Date of Graduation

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Allison Luengen

Abstract

Municipal water utilities are in urgent need of adapting to the intensifying impacts of climate change and population growth—key drivers of urban water scarcity worldwide. In rapidly expanding cities like Bogota, Colombia, these pressures have contributed to a severe water crisis driven by prolonged droughts, ecosystem degradation, increasing water demands, and overdependence on limited water sources. This study explores potential adaptation and management strategies that utilities can implement to sustainably strengthen supply system resilience and enhance water security, in the context of low- to middle-income regions. A series of comparative and case study analyses were conducted to assess the feasibility and applicability of relevant water supply diversification, ecosystem protection, and water conservation strategies, considering reliability, water quality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and social acceptance as evaluation criteria. Additionally, a gap analysis was conducted to assess the current state of Bogota’s water supply system and identify critical adaptation needs to address climate and demographic pressures. The results indicate that the most viable and cost-effective adaptation strategies include sustainable groundwater extraction, community-led ecosystem restoration, investment in nature-based solutions, reduction of non-revenue water (i.e., losses from leaks or illicit connections in the distribution network), and education-based conservation initiatives. The study highlights the importance of developing a multidimensional approach to water supply system adaptation, focusing on attaining diverse water portfolios, healthy water-related ecosystems, efficient water distribution and use, and local stakeholder involvement to ensure reliable access to potable water.

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