AWWA SOURCES59229

A water balance shows that in a year with average precipitation, Beijing is just able to meet current water demand. A conservative estimation of a shortfall between supply and demand is expected to grow to 1.8 billion cubic meters (BCM) by 2010. This paper examines Beijing's water resources and water use patterns currently and in the future. An increase in water demand and an aggravation of water deficit is shown. Past and current efforts to augment supply and manage demand in Beijing are described. The authors suggest that it is necessary for Beijing Municipality to realize its full urban water conservation potential by implementing a comprehensive and integrated long term conservation program, which is technically feasible and economically justified, to consistently conserve water over many years. Includes 15 references, tables, figures.