Water Demand and Quality Management

1. Introduction

Water demand and quality control are crucial to ensure everyone can access clean and safe drinking water. Water demand management is the process of reducing water usage to decrease the demand for water resources. The act of conserving and improving the quality of water resources is known as water quality management. Water demand and quality control are closely related, as reducing water demand can help enhance water quality by reducing the pollution that enters water bodies (Gleick, 2003). Improving water quality can make it more appealing to customers and encourage them to conserve water. Managing water demand and quality is crucial for adapting to climate change. Sea level rise and changes in precipitation patterns are two significant effects of climate change that are expected to impact water resources significantly. Effective management of water demand and quality can assist communities in adapting to these changes and safeguarding their water resources (P. H., 2003). Here are some of the critical challenges to water demand and quality management:

• 1.

  Population expansion and urbanization are putting further strain on water resources.

• 2.

  Climate change is expected to impact water supplies due to changes in precipitation patterns and rising sea levels.

• 3.

  Domestic, industrial, and agricultural water pollution is a severe problem in many parts of the world.

• 4.

  Water is wasted due to inefficient water use and infrastructural leaks.

Water demand and quality management can be improved by taking various actions to address these issues such as investing in water infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce leaks (P. H., 2003).

• 1.

  Implement water-saving measures such as water-efficient appliances and fixtures, as well as public education initiatives.

• 2.

  Reducing agricultural, industrial, and residential water pollution through legislation, incentives, and best practices.

• 3.

  Developing integrated water management strategies that consider the environmental, social, and economic elements of water consumption.

• 4.

  Water demand and quality management are critical to ensure everyone can access clean, safe water and preserve our water resources for future generations.

1.1 Background of Global Water Challenges: Water is not only necessary for life, but it is also an important resource for economic development and social well-being. Water supplies, on the other hand, are under rising strain due to a variety of issues, including WHO 2017:

• 1.

  Population growth: The world's population is expected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, putting further demand on water resources.2. Urbanisation: As more people move to cities, there is an increase in water demand and wastewater generation WHO (2018).

  • 3.

    Climate change: The increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, can impact water availability and quality.

  • 4.

    Water pollution: Water pollution is a big issue in many regions of the world, and it can make drinking water and other uses unhealthy.