Relationships between Insufficient Drinking Water Supply and the Socio-Economic Development of Small Municipalities: Mayors’ Opinions from the Czech Republic

Abstract

Repeatedly occurring droughts in the Czech Republic in previous years have heightened the need to answer questions concerning the provision of drinking water in small municipalities in the context of their development. The goal of the research was to assess what mutual relationships exist between insufficient drinking water supply and the socio-economic level of municipalities with less than 2000 inhabitants. The basis of the study is formed by data collected via a questionnaire survey of the mayors of 2110 municipalities. For the purposes of the analysis, the Drinking Water Supply Threat Index (DWSTI) composite indicator was established. Subsequently, the effect of selected factors on DWSTI was determined via correlation and regression analysis, and results were compared for two size groups of municipalities indicate water supply problems. The digging of new wells for individual needs is seen to be the most significant signal of problems. The absence of water supply infrastructure results in a heightening of the socio-economic deprivation of small municipalities, as it limits new building and becomes a limitation to their development. A solution is possible based on regional or trans-regional financial and managerial support of development together with an active approach on the part of municipalities.

Landscape-Scale Long-Term Drought Prevalence Mapping for Small Municipalities Adaptation, the Czech Republic Case Study

“…Effective adaptation should follow three main steps-(i) problem identification, (ii) political decision-making and strategic management, and (iii) realisation of measures [28,58]. However, small municipalities face several obstacles in this process.…”

“…However, small municipalities face several obstacles in this process. Some papers have been produced on this topic and conclude that among the most frequent barriers are low awareness or relevance of climate change compared to other issues, lack of expertise, insufficient competencies, and limited financial sources [25,27,28,58,59]; technical problems are also mentioned [58,60]. High-resolution hazard maps are considered to be an important tool for climate adaptation activities [60].…”

“…Regardless of national initiatives and adaptation strategies, municipalities carry a legally binding responsibility of spatial planning and the final adaptation takes place mainly at the municipal level [25]. Hence, this scale is critical for effective climate adaptation [25][26][27][28]. However, most researchers focus on adaptation of built up areas, i.e., large cities [29,30], rather than on rural landscapes, which are mostly the responsibility of small municipalities [25,27,29].…”

“…However, most researchers focus on adaptation of built up areas, i.e., large cities [29,30], rather than on rural landscapes, which are mostly the responsibility of small municipalities [25,27,29]. Compared to the big cities, small municipalities are more vulnerable due to their lack of local adaptation capacities, i.e., scarce financial resources and workforce, limited authority and competencies, and limited access to scientific knowledge and external experts [26][27][28]31].…”

Change in the Affordability of Owner-Occupied Housing in the Context of Rising Energy Prices

“…Similar views were reached by Jessel et al [36] who found that unavailable and insufficient energy in households has adverse consequences for maintaining full health, which are exacerbated by poverty and a changing climate. Kopp et al [37] argue that energy poverty has often have the form of water insufficiency and related health problems. Water insecurity for sure is another co-occurring hardship.…”