Making the most of the water we have: The soft path approach to water management

Based on the 'soft path' approach to the energy sector, a transition is now under way to a soft path for water. This approach starts by ensuring that ecosystem needs for water are satisfied and then undertakes a radical approach to reducing human uses of water by economic and social incentives, including open decision-making, water markets and equitable pricing, and the application of super-efficient technology, all applied in ways that avoid jeopardizing quality of life. The soft path for water is therefore a management strategy that frees up water by curbing water waste.

Making the Most of the Water We Have is the first to present and apply the water soft path approach. It has three aims:

• to bring to a wider audience the concept and the potential of water soft paths
• to demonstrate that soft path analysis is analytical and practical, and not just 'eco-dreaming'
• to indicate that soft paths are not only conceptually attractive but that they can be made economically and politically feasible.

Includes a tool kit for planners and other practitioners.

Published with POLIS Project and Friends of the Earth

David B. Brooks was Canada's first Director of Energy Conservation, and later spent 15 years with IDRC (International Development Research Centre) on overseas projects on energy, water and natural resource management. He was one of the founders of Friends of the Earth Canada and now serves as its Senior Advisor - Fresh Water. Oliver Brandes is Water Sustainability Project Leader and Associate Director at the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, University of Victoria, Canada. Stephen Gurman is an environmental consultant and writer, based in Ottawa, Canada.