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Water Conservation and Soft Path

Applying water soft path analysis in an agricultural region of Canada—Water International Article

A new article about applying the water soft path in an agricultural region of Canada, co-authored by Sheila Forsyth and POLIS' David B. Brooks, was published in the special, 40th anniversary issue of Water International (available online November 2011).

Abstract

The current study extends past work on water soft path analysis in breadth and in depth: in breadth by studying an area devoted to large-scale prairie agriculture, and in depth by adding direct interaction with water managers and citizens of the Pembina Valley Conservation District in the Province of Manitoba, Canada. The main conclusion from the study is that the region can continue to be a prosperous and attractive place in which to live and to farm for at least 30 years without a single additional drop of water.

Article Access

To download a copy of the full article, please click here.

Peeling Back the Pavement: A Blueprint for Reinventing Rainwater Management in Canada's Communities

Peeling Back the Pavement: A Blueprint for Reinventing Rainwater Management in Canada’s Communities is part of POLIS' water sustainability handbook series for decision makers, community leaders, and municipal water management staff. It was developed in partnership with the Environmental Law Centre (ELC) at the University of Victoria and is based on the ELC's 2010 report Re-inventing Rainwater Management: A Strategy to Protect Health and Restore Nature in the Captical Region.

The handbook outlines the problems with conventional stormwater management and examines solutions for moving toward sustainability. It provides a comprehensive blueprint that outlines the crucial steps necessary to change the way communities manage and, importantly, govern stormwater. The blueprint describes detailed actions that local and senior levels of government can take to move from the current system of stormwater management to one focused on rainwater as a resource. A main focus is addressing the fragmented responsibility for fresh water across and within jurisdictions—one of the greatest challenges to reinventing rainwater management.

Check out the October 2011 Peeling Back the Pavement webinar here.
 

A Soft Path Strategy for Fergus-Elora, Ontario

The soft path pilot project for Fergus-Elora was initiated by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) in partnership with the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, the Township of Centre Wellington (TCW), the Elora Environment Centre, and the University of Waterloo.

In Fergus-Elora, population and water use are expected to double between 2008 and 2040. The region is dependent on groundwater and if no conservation measures are taken the existing groundwater supply will likely require expansion by 2028.

The recommended approach for Fergus-Elora is to “use the same water tomorrow we use today,” which accommodates all future population and economic growth to 2040, and beyond, using the same amount of water used in 2008.

Click the links below to download PDF files of the report and technical appendices.

A 2010 report summarizing the results and analysis of a GRCA residential water use survey for Fergus-Elora is also provided. The survey focused on the usage of water-using fixtures and appliances, as well as water conservation efforts made by residents in the community.

Why a Water Soft Path, Why Now and What Then? International Journal of Water Resources Development

A new article about the water soft path, co-authored by POLIS' David B. Brooks and Oliver M. Brandes, was published in the June 2011 issue of International Journal of Water Resources Development (available online April 21, 2011).

Abstract

The best way to achieve a sustainable future for fresh water is to develop decision-making processes, institutions, and technologies that emphasize both efficiency and conservation. These two terms are commonly treated as synonyms, but, respectively, they reflect anthropogenic and ecological bases for making decisions. Recognizing that both perspectives are valid, this article outlines a new approach to water planning and management called the water soft path. This approach differs fundamentally from conventional, supply-based approaches. The article reviews the transfer of the original soft path concept from energy to water, and summarizes the first applications of water soft path analytics to specific geographic areas: one urban area, one province, and one watershed in Canada. The article concludes with suggestions for further research, as well as steps to improve recognition of the water soft path as a planning tool that can move management and policies towards economic, ecological, and social sustainability.

Article Access

To download a copy of the full article, please click here.
 

Worth Every Penny: A Primer on Conservation-Oriented Water Pricing

Worth Every Penny:  A Primer on Conservation-Oriented Water Pricing provides an overview of conservation-oriented water pricing for decision makers, water utilities and service providers in Canada. It explains how water pricing works, what the benefits are, and how water utilities can implement conservation-oriented water pricing structures as a key tool in the water manager's toolkit. As well, it offers advice on how to address implementation challenges, including how to avoid penalizing low-income families and how to maintain revenue stability for water utilities. Check out the Worth Every Penny webinar here.

“Planning for Uncertainty”

Municipal World Magazine, July 2004

ActionH2O Water Sustainability Charter

The purpose of the ActionH2O Water Sustainability Charter is to commit local government councils across Canada to achieving local water conservation goals. The ActionH2O Water Sustainability Charter Toolkit gives an overview of how community groups can use the Charter to engage local governments, including quick tips and strategies.

Water Conservation Planning Guide for British Columbia's Communities

This seven step "how to" guidebook for British Columbian communities enhances local government capacity to develop and implement effective water conservation plans by summarizing core research on water-wise tools and practices in an easy to use step-by-step guidebook. The guidebook helps municipal water staff and active citizens get started on water conservation planning, and communities who are looking to strengthen existing water conservation plans. This publication is a collaboration between the POLIS Water Sustainability Project and Ministry of Community and Rural Development.

Outdoor Water Conservation: Options and Opportunities for 'New' Water for the CRD

A report for the Capital Regional District's Water Advisory Committee outlining ways to apply the soft path in a municipal setting.

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