SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Module 1: Preparing for the Future SWITCH Training Kit Module 1: Preparing for the Future Strategic planning and action for integration in urban water management An overview

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future The importance of good urban water management Water and urban quality of life: Public health Security Economy Environment

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Urban water management – The issues Climate change Population growth and urbanisation Deterioration of infrastructure systems Governance and policies Changes in public priorities Emerging technologies Energy use Increasing complexity and risks of infrastructure systems

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Conventional approaches to urban water management Stormwater collection and disposal using concrete channels and pipes Centralised wastewater collection and treatment Increased water demand is met through new supplies Standard engineering solutions are applied Different sectors of the water cycle are managed separately

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Drawbacks of the conventional approach to urban water management Lack of integration Short-term solutions Lack of flexibility Energy intensive

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Links within the water cycle Stormwater Wastewater Water supply  Water quality  Potential resource  Sewer capacities  Water treatment standards  Potential resource  Wastewater volume The Urban Water Cycle

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Links between water and other sectors of urban planning Energy Parks, gardens and recreation Local economic development Health Waste management Housing Roads and transport Land-use management Farming

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) IUWM requires the consideration of: All parts of the water cycle as an integrated system The need to strive for sustainability All water users and other relevant stakeholders All water uses (Based on Mitchell, 2004)

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Integrated approaches to urban water management Stormwater is attenuated and retained using natural systems Wastewater is separated at source and reused Reducing water demand is given priority over increasing supply Innovative solutions are encouraged Physical and institutional integration in the management of the water cycle (Based on Mitchell, 2004)

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Benefits of IUWM Increased water availability Reduced cost of water treatment Increased biodiversity Identification of more cost effective and viable solutions

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Why IUWM is more sustainable Social sustainability Economic sustainability Environmental sustainability Meets society’s needs for water in a fair way … and protects it from risks caused by water Ensures the necessary financing for managing the water resources and for meeting society’s needs Preserves / restores aquatic ecosystems

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Moving towards integration Communication, coordination & collaboration across institutional boundaries Cross-disciplinary interaction Multi-stakeholder involvement Experimenting – learning – sharing Regular review and adjustment Importance of joint vision

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Adopting IUWM through strategic planning Strategy development & political commitment Action planning & implementation Monitoring & evaluation Visioning & setting of objectives Assessment of situation & scenario building

SWITCH Training Kit: Module 1 – Preparing for the Future Acknowledgements Ralph Philip and Barbara Anton ICLEI – Local Government’s for Sustainability based on the joint efforts of the following SWITCH partners: P. van der Steen (UNESCO-IHE), J. Butterworth (IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre), C. Batchelor (IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre), C. Da Silva (IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre), D.M. Guio-Torres (UNESCO-IHE), C. Howe (UNESCO-IHE), Z. Vojinovic (UNESCO-IHE) The UNESCO-IHE led SWITCH project runs from Feb to Jan and is part- financed by Directorate General Research of the European Commission under the Sixth Framework Programme. For more information see This presentation has been produced as part of the SWITCH Training Kit by: