Riikka Rajala

Household water consumption and demand management in Finland

The aim of the paper is to describe and analyse the trends and levels of water consumption, especially of households, in Finland. The study concentrates on the specific household water consumption (SHWC) of various types of housing, housing ownership, metering and billing arrangements. Real estate managers acted as enumerators and collected data from 185 sub-cases in various parts of the country. The study shows that SHWC levels of about 120 l/capita/day, or even less, can be achieved, while maintaining a high standard of service levels. In addition to individual metering, proper management includes introduction of modern water fixtures and in-house piping, raising consumer awareness, and active follow-up. Explanations for declined consumption are quite site- and case specific. Simultaneously, decreasing consumption and the resulting fall in water sales are a challenge to water utilities.

Priorities for Fresh Water Use Purposes in Selected Countries with Policy Implications

Priorities in water use purposes were studied by a two-phase questionnaire in 11 countries/regions on five continents with different water resources and use, socio-economic and cultural conditions. The first phase involved three regions: East Africa (1988), the Baltic region (1994) and Finland (1993, 2001). In the second phase (2001–02), water use purposes were to be viewed ‘as they are’ and ‘as they should be’. On average, community water supply was ranked first, nature conservation second and hydropower third. Priorities varied less than originally anticipated. Priorities should also be remembered in integrated water resources management.

Water Services Management and Governance

This book is divided in to four key sections relating to governance frameworks, technology and socio-ecological interactions, government and governance, and long terms policies. The chapters analyse the complexity of the water services sector based on a historical analysis of developments within the sector. The underlying conviction is that only by understanding past trends, processes and developments can the current situation in the water services be understood. Only through this understanding can policies for sustainable water services in the future be formulated. The four key sections relate to governance frameworks, technology and socio-ecological interactions, government and governance, and long terms policies. Water Services Management and Governance raises awareness that an understanding of the past is a necessity to explore potential, probable and preferable futures. It is an essential basis for water sector reforms in any country, region or community. The book is written for experts in water utilities, ministries, municipalities, NGOs, donor agencies, private companies and regulators; as well as students and researchers in water policy and governance, and the management of water resources, services and infrastructure. This title belongs to Governance and Management for Sustainable Water Systems Series . ISBN: 9781780400730 (eBook) ISBN: 9781780400228 (Print)