What role does water resource management play in sustainability?

Water resource management is crucial for sustainability as it directly addresses both scarcity and quality of water. As populations grow and demand for water increases, effective management ensures that this vital resource is used efficiently and sustainably. By implementing strategies that promote conservation, improve infrastructure, and protect water quality, water resource management helps to maintain adequate supplies for present and future generations.

This approach also encompasses the protection of ecosystems that rely on consistent water availability, thereby supporting biodiversity and ecological health.

In contrast, increasing water tariff rates does not inherently address the underlying issues of scarcity or quality, nor does focusing solely on industrial usage consider the broader social and environmental impacts. Lastly, the notion that water resource management could eliminate the need for conservation contradicts the fundamental purpose of sustainable practices, which emphasize the importance of conserving resources for long-term viability.