Freshwater Management in Industrialized Urban Areas: The Role of Water Conservation

Access to safe drinking water is a serious concern in developing countries, where 1.1 billion people lack access (WHO, 2000). i But access to water is also inadequate in many urban areas of industrial countries, especially during periods of drought (NDMC, 1997). The situation may worsen in industrial urban areas due to: Increased water demand for economic development and population growth (Wolff and Gleick, 2002); Impacts of changes in both global and regional climate on water supply systems (Alliance to Save Energy, 2003; Blake et al. 2000; Morehouse, 2000); and Reduced percolation due to high levels of impervious surfaces resulting from urbanization of basins (EPA, 1997; Cahill et al. 1996; Schueler, 1994). Increased water demand for economic development and population growth (Wolff and Gleick, 2002); Impacts of changes in both global and regional climate on water supply systems (Alliance to Save Energy, 2003; Blake et al. 2000; Morehouse, 2000); and Reduced percolation due to high levels of impervious surfaces resulting from urbanization of basins (EPA, 1997; Cahill et al. 1996; Schueler, 1994).