Water Resources Management - Practices of Irrigation and On-farm Water Management - page 143

It is relevant here to interpose a point about wastage of water. For example in
irrigation, the potential for reducing water losses is typically quite considerable. If
water is to be regarded as a resource, then this should imply a need to discour-
age wastage. If losses can be reduced, then there may be sufficient water for all
requirements.
In conclusion, to say that water should be regarded as an economic good does
not necessarily imply that a “market price” must be paid for it or even must be paid
for at all. It means simply that water is a scarce resource, a valuable resource that
should not be wasted. From the economic point of view, alternatives that should be
properly considered include the following:

- reducing losses/wastage
- reducing agricultural production in water-scarce area (bringing in food, instead of
water, from outside the area)
- changing the pattern of agriculture to less water-intensive crops
- reducing industrial production (demanding water) in the area (bringing in goods
instead of water, from outside the area)

5.1.5 Purposes and Goals of Water Resources Management

Water resources management is required to make water of right quantity and right
quality available at the right time and at the right places. Management is used in its
broadest sense. It emphasizes that we must not only focus on the development of
water resources but that we must consciously manage water development in a way
that ensures long-term sustainable use for future generations. The main purpose of
water resources management is to meet needs of humans and nature.
Broader goals and objectives of water resources management are as follows:

- general welfare of human being and improvement of the quality of life
- regional economic development
- health and safety
- income distribution
- cultural and educational opportunities

Two broad classes of purpose and function of water resources management are as
follows:

Wa t er use Wa t er cont rol

- Agriculture, irrigation
- Water supply for municipal, rural and
industrial uses
- Hydro-electric power
- Fishing
- Navigation
- Recreation

- Water quality management
- drainage, sedimentation control, erosion control
- Flood control
- Watershed control