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Urban Water Demand Management Measures. Saroj Sharma Email: s.sharma@unesco-ihe.org. May 2007 Delft, The Netherlands. Contents. Introduction Urban water demand management measures Case studies. Traditional Water Supply Management.
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Urban Water Demand Management Measures Saroj Sharma Email: s.sharma@unesco-ihe.org May 2007 Delft, The Netherlands
Contents Introduction Urban water demand management measures Case studies
Traditional Water Supply Management Traditional supply driven water management - Water needs are “requirements” that must be met and not the “demands” that are changeable. - New facilities and structures are developed using available sources to meet perceived “increasing” water needs. Traditional approach has led to over-use of the resources, over-capitalization, pollution and other problems of varying severity. Old paradigm of designing water supply with little attention to demand determinants, pricing structures and financial policies is not sustainable.
From water supply management (WSM) to water demand management (WDM) WDM approach places water demands themselves, not structural solutions, at the centre of concern. WDM recommends the development of large, capital intensive structures only after other possible options for lowering or mitigating the proposed demands have been fully analyzed. WDM and conservation represent the cheapest form of easily available water. Particularly in the areas where additional demands are being placed on water resources which are already stretched to their limit.
What is Water Demand Management? Water demand management (WDM) refers to any socially beneficial action that reduces or modifies average or peak water withdrawals or consumption consistent with protection or enhancement of water quality. WDM can be defined as a strategy to improve efficiency and sustainable use of water resources taking into account economic, social and environmental considerations. WDM corresponds to use of price, quantitative restrictions and other devices to limit the demand of water.
Benefits of WDM Reduces water demands (30% - 50%) with no deterioration in life style or service level. Significantly reduces capital requirements for expansion of water supply and lowers operating costs (particularly chemicals and energy) Reduces generation of pollutants, and therefore the requirements for new or expanded wastewater treatment systems. Facilitates expansion of the coverage of available fund Enhances the development and adoption of new technologies. Leads to financially sustainable water systems