15. Sustainable Water Management in Response to Global Changes

Presumably, sustainable water management is the correct answer to the changing precipitation patterns resulting from global warming and to the rapid increase of the global water demand caused by population growth and lifestyle changes on the global as well as on the regional level. To minimize volume and rate of abstraction from aquifers and man-made reservoirs, elementary improvements are recommended concerning water usage, water transportation, and pricing. Innovative water-efficient agricultural practices are to be developed and introduced. Concerning urban water management priority is to be given to maintenance, cascading use of water and water reuse. In water-deficient areas, wastewater has to be considered as a potential source of water. City planners, architects, investors, and representatives of water authorities are called to join forces. It needs to be understood that methods tailored to the specific climatic, hydrological, economic, and cultural situation at the spot are superior over traditional methods described in major textbooks. Sustainable solutions can be expected to materialize when up-to-date knowledge and wisdom meet.