Learning lessons on water demand management from water-scarce countries

Climate change is putting more pressure on the freshwater resources of the planet. Many countries with limited water resources have developed financial and non-financial tools for managing water demand. Few of these tools have been taken up in the UK and Ireland, not least because the resource is more plentiful. However, this can result in a higher water use than necessary, inefficient allocation and lower economic returns. As climate change increases the costs of supplying water, even countries with a historically more abundant water resource need to consider measures to reduce unnecessary demand.

This project will examine the experience of selected water-scarce countries in water management, water pricing and addressing water demand, and will evaluate which approaches used elsewhere could be applicable to the UK and Ireland. The work will include investigating the priorities and constraints of water regulators and utilities in several countries, not lease their financial and economic considerations. It will require reviewing policies and plans, consultations with water utilities and experts in the UK, Ireland and other countries, and some financial modelling.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Natural and Built Environment (subject: Geography)
• State name of the lead supervisor as ‘Name of Proposed Supervisor’ on application
• State ‘DfE Studentship’ as Intended Source of Funding
• To apply, select the ’Visit Website’ link below or visit https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: Applicants should upload a 500-word (maximum) discussion to the ’Research Proposal’ section of the Online Application Form) which gives details of:

Their understanding of the proposed research aim and objectives.
The context for the research in terms of relevant literature and policy.
A possible methodological approach to the collection and analysis of data.