David B. Brooks, of Friends of the Earth Canada proposes an operational definition of water demand management, to draw out the possible methods of saving water. His definition presents five water saving components, which are complementary, rather than alternatives:

1. reducing the quantity or quality of water required to accomplish a specific task;
2. adjusting the nature of the task so it can be accomplished with less water or lower quality water;
3. reducing losses in movement from source through use to disposal;
4. shifting time of use to off-peak periods; and
5. increasing the ability of the system to operate during droughts.

By detailing the options, this definition permits the source of the saving to be tracked. Brooks says that it is applicable to nations at different stages of economic development, and shows how greater water use efficiency is linked to the goals of equity, environmental protection and public participation. Taken together, these approaches make water demand management less a set of techniques and more like a concept of governance.

Contact: David E. Brooks, Director of Research, FOE Canada, dbrooks@foecanada.org, http://www.foecanada.orgRelated web site: The Water Sustainability ProjectSource: Brooks, D.B. (2006). An operational definition of water demand management. International journal of water resources development ; vol. 22, no. 4 : p. 521-528. DOI: 10.1080/07900620600779699

Tags: water resources management