Work

Emerging solutions to the water challenges of an urbanizing world

Year: 2016

Type: review

Abstract: The top priorities for urban water sustainability include the provision of safe drinking water, wastewater handling for public health, and protection against flooding. However, rapidly aging infrastructure, population growth, and increasing urbanization call into question current urban water management strategies, especially in the fast-growing urban areas in Asia and Africa. We review innovative approaches in urban water management with the potential to provide locally adapted, resource-efficient alternative solutions. Promising examples include new concepts for stormwater drainage, increased water productivity, distributed or on-site treatment of wastewater, source separation of human waste, and institutional and organizational reforms. We conclude that there is an urgent need for major transdisciplinary efforts in research, policy, and practice to develop alternatives with implications for cities and aquatic ecosystems alike.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.aad8641

Authors: Tove A. Larsen, Sabine Hoffmann, Christoph Lüthi, Bernhard Truffer, Max Maurer

Institutions: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Utrecht University, ETH Zurich, Institute of Environmental Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Urban Stormwater Management Solutions

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: green

Funder: U.S. Department of Energy