Conserving Water Without Sacrificing Economic Growth: A Game-Changer for Water-Scarce Regions
The article presents two models that estimate how much water can be saved while maintaining economic output in the South Saskatchewan River Basin. By considering different types of water users, like irrigation and municipal/industrial users, the models show that a significant amount of water can be conserved without harming the economy. Irrigation is the biggest water saver, while municipal and industrial users play a smaller role. To maintain economic benefits, municipal and industrial users need to contribute more. Overall, water productivity can be greatly improved, but success depends on how different users react to conservation goals. If municipal and industrial users don't cooperate, overall water conservation efforts may be limited. These findings can help policymakers make informed decisions about managing water demand.