Growing scarcity of water

Global water consumption has risen almost fivefold in the last 50 years, and it continues to grow. Coupled with the cost of developing water infrastructure and a shortage of new cost-effective water storage sites, this points to a looming global shortfall. Such shortages already exist in many parts of the world.

Competition for water

As water has become scarce, disputes between competing users are causing tension locally, nationally and even internationally.

New policy directions

The water debate in many developed countries has focused on resolving competing demands for increasingly scarce water resources, mitigating the environmental impacts of water extraction, storage and return, and progressing policy and institutional reform to achieve these outcomes.

E3's track record

Our work in this sector has included:

• preparing strategic analyses of water sector policy and market developments and their significance to companies as they prepare for a water future characterised by scarcity and increased cost
• assessing the impact of environmental flow changes of water allocation regimes on hydro power generation
• tactical planning for water allocation policy
• developing commercial options for major water infrastructure projects in the context of tradeable water rights
• pricing rural water delivery services.

Case studies

Hydropower generator: entering the water sector

Note: client names have not been disclosed due to confidentiality arrangements.