Low carbon solutions for drinking water provision to low purchasing power people

Abstract

The processes of water procurement, treatment and distribution are associated with high energy use. Low carbon energy solutions for the provision of drinking water are not only important in the context of environmental impact, but also for economic considerations. In this study, technologies for water intake, treatment and distribution were compared in terms of energy use. It was found that some of the technologies identified as most energy-efficient are currently not widely used because of financial constraints. These technologies need to be developed further in order to become cost-effective. A case study on Safeda Wali Jhugi in East Delhi was performed in order to illustrate how the analysis on energy-efficient technologies can be used for decision-making in practice. Furthermore, this case study and additional research on water-related issues in India and Delhi were used to identify interventions necessary to support implementation of small scale technological solutions. These include social, educational and institutional measures. This study also illustrates the need for large scale urban level interventions in order to reduce current high water losses and associated energy waste. Despite the proven cost-effectiveness of certain water loss reduction measures, implementation of these measures is often limited, presumably due to institutional constraints. This is related to little transparency from the government on urban water provision. Hence, increased awareness on the importance of water loss reduction measures is necessary, as well as openness of the government regarding energy efficiency of processes related to water provision.