Review of water resources: Supply and demand

The water supply and demand balance in most ESCWA member countries is in serious deficit. Countries in the region that are not already facing a water balance deficit are steadily heading towards that direction. The availability of conventional water resources is affected by growing water demands and the deterioration of surface and groundwater quality. Moreover, studies indicate that climate change pressures are further exacerbating the situation. In order to meet this deficit, ESCWA member countries can manage their existing water resources more efficiently through demand side management tools or by increasing their supply of freshwater through the development of conventional and non-conventional water resources. A combination of both water supply and demand side options is often pursued in order to fill the gap in the water balance.

Related Subject(s): Economic and Social Development