The challenge
Cities worldwide face pressure from population growth, an ageing and deteriorating water infrastructure and climate change. As the demand for water keeps increasing, a growing number of cities struggle to provide a sustainable and uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water. Moreover, in areas with high population density, a lack of adequate wastewater treatment pose a significant risk to both human health and the environment. Finally, the increased frequency of extreme weather events is forcing cities to become more climate-resilient.
The future
Ensuring long-term water security in cities requires a holistic and integrated approach to urban water management. This includes the availability of high-quality water sources, effective treatment plants for both water and wastewater as well as an efficient distribution network with minimum water loss. Blue-green infrastructure can help cities improve their resilience to climate change and the liveability for its citizens.
