“FOR A WATER SMART FUTURE”
BACKGROUND
>Cities arond the world are faced with ‘hexa-fecta’ of pressure : rapid urban populaion growth, economic expansion, competing demands, climate change, pollution and sub optimal water management practices.
>50% increase in water demands anticipated within next 3 decades
>By 2050 around 1.9 billi0n people live with seasonal water shortage.
Need of the hour : a holistic approach to help water scarce cities develop strategy for long term water security.
AIM
>To provide innovative undertaking that offers a holistic perspective to urban water security in scarsity conditions
>WCS Initiative is collaborating with partners to improve water management approaches, to establish a global network of practitioners and experts, and to facilitate technical assistance to build resilience against climate change
STRATEGIES
- Providing a toolbox and strategies for cities to support water resilience with knowledge products that highlight integrated water solutions.
- Creating stronger connections between water scarce cities and sharing solutions by providing a platform for practitioners and experts, as well as global thought leaders and institutions.
- Supporting water scarce cities with concrete engagement, including providing technical assistance for new water management approaches, technological advancements, and political practices.
BEST PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD
Marrakech (Morocco) Diversifying its water resources portfolio, engaging in participatory groundwater management, and curbing its water demand by reducing leakages in its water networks.
In Orange County, California (USA), authorities have successfully reduced reliance on external water supplies by reusing wastewater, and using its aquifer as a safety net.
In Malta, a water-scarce island located in the Mediterranean, impressive efforts have been made to diversify water resources, including desalination of seawater and brackish groundwater and harvesting rainwater.
The City of Windhoek, Namibia is increasing water security through multiple approaches, including storing water for future use through careful aquifer management, and using direct reclamation of drinking water from domestic sewage effluent. In addition, Windhoek builds resilience against the stressors of a variable climate through regional water cooperation.
CONCLUSION
Water resilience may be enhanced through unconventional thinking that ventures beyond traditionally narrow & soiled approaches.
WCS look at water resourses challenges through a creative, cooperative and collaborative lens