Challenges of water resources management in developing countries

I want to refer to the overview and the main problems affecting the distribution and access to water
in developing countries based on experiences and sugestions, indicating some aspects that require
special attention to the use of this vital fluid.
The increasing population rate reducing water resources in different locations of developing
countries, for production and consumption purposes are developing a cumulative pressure for water
divergences of relevance.
Water quality has become a purpose to confirm that adequate supply must accomplish the minimum
acceptable properties, and resources to achieve compliance with this requirements should be available
in all social strata in each developing region.
You cannot overlook that pollution aggravates the lack of reasons and face the problems not only
looking for neutralize the consequences, therefore the fundamentals regarding conservation of water
safety must be addressed to reduce pollution as a preventive remedy and not on correction tactics.
Satisfaction in achieving social and economic requirements associated with water is an essential
aspect eliminating deficiencies. Access to water supply, discharge sewage and wastewater are
fundamental needs for people, vital for hygienic welfare and integrity, improving the living conditions
of people.
It is noteworthy that the negative impact implies that developing countries do not include political
agendas focused on conservation, proper use, and equitable sharing of water resources.
Taking into account that water service acquires major national interest, is necessary to point out that
most national governments. This leads to hinder the momentum of water management strategies and
establish benchmarks for local conservation institutions and donors looking for to the conservation
and proper management of the resource.
Finally, to give relevance and immediate action, I recommend the following measures to encourage
and promote national policies:
1. A policy framework that provides broad strategic and political directions for future water quality
management.
1

2. A strategic action plan for water quality management based on priorities that reflect an
understanding of economic and social costs of impaired water.
2

This plan will include:
- A consideration of options for financial sustainability including donor support, public-private sector
partnerships, regional self-support initiatives, etc.
3

- A plan for developing a focused and cost-effective data program for water quality and related uses,
as a basis for economic and social planning.
4

- Establish national data standards: These must realistically reflect national needs and capabilities.
Nevertheless, the objective is to ensure reliable data from those organizations that produce
information for national water management purposes and at the community level for drinking water
monitoring.
5

- A regulatory framework that includes a combination of appropriate water quality objectives
(appropriate to that country and not necessarily based on "western" standards) and effluent controls.
This includes both surface and groundwater.
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With the cooperation of professional, government sector and community, goals will be achieved.
References:
(1,2,3,4,5,6) - Abbaspour, S., WATER QUALITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, SOUTH ASIA,
SOUTH AFRICA, WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ACTIVITIES THAT CAUSE
WATER POLLUTION, (2011), International Conference on Environmental and Agriculture
Engineering, IACSIT Press, Singapore.