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Sustainability of water management in Zaragoza city
Author(s) -
ShirleySmith Chris,
Cheeseman Chris,
Butler David
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2007.00103.x
Subject(s) - sustainability , tariff , environmental planning , business , politics , balance (ability) , population , environmental economics , environmental resource management , political science , economics , geography , medicine , ecology , demography , sociology , international trade , law , physical medicine and rehabilitation , biology
This paper reviews the significant developments in water management that have occurred in Zaragoza, Spain in recent years. Action to achieve more sustainable water management was initiated by a local nongovernmental organisation (Ecodes) persuading and assisting the municipality to improve its delivery performance. Key successes, made by all sectors of the community, include the reduction of water use in the City by 1600 ML/year since 1995 despite significant population growth. The sustainability of the campaign is assessed within a recently devised PESTER framework which systematically addresses the key political, economic, social, technical, environmental and regulatory factors. This highlighted that a workable tariff system has now been achieved which is arguably fair to all, and that a balance has been achieved between local and nationally applicable water law. The main conclusion is that in order to achieve significant progress, it is vital to harmonise the energies, finances and above all commitment of all the main stakeholders.