarily on hydrological and economic efficiencies, often overlooking the socio-economic impacts of water distribution, potentially exacerbating inequalities. In this perspective, we propose an advancement in water resources allocation modelling frameworks to integrate distributive justice principles to improve their capability to provide policy and decision insights for water resources management, not only efficiently from a cost-benefit aspect but also from an equity perspective. This integration necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration and robust policy support to develop models that are both technically sound and incorporate social equity indicators. By presenting a robust example and proposing specific methodologies for embedding equity in water management practices, this perspective aims to stimulate the debate on transforming how water resources management models are utilised in aligning technical strategies with broader societal values of fairness and sustainability.