CAN WATER HELP OUR CITIES COPE WITH RAPID URBANISATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE?

According to a study published by ROBERT SKINNER PROFESSORIAL FELLOW AND DIRECTOR OF MONASH UNIVERSITY’S WATER FOR LIVEABILITY CENTRE the impacts of rapid urbanisation and climate change mean our cities are at risk of becoming “unliveable” unless we dramatically change the way we plan and design our cities – with water as a central focus." This is not idle speculation, it is a reality that we are starting to see play out in many cities around the world

The IWA Principles for Water Wise Cities, currently being drafted through the consultation of water professionals provides a framework to develop a shared vision amongst urban stakeholders and act to implement this vision for sustainable urban water in our cities, now and in the future. Four levels of action are identified: 1) Water wise urban communities, 2) basin connected cities, 3) water sensitive urban design, 4) regenerative water services for all.

What does that mean in practice?

Designing cites in a water sensitive way – cities that are liveable and resilient – means that:

• Citizens and governments work together from the outset to develop a common vision of the liveability for their city
• Water for consumption by residents and industry is supplied from a range of diverse sources (not just one centralised source), to provide water security in times of drought
• Urban areas are more resilient to flooding
• Streets and open spaces are greener, and therefore cooler, and provide for community “connectedness”
• The ecological values of waterways and surrounding areas are protected
• The city has a much lower carbon footprint, because the management of resources, such as water, sewage, energy and food, are fully integrated."