Human–Water Interactions: Water Supply, Livelihood and Rural Society

Dear Colleagues,

Ensuring adequate, continuous and clean water supply relates to many of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (i.e., target 7c) and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets (i.e., SDG Indicator 6.1.1). With intensive efforts of governments and non-governmental organizations in recent decades, the water supply in rural areas of less-developed countries has been greatly improved. The livelihoods of rural residents have also been improved significantly.

However, as the time goes on, rural water supplies face notable challenges, including supply limitations (i.e., insufficient water sources, facilities, and supply), economic limitations (i.e., low profits and high cost investments), policy limitations (i.e., lack of subsidies, insufficient policies) and usage limitations (i.e., waste water and unreasonable use). These will hinder sustainable water supply and limit improvements in residents’ lives.

Now, it is time to summarize feedback on water supply improvements. We wish to uncover the interactions among water supplies, rural communities, water consumption, and residents’ lives, and provide a basis for formulating interventions and policies for water safety management in the challenging future.

We invite contributions which offer analyses and empirical study on rural water supplies, management, and water use globally or in specific regions. We also encourage empirical research on interventions, regulations, and policies that could affect water use behavior and management. Other original research articles and reviews are also welcomed. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: water governance; water consumption; water conservation; water sanitation; water supply; water resource management; and public policy.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Liangxin Fan
Guest Editor

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