Water utility of the future: a case study of conservation as a service
Date
2019-10
DOI
Authors
Grinshpun, Michael
Ashmore, Jacqueline
Benzaoui, Josef
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Water utilities serving growing populations in dry climates face challenges in balancing increasing
water demand with scarce supplies. New water supply sources are increasingly expensive and require
construction of additional infrastructure for treatment and delivery. This poses a challenge for utilities
to balance revenues and costs to remain financially viable. As a result, water utilities may face a difficult
choice. If the utility chooses to develop new water supplies, they will have to increase their rates.
However, they can also choose to assess alternative supply and demand management strategies to
match revenues with the increasing marginal costs. Approaches such as water reuse, rainwater or
condensate harvesting or harnessing other alternative sources are becoming increasingly widespread.
Nonetheless, it is important to continuously assess and implement demand conservation programs,
which often prove relatively quick, low-cost and straightforward to implement. [TRUNCATED]