Newsletter and Technical Publications
<Proceedings of the International Symposium on Efficient Water Use in Urban
Areas
- Innovative Ways of Finding Water for Cities ->
H. Session 7-I: Integrated Approaches for Efficient Water
Use - Learning from Case Studies (1)
Moderator: Prof. Adhityan Appan, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Rapporteur: Dr. Vicente Santiago-Fandino, Programme Officer, UNEP-IETC
Presenters:
(1) Mr. George Madhavan, Senior Engineer, Water Department, Public Utilities
Board, Singapore
(2) Dr. Indira Khurana, Co-ordinator, Natural Resource Management Unit, Centre
for Science and Environment, India
(3) Mr. Saul Arlosoroff, Water Resources Management-Consultant, Israel
(4) Mr. Dhesigen Pydiah Naidoo, Director, Water Conservation, Department of
Water Affairs and Forestry, Republic of South Africa
Two case studies were presented, outlining a variety of water management
methods using technological and policy approaches. Integrated approaches –
including demand management in Singapore and water harvesting in India – based
on the particular conditions, scale, level of development in the society,
available economic resources and public participation, were shown to be very
successful.
In the case of arid and semi-arid areas like the Middle East, stringent water
policies, sharing scarce water resources with neighbouring countries, and
economically viable technologies were shown to be crucial to ensure the
availability of water to all stakeholders.
In South Africa, where significant political change has recently taken place,
a revision of existing water policies will be required to make them more in tune
with the current and future needs of the country. A strategic integrated
approach to water use will be needed.
Session Recommendations:
- An integrated system based on a holistic approach is the most
effective way to optimise water resource use.
- The use of appropriate technologies and maintenance in storage and
distribution systems will have an enormous impact on water savings.
- For effective water resource management, public awareness and public
participation are crucial factors.
- To ensure effectiveness of water-related projects supported by
international agencies, involvement of the communities as well as
active participation of the public must be considered.
- Small-scale rainwater harvesting systems could prove to be more
efficient than centralised ones in many locations like villages and in
other small-scale developments in urban and rural areas.
- Based on the specific characteristics of a location, low-cost
technologies for water harvesting and distribution should be
considered and adapted.
- Reuse of “safe” sewage effluents is strongly recommended for
agricultural use ("fertigation"), particularly in arid and
semi-arid areas.
- Desalination should be considered as an alternative water source in
many coastal countries, as the production price continues to fall.
- Demand management is a more economic approach for water supply than
transporting water from remote sources.
- There is a need to look at water allocation strategies considering
regulatory aspects, as well as providing sufficient economic and
technical incentives to the users.
- In many cases, a strategic framework for water conservation will
result in considerable savings through deferred capital expenditures.
- 16For effective water resource management, there should be
appropriate regulations supported by the political will to enable
implementation at all levels.
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