Water Demand Management Policy.

This sectoral Policy is an integral part of the National Water Strategy 2016-2025. Its main objective is to maximize the utilization of the available water and minimize water losses and conserve water resources. It stresses the importance of changing ways, methods and behaviour for using water, for better sustainability, efficiency and equity. This policy addresses the management of water demands in all sectors, focusing on water for municipal purposes. It is presented in two parts: 1.Municipal, Tourism and Industrial Sectors; 2.Irrigated Agriculture Sector.
Part 1 sets a series of procedures and measures to increase the efficiency of water use acting on construction systems and technical specifications for all plumbing products; reduction of Non-Revenue water; reduction of water losses; use of Non-Conventional water resources (greywater, industrial water treatment and obligatory water harvesting system); introduction of the concept of water value as a key element of water demand management.
Part 2 aims at constituting a guide for action and measures to save water resources while maintaining or increasing agricultural production. These measures can be summarized as follows: i. substitution and re-use, with the aim of managing scarce water resources efficiently and maximize the benefits and returns from the use of treated wastewater for non-drinking use; ii. efficient use of water in irrigation by introducing modern technologies and advanced irrigation systems; iii. water harvesting through dams, ponds and excavations, especially in the highlands and desert areas; iv. drought management, included early warning systems for drought preparedness in the event of occurrence.
A third part is a series of cross-cutting themes to be observed for the implementation of the Policy, such as: legislation to be reviewed and updated regularly; establishment of institutions in order to encourage participatory approach; a clear definition of the role of water users' associations in the irrigation water supply chain; introduction of water tariffs, structured to encourage and motivate efficient water use; public awareness campaigns focusing on the responsibility to protect the water sources; and developing financial programs to encourage offering products and services that improve water use efficiency.