Impact of water demand management on sustainable water supply service delivery

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact of demand on water supply service delivery and demonstrates that the higher the demand, the lower the pressure at which water can be supplied. It highlights the notion that water is a finite resource and many regions in the world have neither sufficient surface nor groundwater reserves to meet all competing demands for water. Moreover, there normally exist capacity constraints in available water infrastructure. In such cases, withdrawals from water distribution networks have got to be controlled if sustainable water supply is to be achieved. Thus, water demand management should be accorded increased attention. The study assess the merits of rationing from a technical point of view and suggest that, if well managed, it stands out to be a viable water demand management strategy for water scarce areas. The authors also suggest that water supply should be managed from an equity point of view rather than an equality point of view.