Some systems perspectives on demand management during Cape Town's 2015–2018 water crisis. Issue 6 (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muller, Mike
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 36:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1054
• Page End: 1072
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Water supply -- utility management -- demand management -- climate -- sustainability -- resilience -- planning systems; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2019.1667754
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cape Town recently suffered severe water shortages triggered by a multi-year drought. These shortages were aggravated by reliance on demand management to balance supply and demand in the rapidly growing city. This article considers the interaction between the supply-side planning system and the less systematic approach used to plan and manage what is characterized as the demand-side system. Political priorities and preferences as well as perceptions of and attitudes towards risk influenced demand forecasts and development decisions. The experience illustrates the importance of a more systematic approach to demand forecasting to reduce the risk of supply failures.