Integrated Urban Water Systems

Abstract

Urban water systems are platforms to foster integration in cities by coordinating water systems and services to align urban development toward sustainability goals. Integration can harmonize joint decision-making with other sectors, such as land use planning, economic development, energy, and transport, as well as to promote community goodwill. Integration begins when water and wastewater are operated as one utility, which can facilitate recycling of wastewater. Another facet is created when utilities draw from and return water to the natural water environment. The extent of integration can be measured with scores in goal areas such as governance and management, resource use, service delivery, natural systems, and social equity. Attempts to integrate urban water systems may encounter institutional resistance due to entrenched practices and interests.