An integrated water resource management approach aims at securing water for all sectors, sustainably conserving water, and protecting water resources from pollution. Understanding the various water supply sources as a holistic ‘one source’, enables better integrated and more sustainable management of the overall supply.

Meeting the need for a sustainable water supply requires increasing efforts on protecting water resources, a focus on efficient utility operations, and reducing urban water losses. Supplying good quality drinking water starts with water source protection and lasts throughout the distribution system.

Challenges to production capacity, due to increasing water supply issues, are putting pressure on industries. To stay competitive industries must look to efficient reduction in water consumption in production and to local treatment of the industrial wastewater for possible reuse.

Proper management of wastewater is necessary to protect both people and ecosystems. Wastewater management enables the harvesting of the many resources wastewater and treatment holds.

Expanding mitigation to include adaptation in dealing with climate change, enables a holistic view that can combat previous negative social, environmental, and economic impacts and result in both climate resilient and more liveable places to live. Over the next 15-20 years, Denmark will spend more than EUR 5 billion on adapting its cities to climate changes.

With the increasing possibility for data collection in water management, new smart solutions arise for automation and improved decision making. Today, water utilities in Denmark have adopted smart water systems, ensuring high-quality production and supporting strategic rehabilitation planning.