Urban Water Management

Water security is a global concern today all over the world, with sources and uses of raw water has been the most in focus, especially in urban sectors. Rapid population growth and infrastructural development lead to increased demand and consumption of water, along with more wastewater generation. The water-related problems in the urban sector include a large amount of water loss, inadequate supply, and water quality. The excessive use of groundwater resources in cities has caused rapid water depletion. Many cities with large populations also face challenges in managing sewerage networks and wastewater treatment systems. Urban water management’s significance is improving water supply and sanitation infrastructure by managing rainwater, wastewater, and drainage systems. It also aims to control waterborne diseases and reduce the risk of water-related hazards. It involves planning, design, and infrastructure to meet the urban population’s water supply and sanitation demands. 

The Process of Urban Water Management:

The urban water management system aims to build up integrated management of water services in urban settlements. It requires a holistic approach to managing different water cycle components and utilizing water resources most effectively. The urban water management system mainly involves the process of water supply, urban drainage, and wastewater treatment. A typical urban water management system consists of an underground piped network to supply drinking water and remove wastewater. It also involves water collection and storage, water transport to the treatment facilities, storage and distribution facilities to urban areas, wastewater collection and treatment, and drainage systems. The water management system focuses on the diverse and optimum use of all potential sources of water, matching water quality per the usage pattern, and better utilization of natural sources of water.

Process of Urban Water Management

The Features of Urban Water Management:

• It identifies and preserves alternative water resources
• It recognizes the quality of water resources
• It deals with water storage, distribution, treatment, recycling, and proper disposal.
• It recognizes the relationship between water resources, land use, and energy.
• It aligns formal and informal practices that govern water management in cities.

Major Aspects of Urban Water Management:

In most cities, different agencies or departments manage different elements of the urban water management system. The water supply infrastructure is set up by one agency while another agency maintains it. Another agency is responsible for wastewater management. One department may be responsible for maintaining the water bodies and reservoirs in the city. In large cities, properly functioning such dedicated agencies leads to improved efficiency in the water management system. Participation of critical public and private stakeholders interested in improving water management in cities can have a positive impact.

Technology upgrade is necessary for managing the urban water system efficiently. Technology selection for water supply, wastewater treatment, and sanitation is crucial to make the process more efficient and cost-effective. The application of suitable technology must consider the requirements such as reducing water losses, maintaining adequate supply, improving the use of treated wastewater, and optimizing energy usage. The objective is to build a structured and reliable system to ensure water accessibility for all segments, low maintenance requirements, less wastage of water, and a sound drainage system to avoid public inconvenience and health issues. Wastewater treatment is an integral part of water management and gives fruitful results through technology application by making wastewater suitable in many commercial and industrial fields.

The citizens’ involvement and engagement in the city’s water management is also an important aspect of making the process more effective. Implementing a thriving urban water management system in cities requires generating awareness about the water use and reuse of wastewater. It aims to create an inclusive and participatory system so that citizens have a sense of ownership to treat water as a valuable and scarce resource. This is very crucial because awareness and confidence of citizens in the measures taken by the authority to improve the water supply, treatment, and drainage system help generate positive results.

Important Points About Urban Water Management:

• India has only about 4% of the world’s renewable water resources.
• About 40 % of water supplied in many Indian cities does not earn any revenue.
• The world will have a shortage of 40% in freshwater by 2030.
• Approximately 700 million people worldwide suffer from water stress and scarcity.

Conclusion:

Urban water management must be very effective in responding to rapidly increasing demands for water in the urban sector and develop a system that takes care of environmental aspects and health issues. This requires a proper assessment of the economic and social impact of adopting the urban water management approach and building the technical capacity to create a cost-efficient system. Growing population, urban development, and degradation of water distribution infrastructure make urban water management more challenging. The shortage, wastage, and destruction of water resources make it extremely necessary to rethink and find new ways to deal with the problems of the urban water cycle through an integrated approach supported by all stakeholders.