Stocker, C. H. (2009). An index for water availability per capita in Asia and the Pacific : with case studies [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://resolver.obvsg.at/urn:nbn:at:at-ubtuw:1-36613
The availability/consumption ratio - or AVCOR - incorporates hydrological data and socio-economic variables in order to establish a comprehensive measure of water availability per capita within a defined system borders. While the index is applicable to any area depending on the size of the system borders, the focus of this work is centred around the Asia-Pacific region, using Australia as a case study, and also applying the index to a selection of countries within Asia. The Water Poverty Index (Sullivan et al., 2003) is used as a basis for this new index, and relevant criticisms and alterations of this index is made in order to formulate the AVCOR. The AVCOR itself is comprised of data portraying available water resources and the relevant consumption patterns of the population group under evaluation. Hydrological data - such as external and internal renewable water resources, and annual average precipitation values, will be integrated into this new index. Additionally, consumption patterns relating to domestic water use and water use for agricultural purposes will also be used within the formulation of this new index. The final AVCOR will then be weighted with the average GDP (in PPP, cap/year) of the evaluated population group within the system borders, in order to effectively assess the population's capacity to combat eventual water scarcity. The new index also encompasses a temporal dimension, which will assess per capita water availability at any given time of the year. The AVCOR is a useful tool on which policymakers may base their decisions pertaining to water allocation and water resource management in order to alleviate water stress and poverty to specific population groups.