Contributions To Increase The Availability Of Water Supply In Regions Of Water Shortage: The Case Study Of São Paulo, Brazil

Discussions over water availability increase, as society perceives the shortage of this good essential to human life. However, there is still a long way to go to ensure the efficient and equitable distribution of water. To increase the availability of water, often utilities consider catchment from new sources that constitutes supplyside water management. Currently, new sources of drinking water are scarce. An alternative is the planning based on the demand-side which is the rational management of water in its various uses through greater control measures and use of efficient equipment, water loss reduction, and public awareness. Here, we identify and prioritize relevant criteria to increase water availability via demandside management in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Based on interviews with experts in the field, the criteria for increasing water availability were defined and divided into groups that structure water demand and water supply management. The results highlight the priorities for water reuse and individualized micromeasurements.