Publications of Brooks, David

2015

Brooks, D.B., Maas, C., Brandes, O.M., & Brandes, L. (2015). Applying Water Soft Path Analysis in Small Urban Areas: Four Canadian Case Studies. International Journal of Water Resources Development, available online January 14, 2015.

Read Article

View Publication Details »

Read Abstract

Water soft paths begin from the vision that future water management has more to gain from reducing demand than from increasing supply. This article reviews three case studies of water soft path analysis in small urban areas in Canada, and one study of an urban planning process incorporating soft path concepts. The analytical studies indicate how communities can avoid the need for expansion of water infrastructure with negligible impacts on lifestyles or livelihoods. The planning study demonstrates that it is possible to introduce water soft paths early in a review, and that this will stimulate more ecologically sensitive thinking among citizens, officials and political leaders. Similar conclusions can be expected from soft path studies in urban areas elsewhere in the developed world.

2011

Brooks, D.B., and O.M. Brandes, 2011. "Why a Water Soft Path, Why Now and What Then?" International Journal of Water Resources Development 27(2), 315–344.

View Publication Details »

Read Abstract

The best way to achieve a sustainable future for fresh water is to develop decision-making processes, institutions, and technologies that emphasize both efficiency and conservation. These two terms are commonly treated as synonyms, but, respectively, they reflect anthropogenic and ecological bases for making decisions. Recognizing that both perspectives are valid, this article outlines a new approach to water planning and management called the water soft path. This approach differs fundamentally from conventional, supply-based approaches. The article reviews the transfer of the original soft path concept from energy to water, and summarizes the first applications of water soft path analytics to specific geographic areas: one urban area, one province, and one watershed in Canada. The article concludes with suggestions for further research, as well as steps to improve recognition of the water soft path as a planning tool that can move management and policies towards economic, ecological, and social sustainability.
Forsyth, S., and D.B. Brooks, 2011. "Applying water soft path analysis in an agricultural region of Canada." Water International 36(7), 894–907.

View Publication Details »

Read Abstract

The current study extends past work on water soft path analysis in breadth and in depth: in breadth by studying an area devoted to large-scale prairie agriculture, and in depth by adding direct interaction with water managers and citizens of the Pembina Valley Conservation District in the Province of Manitoba, Canada. The main conclusion from the study is that the region can continue to be a prosperous and attractive place in which to live and to farm for at least 30 years without a single additional drop of water.

2009

Brandes, O.M., D. Brooks, and S. Gurman, 2009. " A Water Future Different from the Past." In O.M. Brandes, D.B. Brooks, and S. Gurman (eds.) Making the Most of the Water We Have: The Soft Path Approach to Water Management. London: Earthscan Books,

View Publication Details »
Brandes, O.M., D. Brooks, and S. Gurman, 2009. "Why a Water Soft Path, and Why Now" in O.M. Brandes, D.B. Brooks and S. Gurman (eds.) Making the Most of the Water We Have: The Soft Path Approach to Water Management. London: Earthscan Books,

View Publication Details »
Brandes, O.M., D.B. Brooks, and S. Gurman (eds.), 2009. Making the Most of the Water We Have: The Soft Approach to Water Management. London: Earthscan Books.

View Publication Details »
Brandes, O.M., D.B. Brooks, C. Maas, S. Porter-Bopp, and J. Wong, 2009. "Annex - How to Create a Soft Path Plan for Water." In O.M. Brandes, D.B. Brooks, and S. Gurman (eds.) Making the Most of the Water We Have: The Soft Path Approach to Water Management. London: Earthscan Books,

View Publication Details »

2007

Brandes, O.M., and D. Brooks, 2007. "Ingenuity Trumps Hard Tech: The Water Soft Path is the Best Bet for Canada's Public and Ecological Needs." Alternatives 33(4): 10-13.

View Publication Details »
Brandes, O.M., and D. Brooks, 2007. "Soft Planning: How to Create a Water Soft Path." Alternatives 33(4): 25.

View Publication Details »

2006

Brandes, O. and D.B. Brooks, 2006. The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell. Victoria: POLIS Project, University of Victoria and Friends of the Earth Canada, May 2006.
Full Report

View Publication Details »

Download:
nutshell.pdf

Read Abstract

The Soft Path for Water in a Nutshell provides an overview of the steps involved in soft path planning, illustrates how soft path planning differs from conventional, supply management, and discusses the potential for this innovative approach to develop water sustainability in Canada. Originally published in November 2005, revised with research results in September 2007.
Brandes, O., and D.B. Brooks, 2006. The Soft Path for Water: A Social Approach to the Physical Problem of Achieving Sustainable Water Management. HORIZONS 9(1): 71-74.

Read Article

View Publication Details »
Brandes, O., D. Brooks and M. M’Gonigle, 2006. “Moving Water Conservation to Centre Stage.” Eau Canada: The Future of Canada’s Water, Vancouver: UBC Press.

View Publication Details »