Governance
As defined by the UNDP Water Governance Facility, water governance is determined by the political, social, economic, and administrative systems that are in place. These systems can both directly and indirectly affect the use, development, and management of water resources and the delivery of water services delivery at different levels of society. Improving governance for economic, environmental, and social sustainability is possible through the establishment of stronger public and private institutions, policies, legislation, and processes. Topics addressed in this theme include the principles of equity and efficiency, water administration, the roles of government and other stakeholders, and the frameworks to balance water use between socio-economic activities and ecosystems.
Governance Resources
Office Building Introduction to Water Saving
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Office facilities are a great opportunity for water conservation and water use efficiency. There are numerous retrofits available for the water-using equipment and fixtures within the typical office building complex. Developing a water use profile often leads to short payback periods for retrofits...Read more
Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial Water Users
Alliance for Water Efficiency
The commercial, institutional, and industrial (CII or ICI) sector is the most diverse collection of water users in the urban environment. This customer category includes stores, supermarkets, office buildings, hotels and motels, schools, universities, car washes, manufacturing, and many other types...Read more
Vehicle Wash Introduction
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Automatic car washes are generally among the most efficient of the commercial uses in the local community. In fact, the efficient technologies and practices adopted in recent years by many in the car wash industry have gone a long way toward minimizing the use of water in these facilities. An...Read more
Alternate Water Supply
Alliance for Water Efficiency
One way to reduce treated water demand is to substitute an alternate water supply for an existing demand. Using stored rainwater to irrigate plants is an example of this concept. This page offers information on various alternate water supply options like blow-down water, condensate water, graywater...Read more
Schools and Universities Introduction to Water
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Implementing water conservation at schools,colleges, and universities offers two-fold benefits; water is saved at the facility, and the students receive practical education and experience on the merits of water conservation. While the savings potential is huge, implementation is sometimes impeded...Read more
Schools K - 12 Introduction to Water
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Implementing water conservation in schools offers two-fold benefits; water is saved at the facility, and the students receive practical education and experience on the merits of water conservation. The high person/fixture ratio results in very high frequency of use leading to a very fast payback on...Read more
Supermarkets Introduction to Water
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Supermarkets have all the water uses of typical retail outlets, such as sanitary fixtures and landscape irrigation, plus much more. Supermarkets possess certain specialized water uses that provide large water conservation opportunities. The most notable is the water used to cool the condensers...Read more
Commercial Laundry Facilities Introduction
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Commercial, institutional and industrial (CII) laundry facilities clean large quantities of fabrics in a wide range of varieties and uses.� Some are on-site facilities dedicated to washing fabrics used at the location; these are often referred to as an On Premises Laundry (OPL). OPLs are typically...Read more
Water Loss Control - What Can Be Done?
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Water utilities can control losses in their operations by compiling an annual water audit of their supply operations, and by implementing programs to identify and contain inefficiencies. Such programs include leakage management, meter testing and enforcement against unauthorized consumption of...Read more
Government Buildings and Public Facilities Introduction to Water Saving
Alliance for Water Efficiency
There are numerous water saving measures and retrofits available for government facilities. The water use profile often leads to short payback periods, and the facilities are usually a significant portion of a utility's institutional sector water use. The greatest impediment to achieving water...Read more
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