Water Demand Management

Globalization is a generic concept for a variety of social processes, including internationalization of businesses, the raise of multinational companies, the convergence of business practices. An important aspect when we talk about globalization is that in a world where everything is transforming and growing continuously, we can not keep track of the sustainable development importance, keeping the balance of natural resources and ecosystems. Human resource is the main beneficiary of valorizing systems, natural resources and, at the same time, the main disturbant of integrity or balance of natural resources and ecosystems. The human resource has its own potentialities which can be put at service for development. People have the capacity to receive, process information and knowledge, to generate information and knowledge with commercial value. Human intelligence thus becomes a factor of economic-social development and a parameter of integration in world flows, as a companion to globalization phenomenon.

The study explored the coping mechanisms adopted by residents of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, in response to persistent municipal water scarcity. Amid growing urban populations, outdated infrastructure, and the adverse effects of climate change, Cowdray Park, a high-density suburb has experienced chronic water shortages, compelling residents to seek alternative solutions for survival. The research adopted a qualitative case study approach, utilized semi-structured interviews with 30 purposively selected participants which included community residents, local leaders, municipal officials, and people living with disabilities. The findings of the study, revealed that residents rely on diverse coping strategies such as rainwater harvesting, water vending, JoJo tanks, boreholes, and wells to access water. These methods while innovative, they exposed the residents to health risks, economic strain, and social stress. The research was premised under the resilience theory, so as to understand the adaptive, absorptive, and transformative capacities of the community. The study concluded that, although residents form Cowdray Park have demonstrated resilience, sustainable solutions require inclusive governance, infrastructure investment, and coordinated policy interventions. The research offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and urban planners aimed at enhancing water sustainability and resilience in similar urban settings.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has gained significant importance over the past decade as a tool for accelerating growth and development of transition economies. It is widely believed that the advantages that FDI brings to the standard of living and prospects for economic growth of the host nation largely outweigh its disadvantages. Despite the growing interest in the subject, to our knowledge, there is still no satisfactory empirical work which can explain the determinants of the spatial distribution of FDI flows into the separate regions of Romania, one of the largest new EU-member states. Thus, this research attempts to fill this gap by using a primary data from a questionnaire that covers the entire transition period. The main goal of this study is to identify the main determinants of the direct foreign investments in Central, West and North West Romanian regions. Basically, the study is constructed so, that it will provide a list of the main strengths and weaknesses of Center, ...

All the papers of the present volume were peer reviewed by two independent reviewers of the Scientific Committee of the Revista Economică. Acceptance was granted when both reviewers" recommendations were positive. The authors have the full responsibility of the papers presented in this volume.

Urban areas are increasingly at risk from climate change, with negative impacts predicted for human health, the economy and ecosystems. These risks require responses from cities to improve their resilience. Several analysis platforms have been developed worldwide to help effectively control and response to these impacts from different angles, including water resources management, energy production and consumption management, air pollution control, or other natural resources management. To contribute to this goal, Griffith University in Australia has developed Autoflow©, a smart application for water demand analysis and carbon emission monitoring and prediction. Various advanced mathematical models have been embedded into this system, from machine learning and pattern recognition techniques for water end use analysis, to Dynamic Harmonic Regression, Kalman Filter and Fixed interval smooth algorithms for water demand forecasting. Once being deployed, Autoflow© will be an effective env...

As an EU member, Romania is firmly anchored in the global economy, making it sensitive to its developments, but also to its regression. The current period is still quite cloudy; Romania is still subject to major risks. As a result of deepening economic and financial crisis macroeconomic indicators have not had the sustained positive development. Romania’s GDP in 2009 declined from 7.3% to -7.1%, in 2010 the decrease was about 1.2%, as in 2011 and 2012 to record slightly positive developments of 2.5% and 0.3%. For 2013 it is expected an increase of 2% for Romania's GDP, while global economic growth is still quite slow. Since 2010 inflation rate is decreasing, going from 6.09% to 3.33% in 2012 and by the end of 2013 it should be around 3.4% according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. In 2010 the unemployment rate in Romania was at 7.3% reaching to 7% in 2012. We will try in this article to make a brief analysis of the current situation of Romania, but also to see what its prospe...

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the capability of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in water resource management for gauged as well as ungauged watershed. Availability of fresh water determines the development of any region or country because water plays a crucial role for the overall development. Groundwater is a vital natural resources which plays an important role for the development of rural as well as urban areas. Groundwater has limited extent and volume. The tremendous increase in the demand of groundwater for the purpose of household, agricultural and industrial use leads to the concept of water resource management. The result of over exploitation of groundwater throughout the world include lowering of water table, resulting lower agricultural productivity, sea water intrusion in coastal aquifer, land subsidence, groundwater quality degradation, droughts etc. To protect this precious resource from over exploitation and pollution, it is...

Water is fundamental for the economy and for our lives. Managing water scarcity remains one of the most pressing challenges across the globe. Smart Water Meter Systems (SWMS) are Internet of Things (IoT) innovations that have been around for over a decade and several studies on the use of smart water metering data for water management have been conducted. However, they are dispersed across various topics. For sustainable implementation of SWMS, it is necessary to review the existing practical adoption of the system. This paper is a review aimed at finding practical evidence on SWMS adoption by water utilities. A systematic literature review search of relevant databases was conducted using relevant search strings. Papers for the study were chosen based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main findings of the paper show real-world examples of water utilities that have successfully implemented SWMS, the key benefits of SWMS, and the challenges to SWMS adoption. The study identifies areas where future research can be pursued to better realize SWMS's full potential in promoting sustainable water management.

Use of mulches has been an effective and low cost strategy to increase the yield of vegetable crops. The experiment was conducted at Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, Haldwani in tarai region of central Himalaya. Both organic and inorganic mulches were used on four tomato varieties to study varietal response to mulching. Results revealed that mulching has significant beneficial effect on fruit yield over control. All the tomato lines used under study responded to mulching treatments and exhibited increase in fruit yield. Weed density was the lowest (2 numbers/m2) in black polythene and the highest in control (80 numbers/m2). Among the inorganic mulches, transparent polyhene could not suppress the growth of weeds as the sunlight was available for weeds to grow. Dry weight of weeds under transparent polythene was 56 g/m2, whereas among the organic mulches dry weight of weeds was 108 (dencha husk) to 216 g/m2 (rice straw). Inorganic mulches were found effective in prolonging the crop duration significantly with black polythene almost doubling the duration of fruit availability (62 days) compared to control (32 days).

In the context of freshwater scarcity, effective water resource management is essential. This study explores techniques to optimise the use of local water sources and promote conservation, proposing a model to balance the supply and demand of non-potable water in urban environments. The model serves as an alternative or complement to public water supplies, particularly in drought-prone regions. Through a qualitative analysis of national and international regulations, specifications, and technical standards, this research identifies key trends in the use of alternative water sources and highlights knowledge gaps in urban water management, which are addressed through the proposed model. The study emphasises the transition from Nearly Zero Water Buildings (NZWBs) to Urban Water Communities (UWCs) as a sustainable and resilient solution, integrating decentralised water management approaches and resource recovery from wastewater. Additionally, a case study in a Portuguese urbanisation area illustrates the application of these principles and assesses their potential in real-world scenarios. The findings contribute to the development of comprehensive guidelines and public policies for sustainable urban water management, supporting the implementation of decentralised and integrated solutions that enhance resilience, water security, and resource efficiency.

This paper presents an analytical framework aiming at improving the leakage management process in Water Distribution Network (WDN). The approach uses: 1) hydraulic simulation software (EPANET) to run several "leakage scenarios", by varying leak location (pipe) and severity and to store variations in pressure, at nodes, and flow, on pipes; 2) Spectral Clustering, which is applied on a graph, generated from the simulation data, having scenarios as nodes and edges weighted by the similarity between each pair of scenarios, in terms of pressure and flow variations; the goal is to group together leaks implying similar variations; 3) Support Vector Machine classification learning to discover a relation linking variations in pressure and flow to a limited set of probably leaky pipes. The approach also proposes a strategy to support costeffective placement of flow and pressure meters, through the identification of the best trade-off between reliability in localization and deployment costs. As a result, the overall approach has been validated on the Italian pilot site of the European project ICeWater, offering a very high reliability in localizing leak: about 98%, both on training and test data.

Another highly significant area water savings can take place is washing machine fittings in homes. Advanced types of Washing Machine Fittings not only enhance the washing efficiency of a machine but play an active role in bringing down water wastage. Water conservation is thus an increasingly necessary aspect for environmental conservation and water-saving utility costs. Here are some water-saving tips that can help you make the most of your washing machine fittings.

In recent years, culture became an important source of revenue and employment with a significant impact on sustainable development and the quality of life. As developing cultural industries is one of the Europe 2020 Agenda objectives, countries are supporting the creative sectors whose positive outputs lead to new jobs and economic growth. This paper aims to give an overview of the current state of Romanian cultural industries by comparison to other Central and Eastern European countries. Firstly, it starts with outlining the conceptual positions on culture and creativity, followed by a discussion on the theoretical aspects concerning cultural industries and their impact on prosperity and growth. We will look at the business sector, labour market, cultural vitality and participation within cultural industries to assess both the potential and the trends for development.

This study aims to understand meanings and practices associated with the showering intimacy experience. Results can contribute to transforming water consumption routines and consumption of hygiene products into more sustainable practices. We connect showering rituals with sustainable challenges and possibilities of material-social-political interventions, such as the use of transformative learning theory.

Water pricing is not reflect-in many countries- to water scarcity or sustainable use of water, as well as, is not reach to its value and only in many sectors- agriculture, industry and domestic- related to its full cost i.e. O&M cost plus capital cost with small margin between water pricing and water cost. The new concept should be considered water as an economic good according to Dublin conference in 1992. Therefore, water pricing should be done to cost recovery of water projects and referring to sustainable uses of water with reaching to water value in one hand. In other hand, it should be considered the willingness to pay.

Water is a critical resource for agricultural production, influencing food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. This presentation explores the multifaceted implications of water resources in agriculture, focusing on social, economic, and environmental issues.

Access to clean water is an essential but scarce requirement for healthy and sustainable living. Due to indiscriminate and uncontrolled use of this resource, a large amount of wastages occur which if not checked would lead to a very unhealthy shortage. This study therefore seeks to examine conservation methods as ways of optimizing access to clean water. A review of comprehensive literature was carried out to draw a variety of important conclusions as well as field studies, focusing on the middle income households within the study area. The principle water conservation factors focused on the use of water efficient technologies and alternative forms of collection, recycling and storage of water for later use. Investigating each system individually and together as combinations provided insight on percentages of potable water that could be saved. Certain combinations saved up to 80 percent of household consumptions while other arrangements still served the purpose of conserving water b...

This paper presents the preliminary findings of the Gold Coast Watersaver End Use Project which was conducted in winter 2008, for 151 homes on the Gold Coast, Australia. Specifically, the paper includes a break down of water end use consumption data, compares this with results of previous national studies, and explores the degree of influence of household socioeconomic regions on end use. Two highly variable water end use distributions, namely shower and irrigation, were examined in detail, clustered and are discussed herein. The paper concludes with a brief description of the greater ongoing research program.

Wide Bay Water Corporation is in the process of implementing automated meter reading technology in their water network. This technology allows the remote measurement and evaluation of water consumption at a residential and commercial level using a FIREFLY ® data logger and Commstar software. By using the FIREFLY ® , water usage patterns can be recorded each hour and stored for collection via a drive-by system. This paper presents the findings from a pilot study in Hervey Bay Queensland that Wide Bay Water Corporation has undertaken in conjunction with Griffith University. The objective was to identify household water leakage in residential properties located within a selected district metered area (DMA). Research outcomes include a water use profile of the metered residential properties, the types of leaks encountered and the cost of leak repairs. At the commencement of the program it was found that 2% of the meters accounted for 24% of the night time consumption. This study provides evidence that automated meter reading technology can quantify water leakage beyond the meter.

Knowledge on the determinants and patterns of water demand for different consumers supports the design of customized demand management strategies. Smart meters coupled with big data analytics tools create a unique opportunity to support such strategies. Yet, at present, the information content of smart meter data is not fully mined and usually needs to be complemented with water fixture inventory and survey data to achieve detailed customer segmentation based on end use water usage. In this paper, we developed a data-driven approach that extracts information on heterogeneous water end use routines, main end use components, and temporal characteristics, only via data mining existing smart meter readings at the scale of individual households. We tested our approach on data from 327 households in Australia, each monitored with smart meters logging water use readings every 5 s. As part of the approach, we first disaggregated the household-level water use time series into different end uses via Autoflow. We then adapted a customer segmentation based on eigenbehavior analysis to discriminate among heterogeneous water end use routines and identify clusters of consumers presenting similar routines. Results revealed three main water end use profile clusters, each characterized by a primary end use: shower, clothes washing, and irrigation. Time-of-use and intensity-of-use differences exist within each class, as well as different characteristics of regularity and periodicity over time. Our customer segmentation analysis approach provides utilities with a concise snapshot of recurrent water use routines from smart meter data and can be used to support customized demand management strategies.

Essentially, there are two overarching demand management strategies employed to achieve efficient water consumption in the residential sector. These are: targeting water use behaviour change ("mind") and promoting the use of water-efficient technologies ("machine"). Using detailed water end-use data and qualitative methods, this paper describes the role that each of these strategies has played over the last few years, using data from 250 residential properties located in the south-east corner of Queensland. The role of water-efficient technology (e.g. low-flow shower heads, 4-star-rated clothes-washers) in reducing potable demand will be compared with the importance of attitudes and behaviours to water conservation. Results indicate that how we value water (psycho-social variables) and interact with water-efficient fixtures is at least as important in reducing water consumption in the home as the quality and quantity of water-efficient stock. The paper concludes with some suggestions on how such study outcomes can be relevant to future demand management approaches.

Background: The current practice of weed control in grass planting relies on the use of inorganic materials. This approach has the
potential to damage the environment and is an inefficient method for controlling weeds in the cultivation of Super napier grass.
This study aims to examine the use of organic mulch as a means of controlling weeds in the cultivation of forage, particularly Super
napier grass.
Methods: The experiment employed a randomized block design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments were as
follows: no mulch (NM) served as the control treatment, rice straw mulch (RSM), rice husk mulch (RHM) and sawdust mulch (SDM).
Each of these treatments was plotted with 3.5 m  2.8 m in size. The experiment was conducted during the summer season, from
April to September 2023, in Macorawalie, Panca Rijang, Sidenreng Rappang, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The observed parameter
consisted of fresh weight, dry matter, growth, production and chemical soil.
Result: The experimental results revealed that the use of organic mulch resulted in significant effect on soil chemical properties as
it was proven to increase the N and C-organic contents of the soil. Sawdust mulch resulted in significant decrease in weed
population as compared to other treatments of organic mulch.

In Europe, improvements in water-use efficiency have been encouraged in order to achieve the Water Framework Directive’s environmental goals. However, it is often unclear where the saved water (if any) goes and to what extent it benefits aquatic ecosystems. While the technical aspects of this question have been widely debated, its political dimensions have seldom been addressed. In particular, few studies have examined the formulation, implementation or governance of policy tools aimed at reallocating ‘saved water’ to the environment. In the Durance River Basin (south-east France), a Water Saving Account (WSA) was created to facilitate the reallocation of water savings to aquatic ecosystems. Combining the political sociology of policy instruments and historical neo-institutionalist approaches, we show that, rather than fundamentally reordering water distribution, the WSA constitutes an ambiguous arrangement that favours the continuation of water savings investments – a policy that is compatible with a large array of objectives and interests – while at the same time embodying and manifesting the new environmental goals and rationale of the Agence de l’eau (Water Agency). We underline the key role of ambiguity in making ‘things which hold together’ and facilitating consensus among the main actors involved.

This study examined the factors influencing the willingness to pay for improved household water supply service in Akinyele Local Government, Oyo State. Data were collected from 107 households randomly sampled from the Local Government Area. A dichotomous choice contingent valuation technique was used to elicit households’ willingness to pay for an improved water supply service. The data were analyzed using logit regression technique. The results show that the mean willingness to pay of households for improved water supply service is 0.696. The positive mean willingness to pay implies that the households demand improved water supply service in which the improvement in the water supply service will directly improve their welfare. The results further reveal that the significant factors determining households’ willingness to pay for improved water supply service are number of households’ adults, minutes taken to fetch water, and the amount willing to pay by the households for the propos...

Dedico especialmente aos moradores do Novo Horizonte e do Estrela Tovy que possibilitaram a coleta de dados, a intromissão em seus quintais e em suas rotinas. Sem eles este trabalho não seria possível. Ao Seu Márcio, aventureiro, que me contou algumas boas histórias sobre seu trabalho e viagens; ao Seu Dourado, um pequeno e sagaz comerciante, solícito deu passagem e apresentou a família; ao Caique, jovem soldado, entusiasmado em ajudar e cuidar da parte que lhe coube do projeto. A cada uma destas pessoas que permitiram meu trabalho e deram vida ao meu projeto, minha profunda gratidão. Dedico aos meus pais Benedito (in memorian) e Maria Luiza, sempre me fortalecerão. Ao professor Charlei pelas oportunidades e orientações que ao longo do tempo foram incutindo em mim uma postura de maior interesse pela pesquisa, levando-me a fazer reflexões política e sociais nas mais simples leituras. Por incitar a curiosidade geográfica e proporcionar espaço para desenvolver a pesquisa, minha sincera gratidão Professor! Aos professores do Curso de Gestão Ambiental, especialmente aos professores Joelson Gonçalves, Vito Comar e Jairo Campos, que me acolheram desde o princípio do curso e demonstraram paciência e disposição em auxiliar, apresentando perspectivas humanas da leitura do mundo e das práticas de gestão através do trabalho compromissado. Obrigada. À minha sobrinha Rebeca, tantas vezes minha luz no fim do túnel, com tão pouca idade foi em tantos momentos a voz mais sábia. Te amo imensamente e lhe serei eternamente grata por me inspirar e me incentivar a ser uma pessoa melhor. Ao meu ex parceiro Demétrius por me auxiliar no trabalho de campo e por mostrar-me onde não quero estar. Gratidão. Aos companheiros do Laboratório de Geografia Física, por me receberem e me apoiarem, especialmente à Regina Maria, Vladimir Santos, Bruno Souza e Patrícia Ferreira, pelas pequenas ajudas que fizeram toda a diferença na realização deste trabalho. As minhas amigas Roberta, Gabriela e Jéssica, por tantas vezes aturarem-me falando deste trabalho, por enriquecerem meus pensamentos e me proporcionarem gargalhadas nos momentos de tensão, em meio a tudo, o carinho de vocês foi viração! Ao Ferrugem e ao Maicão, manos de sangue e de vida, agradeço pelo incentivo, pelos dias prazenteiros e cheios de sabedorias passados em vossas companhias. Que a nossa amizade e amor sempre prospere! EPÍGRAFE "O lugar do dinheiro é um céu, um alto lugar onde os santos mudam de nome quando vem a ter de ser, mas o latifúndio não. Madre de tetas grossas, para grandes e ávidas bocas, matriz, terra dividida do maior para o grande, ou mais de gosto ajuntada do grande para o maior, por compra dizemos ou aliança, ou de roubo esperto, ou crime estreme, herança dos avós e meu bom pai, em glória estejam. Levou séculos para chegar a isto, quem duvidará de que assim vai ficar até à consumação dos séculos? E esta outra gente quem é, solta e miúda, que veio com a terra, embora não registada na escritura, almas mortas, ou ainda vivas? A sabedoria de Deus, amados filhos, é infinita: aí está a terra e quem a há-de trabalhar, crescei e multiplicai-vos. Crescei e multiplicai-me, diz o latifúndio. Mas tudo isto pode ser contado doutra maneira.

The active participation of energy consumers is regarded as essential for the effective roll-out and development of a wide range of smart energy technologies, micro-generation and energy demand policies. As such, the ‘active consumer’ has become a focus of European Union energy policy in recent years. Accordingly, and as an output of the SHAPE ENERGY project, this report has two aims: • to present and offer guidance for interested parties on different Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) options for examining active consumers, including suggesting how particular SSH approaches might shape the direction of energy research and findings; and • to examine options for the integration of different SSH disciplinary approaches to the active consumer, as well as considering the implications of such integrations for future energy research. While recognising multiple understandings of active consumers and their energy consumption, we adopt a broad definition. Specifically, active (energy) cons...

In the autumn-winter months of 2023-2024, there is a very serious drought situation that affects around 4,000 hectares of the irrigable area of the Riudecanyes reservoir, in the Baix Camp and Tarragonès regions of the province of Tarragona in Catalonia, managed by the Community of Irrigators of the Riudecanyes Reservoir, in addition to supplying drinking water to various municipalities in the area, based on an administrative concession in force. To solve this problem, which may be repeated and even worsen in the future, three possible alternatives are considered, the reasoned presentation of which, both from a technical and legal point of view, is presented below.
Key words: reuse, purification, transfer, salinity, reservoir, irrigation, water balance, drought, hydrographic basin, water demand.

Standard consumer theory suggests that economic agents respond to changes in prices of goods. However, all agents do not respond as quickly to these changes, for some particular goods, which is the case of drinking water. This article analyzes the correlation between the consumption of water bycontract account for each layer and the base charge component of the tariff, for which we estimate the elasticity of consumption with respect to backwardness of a rate period. This raises the basic variable rate is an effective tool for controlling excessive water consumption in the lower strata -1, 2 and 3-; in the other hand, this is not an effective mechanism in reducing consumption by home, to the upper strata -4, 5 and 6 -. Finally, alternatives are suggested in some literature, aimed at establishing management programs of urban water demandLa teoría estándar del consumidor plantea que los agentes económicos responden ante los cambios en los precios de un bien. Sin embargo, no todos los a...

This paper explores the challenges faced by small municipalities in providing water services in a developing-world context of increasing urban demand. The paper uses a case study of the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM) in South Africa. The municipality faces multiple dilemmas in reconciling its available water supply with growing demand for potable water in the primary urban settlement in the area, in a struggle that is typical of the broad category of South African municipalities to which the SRVM belongs. These dilemmas are explored using a system dynamics model, referred to as the 'Kirkwood water demand system dynamics model' (K-DEM). This paper specifically introduces the K-DEM structure, which is aimed at investigating the impacts of households progressively receiving full water and sanitation services; the use of rainwater harvesting as an alternative form of water supply; and the possible effect of a household-level water conservation / water demand management programme. Baseline results are discussed, and areas for future research identified.

As the largest user of water, irrigated agriculture is under intense pressure to concede water to other, rapidly growing sectors. Subsidies for infrastructure are shrinking, the most accessible and cheapest water resources have been developed, and in an increasing number of river basins, all or most of the water resources have been committed. Demand for water for higher value uses-domestic, industrial and hydropower-is rising and there is growing pressure to allocate adequate water to environmental needs. A natural consequence of scarcity is conflict over water allocation, rights and entitlements among the various claimants. In the face of these problems, the irrigation sector must produce more food with less water. Achieving sustainable increases in the productivity of irrigated agriculture requires increased water use efficiency at farm and system levels, and integrated management of water resources in water basins. Aware of these issues, many Asian developing countries are preparing to reform their policies and institutional systems. ADB's emerging water policy is helping this process. There is an urgent need for policy research and science-based solutions to improve the productivity and sustainability of irrigated agriculture, to ensure water-food security for poor men and women, a critical step in poverty eradication.

The definitions used in this booklet are as follows: Agent A person who is approved under Section 7 of Waterworks Ordinance as an agent of a communal service. Authorized Person An Authorized Person registered under the Buildings Ordinance. Communal Service That part of a fire service or inside service which is used in common by more than one consumer in the same premises. Connexion to the Main The pipe between the main and the control valve which is nearest to the main and which regulates the flow of a supply from the main into a fire service or inside service, such control valve and all fittings between such control valve and the main. Consumer A person who is approved under Section 7 of Waterworks Ordinance as a consumer of a fire service or inside service. Direct Supply System A plumbing system which conveys water directly from the government water mains to the point of usage without any transit water storage tanks. Fire Service The pipes and fittings in premises, and any pipes and fittings between the premises and a connexion to the main, which are used or are intended to be used for a supply solely for the purposes of fire fighting.

For decades, the interaction between water and people has attracted hydrologists’ attention. However, the coevolution of social and natural processes, which occurs across a range of time scales, has not yet been adequately characterized. This research gap has motivated more research in recent years under the umbrella of “socio-hydrology”. The purpose of socio-hydrology is to posit the endogeneity of humans in a hydrological system and then to investigate feedback mechanisms between hydrological and human systems that might lead to emergent phenomena.
The current state-of-the-art in socio-hydrology faces several challenges that include (1) a tenuous connection of socio-hydrology to broader research on social, economic, and policy aspects of water resources, (2) the (in)capability of socio-hydrological models to capture human behavior by generic feedback mechanisms that can be extrapolated to other places, and (3) unsatisfying calibration or validation processes in modeling. To address the first gap, a socio-hydrology study needs to connect proper social theories on water-related human decision making with a water resource model based on a given context and scale. Addressing the second gap calls for socio-hydrology research with case studies in different and contrasting regions and at different scales. In fact, such study can shed light on the similarities and differences in socio-hydrological systems in different contexts and scales as initial steps for future research. The third research gap calls for a socio-hydrology study that improves calibration and validation processes. Thus, to address all these gaps in one thesis, two case studies with completely different environments are chosen to investigate various phenomena at different scales.
The research presented here contributes to socio-hydrological understanding at two spatial scales. To account for the heterogeneity of human decision making and its interactions with the hydrologic system, an agent-based modeling (ABM) approach is used in this research. The first objective is to explore human adaptation to drought as well as the subsequent expected or unexpected effects on the agricultural sector and to develop a socio-hydrological model to predict agricultural water demand. To do so, an agent-based agricultural water demand model (ABAD) is developed. This model is applied to the Bow River Basin in Alberta, Canada, as a study region, which has recently experienced drought periods. The second objective is to explore conflict-and-cooperation processes in transboundary rivers as socio-hydrological phenomena at a large scale. The Eastern Nile Basin Socio-hydrological (ENSH) model is developed and applied to the Eastern Nile Basin (ENB) in Africa in which conflict-and-cooperation dynamics can be seen among Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The ENSH model aims to quantify and simulate these countries’ willingness to cooperate in the ENB.
ABAD demonstrates (1) how farmers’ attitudes toward profits, risk aversion, environmental protection, social interaction, and irrigation expansion explain the dynamics of the water demand and (2) how the conservation program may paradoxically lead to the rebound phenomenon whereby the water demand may increase after decreasing through modernized irrigation systems. Through the ABAD model analysis, economic factors are found to dominantly control possible rebounds. Based on the insights gained via the model analysis, it is discussed that several strategies, including community participation and water restrictions, can be adopted to avoid the rebound phenomenon in irrigation systems. Fostering farmers’ awareness about the average water use in their community could be a means to avoid the rebound phenomenon through community participation. Also, another strategy to avoid the rebound phenomenon could be to reassign water allocations to reduce farmers’ water rights.
The ENSH model showed that (1) socio-political factors (i.e., relative political stability and foreign direct investment) can explain two historical trends (i.e., (a) fluctuations in Ethiopia’s willingness to cooperate between 1983 and 2009 and (b) a decreasing Ethiopia’s willingness to cooperate between 2009 and 2016); (2) the 2008 food crisis (i.e., Sudan’s food gap) may account for Sudan recovering its willingness to cooperate; and (3) Egypt’s political (in)stability plays a role in its willingness to cooperate.
The outcomes of this research can provide valuable insights to support policymakers for the long-term sustainability of water planning. This research investigates two main socio-hydrological phenomena at different spatial scales: the agricultural rebound phenomenon at a small geographical scale and the conflict and cooperation phenomena at a large geographical scale. The emergence of these phenomena can be a complex resultant of interaction and feedback mechanisms between the social system at the individual, institutional, and society levels and the hydrological system. Through developing quantitative socio-hydrological models, this research investigates the feedback mechanisms that may lead to the rebound phenomenon at a small scale and the conflict and cooperation phenomenon at a large scale. Finally, the research shows how these socio-hydrological models can be used for sustainable water management to avoid negative long-term consequences.

Revija Management je namenjena managerjem in podjetnikom, raziskovalcem in znanstvenikom, študentom in izobražencem, ki snujejo in uporabljajo znanja o obvladovanju organizacij. Združuje dejavnostne, vedenjske in pravne vidike managementa in organizacij. Obravnava dejavnosti organizacij, njihovo urejenost in sredstva, ki jih uporabljajo. Zastopa svobodo misli in ustvarjanja, sprejema razli čnost vrednot, interesov in mnenj. Zavzema se za eti čnost odlo čanja, moralnost in zakonitost delovanja. Revija Management je vklju čena v ibz, doaj, EconPapers, Cabell's in ebsco; izhaja s finan čno pomo čjo Javne agencije za knjigo Republike Slovenije. issn 1854-4231 glavni in odgovorni urednik prof. dr. Štefan Bojnec urednik izr. prof. dr. Mitja I. Tav čar uredniški odbor Milena Bevc, Inštitut za ekonomska raziskovanja, Ljubljana

Pioneering sewage recycling in a greenfield residential development provides many lessons This case study illustrates that whilst being a pioneer comes with costs, it also brings substantial long-term benefit. Making the commitment to using recycled water at a new large residential subdivision was, at the time, a high-stakes decision. Assessing the risks in the unfamiliar territory revealed surprising insights about the familiar but less-well examined business-as-usual approaches. The business value Aurora provided for Yarra Valley Water to learn-by-doing is deemed to have outweighed the financial costs. Greenfield 3.5 A cApAcity clAss of wAter type UsAGe Prefiltration, ultrafiltration membrane treatment, UV disinfection, chlorination Aurora's water recycling scheme is located in a greenfield residential development in Melbourne's northern urban fringe. The plant commenced operation in 2009. Toilet flushing, laundry, garden watering and car washing, irrigation of public open space ML/d This study is funded by the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence under the Commonwealth's Water for the Future Initiative AUrorA cAse stUdy 2 InsTITUTE FOR sUsTAInAbLE FUTUREs © 2013 AboUt the project This national collaborative research project entitled "Building industry capability to make recycled water investment decisions" sought to fill significant gaps in the Australian water sector's knowledge by investigating and reporting on actual costs, benefits and risks of water recycling as they are experienced in practice. This project was undertaken with the support of the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in collaboration with 12 partner organisations representing diverse interests, roles and responsibilities in water recycling. ISF is grateful for the generous cash and in-kind support from these partners: UTS

Demanda de agua en hogares urbanos y cambios tarifarios en Bogotá REsUMEN La teoría estándar del consumidor plantea que los agentes económicos responden ante los cambios en los precios de un bien. Sin embargo, no todos los agentes responden con la misma velocidad ante estos cambios en algunos bienes particulares, este es el caso del agua potable. Este artículo analiza la correlación entre el consumo de agua por cuenta-contrato para cada estrato y el componente de cargo básico de la tarifa, para lo cual se estiman las elasticidades del consumo con respecto al rezago de un periodo de la tarifa. Así, se plantea que la tarifa variable básica es una herramienta efectiva para el control de consumos excesivos de agua en los estratos bajos-1, 2 y 3-, por el contrario, este no es un mecanismo eficaz en la disminución de los consumos por hogar para los estratos altos-4, 5 y 6-. Finalmente, se presentan alternativas que se sugieren en una parte de la literatura especializada, dirigidas al establecimiento de programas de gestión de la demanda de agua urbana. Palabras clave: Análisis empírico del consumo, gestión de la demanda de agua, agua potable.

Tax system structure and the effectiveness of tax collection influences tax-gap. In the present research the authors analyse the improvement of tax collection practices in 26 European Union member states. The paper also explores the convergence characterizing the process of VAT-gap reduction in the Central and Eastern European region. The VAT-gap is investigated with the beta (I²) convergence model developed by Barro and Sala-i-Martin (1992), initially used for the measurement of real income convergence. Beta-convergence means that countries with lower level of income grow faster than rich ones in the same period. No significant VAT-gap convergence could be identified between the 26 European countries, but a relatively strong convergence could be observed in the case of the CEE region.

The irrational use of irrigation water resources is a major constraint to agricultural development in the watersheds of Morocco, including the Tadla sub-basin. It is essential for these areas to have effective instruments for managing and organizing the control and distribution of water resources and to ensure their protection and conservation. Within this context, this study focused on the Tadla sub-basin, where there has been a marked decrease in the supply of irrigation water. Using a dynamic agro-economic model called 'TADMOD' (for TADla Basin MODel), which classifies agricultural units according to their different sources of irrigation water, the study's main purpose was to analyse the interannual variations in selected irrigation water management indicators. One of the most important indicators studied here was irrigation water shadow price between 2011 and 2020. The results of the analysis revealed important differences in this indicator value among the observed a...

Water is now considered a scarce but essential resource, which should be managed in an integrated manner. The traditional approaches of resource development are now considered as unsustainable. Water demand management (WDM), the new approach, aims at influencing demand, thus improving distribution efficiency. Leakage control and pressure management are some of the WDM strategies. The study was carried out in Mutare and investigated the potential for leakage control through pressure management. The city experiences high water losses due to an aged system of reticulation, faulty metering of 25% and high system pressures. Unaccounted for water (UFW) for the city during the study period averaged 57%. UFW for the two specific study areas in Chikanga averaged 47% and 32%. One of the areas was investigated for leakage reduction through pressure management. The normal operating pressure in the system was 75-80 m. Epanet was used for modelling pressure distribution. Results from logged minimum night flows (MNF) show that at 77 m UFW due to leakage was 25%. A pressure reduction from 77 m to 50 m resulted in 25% reduction in MNF. Further reduction of pressure below 50 m resulted in deterioration of service. No flow was received at the highest point when the pressure was set at 30 m. At this pressure, results from Epanet gave À0.84 m pressure at the highest point. The hydraulic model predicted 50 m as minimum pressure for an acceptable minimum pressure in the system. It was concluded that operating the system at 50 m in the area under pressure management reduced the MNF by 25% without affecting the service. There is great potential for leakage control through pressure management. It is recommended that leakage control through pressure management be investigated in other parts of the city using Epanet as a tool. Replacement of very old pipes should be considered together with other strategies.

Dans les territoires soumis aux risques naturels, le souvenir des catastrophes n’incite pas toujours la capacité les populations à anticiper et gérer les crises. La fréquence d’événements de moindre gravité tend à amoindrir leur sentiment de vulnérabilité, et des phénomènes plus rares mais plus destructeurs disparaissent de leur mémoire collective…

Australia has invested heavily in water efficiency in recent years, mainly due to severe drought, and has implemented some of the largest efficiency programs in the world. Despite this there is little public information on actual savings achieved or the cost effectiveness of programs implemented. This paper draws together the limited publicly available evaluations from Australia, focusing on the residential sector. It describes some of the large-scale residential programs implemented such as home retrofits, showerhead exchanges, washing machine rebates, toilet retrofits and rainwater tank rebates. It identifies key savings evaluation techniques used including participant-control and regression analysis, and summarizes water savings results from evaluation studies conducted. It also discusses key learnings from both the evaluation techniques employed and the programs implemented. The paper will be of significant interest to water service providers looking for evidence of actual savings achieved and/or wanting to understand how to evaluate their own programs.

Focussed on a case study of Geelong, Victoria, this paper presents the results of a unique comparison of (i) a custom-built regression model for forecasting total customer water demand and (ii) end-use based water projections using the integrated Supply Demand Planning model (iSDP) model. The regression model used historical data for calibration based on level of restrictions, evapotranspiration, temperature, and rainfall. By selecting a future climate scenario (and any anticipated restriction periods) for the next 10 year period, demand can be projected by the model. By contrast, the end use model was calibrated to consumption data during drought (rather than long term averages) to determine the extent to which end use consumption was suppressed and how much each end use may be expected to rebound under a range of scenarios. Results from both approaches are contrasted and reflections of the relative strengths of each approach are discussed.

During the last century Europe, politicians have become increasingly aware that the establishment of lasting domestic and international economic relations based on trust and demonstrating solidarity with individuals and / or less developed nations, have become indispensable in order to achieve general welfare It is important to analyse the conditions for achieving economic growth and regional development, which have been discussed in terms of the experiences of Member States over time and their critical issues affecting the EU and making it vulnerable. The issue of the financial instruments used by the EU to improve regional development and alignment of Member States policies is also approached. The economic development of a region is usually expressed in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). This ratio is also frequently used as a basis for regions’ comparison. Another indicator is the one related to employment. Regional convergence in GDP per capita expressed in PPS can be analys...