Intermittent urban water supply under water starving situations

Rapid population growth in urban areas exerts negative pressure on existing water supply systems, whilst developing additional water sources is unrealistic option for many water companies in developing countries facing limited financial resources. As an alternative, intermittent water supply has been implemented there in attempt to distribute available water to as many people as possible, despite considerable negative impacts such approach is carrying. This paper summarises the main issues associated with intermittent supply, focusing to the importance of categorising the emerging problems. Required measures to improve the water supply situation of certain urban area should therefore differ according to the category of the problems. Moreover, these measures should also be realistic in meeting the consumers’ needs. New design guidelines, which could enhance equitable distribution and convenience for consumers, are suggested as a tool for design optimisation of urban water distribution systems with intermittent supply.