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Causes of Water Supply Problems in Urbanised Regions in Developing Countries

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  • Bart Bruggen
  • Karolien Borghgraef
  • Chris Vinckier

Abstract

An analysis was made of the underlying factors leading to water supply problems in urbanized regions in developing countries. Three interrelated factors were identified and described: (1) a high rate of population growth, (2) lack of investments in water supply infrastructure, and (3) the upper limit imposed by the availability of water sources. This background allows understanding failures in water supply systems in large cities in developing countries. Each of these factors may individually compromise water supply, but in many cases the context is a complex interplay of these factors, often fed by political or military instability and poverty. Sanitation is often closely related to water supply systems, although the situation is generally worse. Based on this analysis, an evaluation was made of water supply in Kinshasa, D.R. Congo, in comparison with the historical case of London, UK, and the development of Los Angeles, CA, USA. In addition, reference is made to the case of Tokyo, Japan. From this comparison, opportunities and threads for Kinshasa can be shown. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010

Suggested Citation

  • Bart Bruggen & Karolien Borghgraef & Chris Vinckier, 2010. "Causes of Water Supply Problems in Urbanised Regions in Developing Countries," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(9), pages 1885-1902, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:24:y:2010:i:9:p:1885-1902
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-009-9529-8
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