WATER DEMAND MANAGEMENT IN CANADA: A REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This paper examines water demand management in Canada as a complementary approach to more traditional supply management strategies. Water demand management is defined as "any socially beneficial measure which reduces or reschedules average of peak water withdrawals or consumptive use from surface or groundwater while maintaining or mitigating the extent to which return flows are degraded". Economic measures such as realistic water pricing hold the key to adopting water demand management as a complementary adjunct to current supply management approaches to water resources. The paper explores the demand management approach in the context of municipal and industrial water uses, finding that demand management has the potential not only to make water use more rational economically, but also to facilitate to establishment of more effective pollution control measures. In support of demand management programs, the paper also outlines a supportive research program. The overall conclusion of the paper is that water demand management is still in the early stages of development, but that this type of approach would enhance water management strategies.