92-Potential for Implementation of Water Demand Management in Bahrain.

Abstract

Water is now considered a scarce but essential resource that should be managed in an integrated manner. Current urban water management concepts and practices cannot adequately respond to these requirements. The traditional approaches of resource handling are now considered as unsustainable. Water Demand Management (WDM) is a new approach that aims at influencing demand and thus improving distribution efficiency. There is a need to change the way that water resources are managed. In order to maintain sustainability, water Demand Management (WDM) application tools are required in addition to supply management, This paper presents a review of the currently existing water demand management measures such as economic, technical and social awareness in Bahrain. It focuses on the case studies of the development of alternative water demand management carried out in Bahrain—a fully urbanized, country by way of leakage control, water tariff, and water conservation. The paper also looks into scope of modifying age-old conservation practices by way of educating the public at the grass root level like schools, mosques and other social places and public forums.