"Water for People" is a comprehensive report by Arup, in partnership with the International Water Association (IWA), aimed at inspiring urban leaders to build "water-wise" communities. The report emphasizes the importance of water in cities, highlighting its life-sustaining qualities and its role in promoting environmental, social, and economic benefits.
The main points covered in the report include:
Complexity and Interconnectivity: Urban water systems are intricate and interconnected with the built environment, communities, and stakeholders across the water cycle and its catchments. The report stresses the need to understand the fundamental role of nature in complementing technological solutions.
Global Challenges: Climate change, population growth, urbanization, and resource depletion pose significant global challenges, particularly in urban areas. These challenges necessitate the adaptation of cities to address contemporary issues.
Opportunity for Transformation: Despite the challenges, there's an opportunity to revolutionize urban water system design and management, fostering innovation and sustainability. Cities can leverage this transformation to create healthier, more resilient, and prosperous spaces.
Blue City Thinking: The report advocates for 'blue' city thinking, focusing on water as a connected network of blue infrastructure (including fresh and salt water). This approach aims to enhance security, health, well-being, and resilience in urban areas.
Innovative Solutions: The report highlights successful blue approaches and interventions in cities worldwide, identifying five common themes for reconnecting people with the water cycle. These themes aim to ensure people benefit from enhanced security, health, well-being, and resilience provided by sustainable water resource management.
Collaboration and Partnership: Achieving sustainable water management requires strategic city planning, collaboration among various sectors, and new funding arrangements. Partnerships between communities, companies, organizations, and governments are crucial for generating broader environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Economic and Social Benefits: Implementing blue city strategies can lead to healthier, more resilient, and economically successful cities. New partnerships and ways of working are essential to achieve these goals, emphasizing the importance of integrated planning and collaboration.
Challenges and Opportunities: The report acknowledges the complexity and challenges associated with transitioning to water-wise cities, while also recognizing the opportunity to create a legacy of sustainable practices in changing times.
Overall, "Water for People" underscores the pivotal role of water in urban development and the necessity for a holistic, collaborative, and innovative approach to managing water resources sustainably in cities.