Water use projections in DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

As developing countries are faced with maintaining water resources and building adequate delivery systems, it is important to analyze historical data to determine actual levels of use. In many developing countries, however, records with the necessary level of detail have not been maintained. Therefore, it is especially important to account for a variety of factors that may influence usage rates. This paper explores how water use trends are specific to local conditions and how making the assumption that per‐capita rates in the United States, for example, will also be achieved in developing nations can lead to overdeveloped systems. Evidence is given regarding how many times gross estimates are made of future water demand based on assumed increase factors and ways in which these assumptions can be incorrect. This article identifies actual changes in water use over time and provides actual water use data for a range of consumer sectors to assist in planning demand. The article also examines the impact of water cost on domestic use.