Economic implications of water suppy [sic] shortages: local and global perspectives
Date
2010-03
Authors
Wichelns, Dennis, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Abstract
The increasing demand for water in all sectors has brought new focus to the use of nonconventional water sources, for both potable and non-potable purposes. Desalination of seawater and brackish water, and advanced treatment of sewage effluent have increased in recent years, particularly in arid regions seeking to enhance their effective water supply. Desalination is used primarily to produce drinking water, although desalinated water is used also for irrigation in some countries. Most of the treated wastewater that is not discharged into receiving waters is used to irrigate landscapes and agricultural crops. In some countries treated wastewater is injected or infiltrated into groundwater as part of an aquifer storage and recovery program. In some areas, such programs expand the supply of water available for irrigation, while also extending the useful life of aquifers that might otherwise be depleted due to excessive pumping. We review some of the issues pertaining to the use of desalination and treated wastewater to expand water supplies. We describe several examples in which countries have either gained substantial experience in using desalination or wastewater treatment, or they are considering the potential role of such a program in response to increasing water scarcity. While the potential benefits of using desalinated water and treated wastewater for irrigation and other purposes are substantial, so too is the potential public concern regarding these nonconventional water sources. Educational programs and financial incentives might be required to motivate producers and consumers to begin viewing these sources as safe and affordable alternatives.
Description
Presented at Upgrading technology and infrastructure in a finance-challenged economy: a USCID water management conference held on March 23-26, 2010 in Sacramento, California.