iwrm: global perspective - regional solutions

Global Water Partnership High Level

Session

IWRM: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE – REGIONAL SOLUTIONS

Global Perspective

AWWA’s State of the Industry Report identified 10 major challenges in the water industry Six (6) of these identified here are also present in other regions such as South Africa

Theft of water resourcesMismatch between water supply and water demandFailure to achieve demand management targetsDecaying infrastructureDeteriorating water qualityLoss of essential skillsWater is simply undervalued

WHAT IS INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ?(IWRM?)

An IWRM approach is an open, flexible process that brings together decision makers across all sectors that impact water resources. A process that brings all stakeholders to the table to set policy and make sound balanced decisions that meet specific water challenges

WHY IWRM?

1. Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource, essential to life, development and the environment

2. Water development and management should be based on a participatory approach, involving users, planners and policy makers at all levels

3. Water has an economic value in all its competing uses and should be recognized as an economic good, taking into account affordability and equity criteria

New Approaches to IWRM

Global appreciation of conservation for environmental, social and economic benefitsWater managers moving away from supply side solutionsLong term, integrated approachesDemand Side Management solutions must prevailIWRM can only be successful if there is a clear relationship between standards and policyLocal government MUST drive the implementation of IWRM but has to be supported and given autonomy by higher levels of government

COMPONENTS OF AN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Standards and policyLand use and landscape architect Environmental management and hydrologyAsset managementFinance

Education and public outreachOperations and maintenancePartnershipsDemand management and reuseEffective treatmentDrought Management

The City of Kelowna’s Experience:

Reduced water consumption by 35% using IWRMTarget 45% within 2 years

Challenges before IWRM 30% population growthNo sustainable approachesLack of political willInequitable pricing

4 things were essential to achieving this success:• Political will : changed due to crisis at hand

Water Metering: understandingwho is using the waterEffective Rates: ensuring thatvarious customer classes paytheir fair sharePublic Education: social marketing programs targetedto specific users

The City of Kelowna’s Experience:

POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS

Consideration is being given to a conference/workshop that presents a holistic overview of IWRM for government officials and senior managers as part of the Effective Utility Management (EUM) Programme

Drought Management PlanCopies available at:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/drought_info/index.html