Review of AMR technology - Dublin region non-domestic water metering project (abstract only)

The Sultanate of Oman is experiencing increased pressure on its groundwater resources. This is mainly due to agricultural enterprises, which consume about 92 % of national water resources, as well as an upsurge in industrial, commercial and domestic water use. The ever-growing population, diversification of economic activities and the ensuing rise in national prosperity have meant an increasing demand for water. This has resulted in a marked depletion of groundwater supplies, intrusion of seawater, and deterioration of ground water quality in the case of the Al Batinah region. A scientific and effective water demand management strategy for the Sultanate is therefore needed. Accordingly, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources (MRMEWR) have conducted several studies related to water demand management in the agricultural, industrial and domestic sectors. One of these studies was the Water Metering Pilot Project (WMPP), initiated in 1994 with the objective of evaluating patterns of water use on a number of randomly selected farms in the southern Al-Batinah. The results obtained over a period of seven years confirm that water metering alone does not help reduce the quantity pumped. These findings have encouraged other advanced studies on water demand management in industrial, commercial, domestic and agriculture sectors in different areas of the Sultanate.

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Issues of trust, fairness and efficacy: a qualitative study of information provision for newly metered households in England

Water Science & Technology Water Supply ◽

10.2166/ws.2009.433 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 311-319 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

C. Knamiller ◽

L. Sharp

Keyword(s):

Water Use ◽

Demand Management ◽

Information Provision ◽

Qualitative Information ◽

Domestic Water ◽

Widespread Agreement ◽

The Uk ◽

Water Supply Company ◽

Water Metering

There is widespread agreement among agencies governing UK water management that more extensive domestic water metering combined with additional measures will deliver a more efficient domestic water usage. This paper argues that qualitative research is needed to select and hone additional measures. According to theory, cooperation to reduce water use is more likely if people: a) believe in the necessity to reduce use; b) feel costs are fairly shared; and c) believe their actions can affect the situation. The case study of Lydd, Kent, is presented. Lydd is the first location in which compulsory water metering has been imposed in the UK. Qualitative information was collected to inform the communication strategies being implemented by the water supply company. The investigation found that none of the three factors predicted by theory were completely present. The paper concludes by providing some recommendations for improving the water company's communications strategy for encouraging a reduction in domestic water use. The key role of qualitative information in assisting in the targeting and design of water demand management programmes is highlighted.

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