An Integrated Model for Pollution Prevention, Ecological Integration and Sustainability of Surface Water: Case of Awetu River, Jimma City, South-Western Ethiopia

There are complex relationships among water quality, ecological integration and sustainability of surface water resource. Several factors are interacting in these three things, making them complex for understanding and managing, while the integration of these three is very important for sustainable development, environmental sustainability and public health. To increase the understanding of this complex relationship, appropriate tool is needed. Modeling is considered as an appropriate tool to simplify the understanding of this concept. The objective of this study is developing an integrated conceptual model for pollution prevention, ecological integration and sustainability of Awetu River basin. To develop this model, a preliminary study was conducted in the study area, which includes water quality status, its ecological condition, settlement in the river area, identifying pollution sources, and an on-going project in the river basin. Based on this information, and general environmental scientific knowledge, a conceptual model was developed. This conceptual modeling was passed through the four broad steps; each step involved several key activities that support developing an integrated model. Three correlated sub-models were developed first; finally, one integrated conceptual model was developed. Developing and application of an integrated model for Awetu river basin is very important to improve the current situation of the river. Achieving this needs an integrated work of all stakeholders and concerned bodies. Stakeholders recommended applying this model, whereas researchers recommended evaluation and modifying the model more. The model is also applicable for most rivers and surface water, particularly for waters with similar situations.