Why are decentralised urban water solutions still rare given all the claimed benefits, and how could that be changed?

Abstract

Numerous innovative decentralised urban water solutions have been described over many years, yet their application in practice is still not common at all. While many proposed solutions may have some techno-economic advantages over current systems, the real reasons for the slow uptake have more to do with system-wide inertia and technology ‘lock-in’ where existing solutions are preferred for simplicity and familiarity. A key factor is also the inadequate assessments in project decision making processes that should consider all relevant social, environmental and economic benefits and values. This paper highlights some key barriers and how to address them in a more holistic way. It also identifies opportunities where more integrated, hybrid solutions could offer significant benefits over current technologies. It calls on all key partners in this sector to foster broad and strong collaborations, and on water service providers to be empowered to take an inclusive leadership role in creating such innovative solutions that help address our growing challenges driven by rapid urbanisation and climate change.