I am relatively new to the field of water governance my research interests are focusing on smart metering to control water over-abstraction in the context of African cities, I already have information on the legislative and institutional aspects for my case studies yet, still trying to know more on the technical and managerial aspects of the technology. I would like to ask your opinion about
- what do you think are the most relevant research directions?
- what are the key questions of urban water regulation in the African context?
- what analysis methods should I review?
- how would you describe the most important goals of a water regulation analysis?
I would be happy to read your opinions and related literature as well. Thank you very much for your answer and suggestions! Kind regards
I think it's worthy to just review between 15 to 20 papers related to your topic from at least Scopus journals. Then, you will find that authors are highlighting knowledge gaps and suggesting future paths of research.
Besides, you will have a solid argument on why are you choosing this or that research question and research problem!
I focus my answer on over-abstaction of water. I'm not familiar with the context of African citys, but I assume the governance measures should challenge shortages.
You have 3 points to control water use.
1. at the source (wells etc.)
2. at the point of use (every household)
3. at the point of disposal (water treatments)
1. Source:
Every abstraction of water should be permitted by a govermental agency. Many contries collecting fees on water abstraction. (see www.oecd.org/env/resources/46228724.pdf) You can meter this by pumping hours, power usage, with magnetic inductive flow meters, mechanical meters or in open channels ultrasound sensors or old fashioned with a venturi meter. All devices are available with analogue or digital interfaces and trasmit data 24/7.
2. point uf usage
Utility companies have to charge their users to cover the costs. Usually with they use a meter. The variety is big and you can design plans as you want. It makes sense to charge the most, if a resource is rare.
If the source is at the point of use (private well) the permission defines the costs.
3. point of disposal
Municipals should have a water treatment plan. I personally pefer decentralized treatments where it is possible. You have the same metering options. In Addition, you can meter the pollution.
Over-abstraction can only be challenged by economic functions, means you pay for what you use. To show what effect this can have it might be worthful to study the situation in East-Germany. Article Determinants of Residential Water Demand in Germany
In socialist GDR, before 1990, fresh drinking water was a free resource for everybody. All the costs were covered by the goverment. This led to a water use of 200 litre per person per day. After 1990, municipalities had to cover the costs and the charged for the use. The use dropped immidiatly to 60-80 litres per person per day. To maintain the oversized infrastructure, they have to charge additionals fees for these expenses and lead to a higher price. In addition, the economic crisis forced a migration from East to West. Some cities lost 30% of the inhabitants which led to the highest water prices and the least consumption in East Germany.
Back to the african cities. I think the most challenging measure is the shortage of water in dry seasons. To govern this, it can be worthful to implement grey water systems into the society. (Rainwater storage, Double use of water...)
The most important goal is to give everybody a clean water supply for a fair price. Overconsumption must be target of a high prices.
Relevant could be stakeholder analysis focused on how would people react on changes in charding and metering of water and WHY? Water demand management could be the field or buzwords to review.
Dear Lenka,
- Research direction: How is the non-revenue water affecting growth of Water Service Providers.
- Regulation in African context. Ensuring that all the residents get water at least thrice a week during the dry season.
- Laws and bills in different countries.
- Goal is to achieve customer satisfaction and adoption of new technologies in water supply.
Most of Urban areas share complex issues related to high population growth which will affect the increasing demand of water. The changing landscape of urban area tend to reduce the "green space" and water springs. Water supply would be rely on other regions (mostly rural areas). I think researching urban water governance should consider the concept of "rural urban linkage"
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