ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the study area, providing information including the location, physical characteristics, institutional issues and water resources management. It analyses the current water supply system, estimating the amount of water supplied from the different types of sources. The book presents the results of a survey carried out in Santa Cruz Island, with the aim of quantifying water demand from different sources and categories (in the absence of water metering within premises), and understanding consumers' behaviours and attitudes regarding the preservation of this resource. It evaluates the domestic water demand in detail, calculates ranges of consumption and assesses water appliances' use, and compares the results with schedules and zones of water distribution established by the municipality. The book presents in detail water demand, leakages, and percentage of water demand coverage with supply, energy consumption and costs.
