Urban Water and Wastewater Management in 2050

Abstract

Population growth, coupled with increased standards of living and growing resource limitations, is creating water shortages and necessitates changes form the linear urban water management approach historically used. Fortunately, evolving approaches and enabling technologies allow integrated 21 st century urban water management systems to be assembled which require the removal of much less water from the natural environment, can achieve energy neutrality (no net energy input to the water management system), and provide significant nutrient recovery. They incorporate increased efficiency, use of local water resources, and much greater recovery and recycling. These systems provide further advantages, including easier expansion, reduced urban heat island effects, and dramatically increased urban aesthetics. Our existing linear systems can be transformed by aggressively incorporating these modern concepts into new developments and when redevelopment occurs. Education and professional practice must be transformed to break down historical barriers between drinking, storm, and waste water. Economic analysis requires careful consideration of marginal effects.