Abstract
The growing use of information technology has provided the water industry with accelerating productivity and efficiency gains over recent years. Such systems, however, have proven to be less effective in addressing the industry’s biggest challenge: reducing costs, reducing lost revenues and preserving water resources and at the same time meeting an increasing demand. The key to resolving the paradox of reducing costs in the face of growing demand lies in the nature of the demand itself. Effectively managing and reducing the demand for water will reduce costs, increase revenues and at least defer, the need to augment the water supply system, which will directly result in significant capital cost savings. 
The proposed methodology introduces the concept of managing demand and its implications in a continuous manner; ensuring a continual, optimal system performance, timely system upgrading to meet expansions or changes in demographics and consumption behaviour. Appropriate information technology that can make this possible and viable is also discussed. Such information system addresses the main aspects of conservation planning, including water system audits, reduction of non-revenue water, leakage management, tariff and revenue analysis and system-wide pressure management. More importantly, the system will assist with the management and monitoring of the execution and ultimate effectiveness of the different water conservation programs and measures.