Water efficiency and effective water management - a shared responsibility

摘要

Water Scarcity is among the main problems to be faced by the World in the 21st century (Pereira et al., 2009). It occurs when so much water is withdrawn that supplies can no longer adequately satisfy all requirements, resulting in competition among potential users. However, there is more than enough water in the world (UNDP, 2006). Although water scarcity is shaped by where and how nature delivers water, it is inadequate water management which is ultimately responsible for water shortages. In the developing countries alone, every day more than 45 million m~3 of drinking water are lost in the water distribution systems, a quantity that could serve nearly 200 million people (Liemberger, 2007). Water loss occurs both in the developed world and in developing countries, but it is a serious issue in areas where water is scarce.