WATER ACCOUNTING AT THE RIVER BASIN SCALE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF GLOBAL PRACTICES

Abstract

Water accounting has been increasingly used to examine how water is available, used, and depleted within river basins, particularly under conditions of rising scarcity and competing demands. Over the past two decades, a growing body of literature has been applying water accounting at the river basin scale, although approaches have differed widely in methods, data sources, and objectives. In this context, the present study has undertaken a systematic review of global river basin–scale water accounting practices. The review has followed a structured methodology guided by the PRISMA framework. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2024 have been identified from Scopus and Web of Science databases, and 33 studies have been selected through a multi-stage screening process. These studies have been classified based on accounting frameworks, data sources, regional focus, and thematic orientation. The findings have indicated that water accounting has been used mainly as a diagnostic tool to clarify basin-level water availability and consumption. While recent studies have been increasingly using remote sensing- based methods and standardized frameworks, their integration with economic analysis and policy decision making has remained limited. Overall, the review has suggested that stronger institutional linkages are needed to enhance the practical relevance of water accounting in river basin management.