Efficient use and management of water is an enabling mechanism to promote more sustainable use of water and reduced total costs; it is also a basic underlying concept, contributing to the improvement of water quality, supply reliability, quality of service and the environment. Several terms are commonly used in this context: Demand Management; Water Conservation; Strategic Infrastructure Management; Integrated Resource Management; Saving or Reuse. These terms all describe means to the same end (and in some cases, the differences are purely semantic): promoting a sustainable use of water, and guaranteeing the quality and quantity of water supply for present and future scenarios. The objective of the Efficient 2005 conference was to provide a forum for the exchange of the most recent ideas, techniques and experiences in all areas of water management that could contribute to more sustainable use and management of water. Professionals from around the world (water managers, regulators, consultants, scientists, environmentalists, researchers and providers of equipment and solutions) attended for a comprehensive examination, from technical, institutional, legal, environmental, economic and quality of service perspectives, of the main driving factors, problems and solutions. The 38 articles selected following peer review for these proceedings will prove a significant aid to improving efficiency in water use and the quality of the service provided to water customers.
