Estimation of Domestic Water Demand and Supply Using System Dynamics Approach

Water is a basic need for survival and well-being of all, and therefore, it is required to provide adequate quantity and potable quality of water to all. Water is used for all purposes such as domestic, agriculture and industrial needs, navigational, recreational, and power generation. In this study, water demands and supply for domestic sector have been presented. Based on various factors, e.g., the level of economy, technological advancement, and pricing policy, level of urbanization, ratio of private to public water supply, and population coverage under public water supply, the unit water demand and supply at the user end for domestic sector is calculated and discussed. With the help of Vensim simulation software, a system dynamics-based simulation model (domestic water sector model) for estimating the domestic water demand and supply has been developed. Domestic water sector model is validated on the available data, and the simulated results showed good agreement. Study showed that the water supply is meeting the projected water demand of 87.35 BCM in the year 2050 (for a projected population of 1.645 billions) because the highest priority is given to meet the domestic water demand as per National Water Policy of India, GOI.