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. Includes 20 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 94 - No. 8 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 410 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 12 |
| Published : | 08/01/2002 |
