Using current sources and management approaches, authorities could assure a supply of water to most people in Namibia, but at a price. That supply would not, however, necessarily be economically, socially or environmentally sustainable. Nor would that supply be sufficient for the rapidly growing population and people's increasing expectations in the future. It is important for Namibia to continue to move away from the traditional approach of 'building a new dam and laying down a new pipeline' whenever water is thought to be required in remote areas with no real development potential. All Namibians must recognize the limitations imposed by the availability of water for the sustainable development of Namibia and turn these constraints into useful opportunities.