Residential Water Demand And Economic Development

In the last twenty years the problem of urban public water supples has become increasingly serious. Disparities between the effective supply of, and demand for, water has grown rapidly and now constitute a danger to public health. This study deals with the place of urban public water supplies in economic development and with the demand for such elements of the social infrastructure during the process of economic and social growth. Based on an examination of the existing water-use systems in two urban areas in India, this study provides valuable information in a field that is of growing concern to all the developing countries of the world.

This study deals with the place of urban public water supplies in economic development and with the demand for such elements of the social infrastructure during the process of economic and social growth.

On the one hand, population and economic growth are increasing the demand for water but on the other, environmental consequences of climate change, pollution and over extraction of groundwater are decreasing the worlds supply of fresh water. This makes the availability of water for human use one of the greatest global concerns of this century. Neither levelling growth nor technological innovation can stretch the existing supplies significantly; hence, it is imperative that demand side management techniques such as the use of water efficient fixtures in urban households, appropriate water tariff structure and regulatory policies are used as tools for water conservation. Conservation of water resources is one of the important aspects of ensuring sustainable development of cities and should incorporate environmental, social and economic dimensions. This book highlights the importance of using water efficiently in urban households, in both developed and developing cities. Specifically, the book focuses on: the determinants of water conservation behaviour, including psychological factors such as values, beliefs and attitudes, socio-economic factors such as income, water pricing and policies, environmental factors such as seasonal variations and demographic factors such as household size and age; the role of policies such as mandatory water restrictions, labelling of water saving devices and promotion of public awareness; the role of water and wastewater tariff structures in achieving the goals of revenue generation, affordability, demand management and equity and the design of conservation oriented rate structures; and the role of water saving devices in providing technological solutions to household water conservation. In relation to the above issues, the book provides several detailed case studies of cities to understand the effectiveness of such demand management tools and the lessons learnt. Overall, the book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various price and non-price tools that can be used to manage domestic water consumption. Water Conservation in Urban Households is a one-stop repository of information on water conservation for academics, practitioners and policy makers. The text can be used for teaching and research on water demand management as well as for professional reference by water utility officials. In addition, the appendix of the book contains a database of the current domestic water and wastewater tariffs and monthly bills of selected cities, which will be helpful for those willing to conduct research in this field. Author: Sonia Ferdous Hoque, University of Leeds, UK.

This book is the result of a joint research effort led by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and involving the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and the Palestine Health Council. It discusses opportunities for enhancement of water supplies and avoidance of overexploitation of water resources in the Middle East. Based on the concept that ecosystem goods and services are essential to maintaining water quality and quantity, the book emphasizes conservation, improved use of current technologies, and water management approaches that are compatible with environmental quality.

A common characteristic of water demand in urban areas worldwide is its inexorable rise over many years; continued growth is projected over coming decades. The chief influencing factors are population growth and migration, together with changes in lifestyle, demographic structure and the possible effects of climate change (the detailed implications of climate change are not yet clear, and anyway will depend on global location, but must at least increase the uncertainty in security of supply). This is compounded by rapid development, creeping urbanization and, in some places, rising standards of living. Meeting this increasing demand from existing resources is self-evidently an uphill struggle, particularly in water stressed/scarce regions in the developed and developing world alike. There are typically two potential responses: either "supply-side" (meeting demand with new resources) or "demand-side" (managing consumptive demand itself to postpone or avoid the need to develop new resources). There is considerable pressure from the general public, regulatory agencies, and some governments to minimise the impacts of new supply projects (e.g. building new reservoirs or inter-regional transfer schemes), implying the emphasis should be shifted towards managing water demand by best utilising the water that is already available. Water Demand Management has been prepared by the academic, government and industry network WATERSAVE. The concept of the book is to assemble a comprehensive picture of demand management topics ranging from technical to social and legal aspects, through expert critical literature reviews. The depth and breadth of coverage is a unique contribution to the field and the book will be an invaluable information source for practitioners and researchers, including water utility engineers/planners, environmental regulators, equipment and service providers, and postgraduates. Contents Water consumption trends and demand forecasting techniques The technology, design and utility of rainwater catchment systems Understanding greywater treatment Water conservation products Water conservation and sewerage systems An introduction to life cycle and rebound effects in water systems Developing a strategy for managing losses in water distribution networks Demand management in developing countries Drivers and barriers for water conservation and reuse in the UK The economics of water demand management Legislation and regulation mandating and influencing the efficient use of water in England and Wales Consumer reactions to water conservation policy instruments Decision support tools for water demand management