Water

Dams and Development E-Paper Contents

p. 50 of 74 BACK | NEXT Home Page of Dams and Development Foreword I. Why an e-paper on dams and development? II. Assessing options III. Participatory processes IV. Social impacts V. Environmental impacts VI. Benefit distribution VII. Dam safety and sustainability VIII. Existing projects Enhancing performance Addressing social and environmental problems What do ADB Policies say IX. Improving governance X. What other organizations say XI. ADB, Dams, and Development XII. References Contact Us

Enhancing performance - upgrading the system and revisiting operating rules

Upgrading and modernization projects goes beyond the rehabilitation of existing systems to examine the potential for increasing delivery of services above original targets. In developed economies, the scope for increasing output or efficiency gains to meet incremental demands has long been practiced.

Even in developing economies where needs are rising rapidly, there is often considerable opportunity for improving existing systems, particularly where losses in transmission and unaccounted for water are high.

For example, WCD noted in the case of the energy sector there are technologies available for more efficient production, lower distribution losses and lower consumption. In irrigation, more efficient practices are available to increase the productivity of existing supplies. ADB has supported such initiatives in programs that promote energy efficiencies and rehabilitate and upgrade irrigation projects.

• World Commission on Dams - restore, improve, optimize
• Examples of enhancing performance

Back VIII. Existing projects	Next Addressing social and environmental problems