The global challenge of water scarcity is intensified by factors such as population growth, rainfall variability, and water stress, with climate change further affecting the water cycle and impacting food, energy, urban, and environmental systems. In response, there is a global increase in investments in desalination and water reclamation infrastructure. Countries adopting unconventional water resources may need to adapt their institutional structures and management models, potentially involving the private sector.
A new World Bank knowledge series, Governance and Economics of Desalination and Reuse, comprises five volumes to assist sector authorities in sustainably mainstreaming unconventional water sources.
Volume 1 - Adjusting Policy and Regulatory Frameworks to Go Mainstream
Volume 2 - Sector-Level Governance Models
Volume 3 - Evaluating Economic Viability Using Modern Portfolio Theory
Volume 4 - Selecting the Appropriate Project Delivery Model and Financial Structure
Volume 5 - Service Delivery Models for Unconventional Water Resources in Poor and Remote Communities