NEW PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT
Keywords:
Urban water management, Urban waters, Urban drainage, Sustainable drainage, Nature-Based SolutionsAbstract
Accelerated urbanization and climate change intensify the challenges of sustainable urban water management, particularly in emerging and low-income economies. In these regions, recent unplanned urbanization and insufficient or inadequate infrastructure increase population vulnerability to extreme events. The concept of sustainable urban water management has historically evolved under various terminologies—BMP, LID, SUDS, WSUD, Green Infrastructure, and Sponge Cities—reflecting different priorities and cultural contexts. Recently, it has been framed under the new term Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Urban water management encompasses seven essential components: drainage, detention, retention, infiltration, evaporation, treatment, and reuse. Incorporating as many of these components as possible into stormwater systems ensures sustainable urban water management, fostering resilience and adaptation in cities facing climate change challenges. Additionally, integrating gray infrastructure with technological components and natural elements is a crucial step toward achieving sustainability in these systems, while also providing essential ecosystem services. This study presents a conceptual review of sustainable urban water management, outlining its components, requirements, and steps for implementation. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and strong community involvement in these initiatives. Furthermore, it highlights the need to strengthen regulatory and financial frameworks to encourage the adoption of the necessary measures for achieving sustainable urban water management.
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