The SWITCH Approach to Integrated Urban Water Management Managing Water for the City of the Future Managing Water for the City of the Future The SWITCH Approach to Integrated Urban Water Management Ralph Philip ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability European Secretariat, Freiburg, Germany

SWITCH cities around the world

Integration = more sustainable 22 February 2019 The SWITCH hypothesis Achieving a truly sustainable urban water system is only possible when this system is designed, planned and managed in an integrated way. Integration = more sustainable

Links within the urban water cycle 22 February 2019 Links within the urban water cycle Stormwater Water quality Potential resource Sewer capacities Water treatment standards The Urban Water Cycle Water supply Wastewater Potential resource Wastewater volume

Links between water supply and other sectors of urban management 22 February 2019 Links between water supply and other sectors of urban management Energy Housing Waste management Parks, gardens and recreation Water supply is indirectly linked with a number of urban sectors including: Parks, gardens and recreation – Land uses such as parks and gardens, golf courses and sports fields rely on large quantities of fresh water for irrigation. Housing – The construction of new housing developments creates additional water demand and the need for new distribution infrastructure Energy – Water availability from reservoirs may be restricted due to conflicting interests from hydro-power generation. Water treatment and pumping costs are also dependent on a reliable supply of energy. Waste management – Poorly managed urban waste can cause the pollution of ground and surface water sources. Local economic development – Many industries rely on a large supply of fresh water for production, washing and cooling purposes. Industrial growth therefore depends on a reliable source of supply. Health – A reliable water supply of sufficient quality and quantity is essential for the health of a city’s population. Local economic development Health

Links between stormwater and other sectors of urban management 22 February 2019 Housing Roads and transport Solid waste Parks and gardens Land-use management

22 February 2019 Links between wastewater management and other sectors of urban management Energy Housing Parks, gardens and recreation Farming Wastewater management is indirectly linked with a number of urban sectors including: Parks, gardens and recreation – Recycled greywater and treated effluent can be used as a cheap and reliable source of irrigation for parks, gardens, golf courses and sports fields. Housing – The construction of new housing developments requires new wastewater collection infrastructure and expanded capacities at treatment plants. Energy – The digestion of wastewater sludge produces biogas that can be used as a renewable energy source. Conventional wastewater treatment is also dependent on a reliable supply of energy. Farming – Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus contained in wastewater can be recycled as fertiliser for farming purposes. If safely managed, treated effluent can also be used as a source of irrigation for crops. Local economic development – Adequate sanitation services and clean rivers and lakes can boost investment in the local economy, particularly tourism. Health – Inadequate sanitation services is one of the main causes of disease in developing countries. Local economic development Health

22 February 2019