ABSTRACT
A quick look at the media highlights the fact that the world is experiencing increasing concern over the availability of water resources. Recent publications by international organizations have confirmed how water scarcity levels are on the rise, both in terms of quantity and quality, and several studies have identified water scarcity as a serious and growing problem, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas (see, for instance, Gleick, 2000 and Raskin et al, 1998). Yet, despite the recognition that water is fundamental for life and a major component of current strategies for actions in many areas of national and international policy development, 1 water management is still problematic.
