Water Resources Management

Εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας 
The impact of the climate change on the water resources management has induced dramatic changes on the available water resources. The easily accessible sources of water have been minimized due to climate change (e.g. drought, desertification) and human activities (e.g. pollution, various interventions).

Τhe integrated water resources management relates to the entire duration of the "life cycle" of the water resources. This cycle includes the water intake, conveyance, treatment, consumption and potentially the reuse of the waste products.

The water efficiency is emphasized in all stages of the "life cycle" of the water resources.

Alternative water resources are examined only when all posibilities for water efficiency in the remaining stages of the "life cycle" have been exhausted. For example, significant quantities of water are lost in the conveyance and distribution networks due to damages, poor maintenance and illegal connections. Modern leakage minimization systems are capable to limit considerably the water losses.

Currently, new water resources are examined originating from water reuse technologies, advanced wastewater treatment and desalination of brackish and sea water. These technologies were cost prohibitive in the past, but they are timely nowadays. Furthermore, the groundwater overpumping has environmental, energy and financial cost that could have been offset with the substitution of their exploitation with appropriate works that utilize unexploited surface waters. Examples of such works include dams, water retention tanks, reservoirs, water treatment plants, etc.