ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the multiple challenges that water utilities are facing in 21st century before introducing the definition of innovation and various types of innovations available as water utilities. It discusses a variety of technological and management innovations that water utilities have implemented around the world to enhance the environment, provide new services, and replace aging infrastructure and lower operational costs and carbon emissions. As the century progresses, water utilities managing public water systems are facing increasing pressure from a wide range of social, technological, economic, environmental and political trends that challenge their ability to provide a sustainable, reliable and affordable water service that meets customers' expectations in the future. Economic theory suggests that demand for water should behave like any other goods–as price increases, water use decreases. Water utilities are under increasing pressure to show customers the value for the rates paid and to enhance customer engagement and participation in various programmes.
