Rethinking the urban water management of Copenhagen

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.J. Binning ◽  
M.B. Hauger ◽  
M. Rygaard ◽  
A.M. Eilersen ◽  
H.J. Albrechtsen
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Reference Scenario ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Current Water

Copenhagen currently relies on imported groundwater for its drinking water supply, but must become less reliant on external resources in future. A set of 9 scenarios for future water supply and waste water management are developed with the aim of making Copenhagen’s water supply entirely self sufficient. The scenarios are based on an analysis of current and past societal perceptions, mega trends and a catalogue of world’s best practice in urban water management. An initial screening of the scenarios is conducted by comparing them with a reference scenario (the current water supply) for the most important criteria. Perceptions, mega trends and evaluation criteria were identified by a stakeholder workshop. The scenarios that appear most promising are: central recirculation delivering water from a desalination and recycled grey water plant; a green city that relies on rainwater for supply and wastewater is separated and treated locally; a market driven water supply delivering various qualities of water and having separating sewage streams; and a local technological society where high tech treatment is used to produce and treat water within a neighbourhood.

A brief history of water supply and wastewater management in ancient Greece

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 618-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. N. Angelakis ◽  
D. S. Spyridakis
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Ancient Greece ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
History Of ◽  
Water And Wastewater ◽  
Greek Civilization

The evolution of urban water management in ancient Greece begins in Crete during the Middle Bronze and the beginning of the Late Bronze Ages (ca. 2000–1500 B.C.) when many remarkable developments occurred in several stages as Minoan civilization flourished on the island. One of its salient characteristics was the architectural and hydraulic function of its water supply and sewerage systems in the Minoan Palaces and several other settlements. These technologies, though they do not give a complete picture of water supply and wastewater and storm water technologies in ancient Greece, indicate nevertheless that such technologies have been used in Greece since prehistoric times. Minoan water and wastewater technologies were diffused to the Greek mainland in the subsequent phases of Greek civilization, i.e. in the Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. The scope of this article is the presentation of the most characteristic forms of ancient hydraulic works and related technologies and their uses in past Greek civilizations.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Current Issues in Water Supply Systems and Implications for Sustainable Urban Water Management in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon

2020 ◽  
pp. 52-74
Author(s):  
Baba Adamu ◽  
Ndi Humphrey N. ◽  
Balgah Sounders N.
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Urban Growth ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sustainable Urban Water Management ◽  
Supply Systems

Water supply system has played a significant role in the growth, development and wellbeing of cities. Until now, meeting the need of city residents in terms of availability, reliability, and access to a good quality water supply is a major challenge facing many denizens of the 21st Century due to unprecedented urban growth and urbanization rates. This study is out to examine the current issues and challenges to water supply systems in Limbe. The study adopted the mix method approach which involves triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data were obtained from field observations, interviews and the administration of 383 questionnaires to households and stakeholders. Secondary data were obtained from relevant official documents, published and unpublished sources relevant to water supply systems. Satellite imageries and ArcGIS were used to describe the pattern of growth in built-up areas between 1986 and 2019. Data from the questionnaire were entered using Epi Data Version 3.1, analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Standard version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel and presented in the form of tables, figures, plates and maps. Findings revealed that, although the water supply accessibility by utilities has improved significantly, the reliability, distribution, flow frequency, supply, price and quality are still low. The inaccessibility and unreliability in the water supply have turned most households to alternative sources with poor quality. Unsustain urbanization and urban growth are occurring through infills in city remaining open spaces and ‘out spill’ and expansion at the outskirt without a concurrent increase, upgrading or extension of water supply infrastructural systems resulting to congestion, conflict over allocation, long-distance trekking to source water, deterioration of basic social services, pollution, inaccessibility amongst to ensure efficient water supply systems and sustainable urban water management. The paper, therefore, calls for the rehabilitation and renovation of dilapidated water supply structures, extension and upgrading basic services, limit urbanization and urban growth, encourage the construction and use of alternative water sources, community participation amongst others for sustainable urban water supply management.

Application of an Interactive Water Simulation Model in urban water management: a case study in Amsterdam

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 1729-1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. Leskens ◽  
M. Brugnach ◽  
A. Y. Hoekstra
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Current Water ◽  
Water Simulation ◽  
Computation Algorithms

Water simulation models are available to support decision-makers in urban water management. To use current water simulation models, special expertise is required. Therefore, model information is prepared prior to work sessions, in which decision-makers weigh different solutions. However, this model information quickly becomes outdated when new suggestions for solutions arise and are therefore limited in use. We suggest that new model techniques, i.e. fast and flexible computation algorithms and realistic visualizations, allow this problem to be solved by using simulation models during work sessions. A new Interactive Water Simulation Model was applied for two case study areas in Amsterdam and was used in two workshops. In these workshops, the Interactive Water Simulation Model was positively received. It included non-specialist participants in the process of suggesting and selecting possible solutions and made them part of the accompanying discussions and negotiations. It also provided the opportunity to evaluate and enhance possible solutions more often within the time horizon of a decision-making process. Several preconditions proved to be important for successfully applying the Interactive Water Simulation Model, such as the willingness of the stakeholders to participate and the preparation of different general main solutions that can be used for further iterations during a work session.

scholarly journals Urban water management challenges and achievements in Windhoek, Namibia

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 703-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earl W. Lewis ◽  
Chad Staddon ◽  
Johannes Sirunda
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Water Demand Management

Abstract This paper gives an overview of the main challenges and achievements faced by Windhoek's water management sector. The paper highlights pertinent issues arising from increased water demand, and also explores current and future water supply augmentation options. Water planners experience management challenges as a result of a combination of factors, mainly, lack of funds and staff, limited expertise, poor communication between stakeholders, and weak regulation and enforcement. In order to meet these challenges water managers need to develop more robust and resilient strategies, including greater focus on water demand management.

scholarly journals Collaborative, Risk-Informed, Triple Bottom Line, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Planning Framework for Integrated Urban Water Management

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Cole ◽  
Sybil Sharvelle ◽  
Neil Grigg ◽  
Gary Pivo ◽  
Jon Haukaas
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Decision Analysis ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Planning Framework

The historical division of water management into different sectors, with financially and technologically driven decision processes, makes taking a more holistic approach to finding sustainable solutions for urban water management difficult. Here, a planning framework for Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) that evolved during a two-year study evaluating alternative strategies for dual water supply within a local government context is described. The planning framework was developed to overcome the obstacles that surfaced over the course of the study. It provides a structured approach to strategic decision making that integrates triple bottom line (TBL), multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, and participatory decision making into an exploration of water supply alternatives. TBL assured stakeholders that the decisions considered the financial, social, and environmental performance. MCDA provided visibility into the benefits and trade-offs of the alternatives by providing a quantitative method for comparing alternatives that incorporates incommensurate performance indicators and priorities of multiple stakeholders. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses addressed concerns regarding decision risk and improved transparency into inputs driving uncertainty in the analysis. Finally, a flexible participatory process helped to circumvent socio-institutional barriers by adapting the methodology and increasing cooperation among stakeholders and multidisciplinary experts. The resulting collaborative, risk-informed, TBL-MCDA (CRTM) planning framework helps to refine the feasible set of alternatives by providing more transparency into the drivers, technologies, and stakeholders influencing the decision. The planning framework increased the number of participants that were involved in the study, increased interaction between participants, changed the structure of the decision problem, increased the number of performance indicators considered, and improved stakeholder cooperation in the decision process.

Progress towards sustainable urban water management in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Egan ◽  
Gloria Agyemang
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
World Bank ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Financial Efficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Water Supply

Purpose In recent decades, governments in developing countries have experienced relentless pressure from key supranational finance providers (particularly the World Bank) to focus on the achievement of financial efficiency. This pressure persists despite evidence that basic institutions necessary for sustainable infrastructure and competitive commercial arrangements are often not present. This paper aims to examine the steering of urban water management in Ghana as it progressed through a first failed public-private partnership in this sector (from 2005 to 2011), and beyond to 2017. Throughout this 12-year period, the authors consider progress and barriers to the achievement of steering for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach Publicly available documentation is examined through the lens of steering for sustainable development (Voß et al., 2007) to consider the challenges of urban water management between 2005 and 2017. Findings Progress towards a more sustainable approach to urban water management was achieved through greater democratic governance, public accountability and public engagement. This acted as a counter foil to power and affected improvements of knowledge and clarity of related goals. Effective sustainable management continued to be challenged, however, by on-going World Bank pressure to focus on financial efficiency. Practical implications The provision of a sustainable water supply continues to be a significant challenge for many developing countries, including Ghana. This study provides insights into how progress beyond crippling financial dependency might begin to be achieved. Social implications Safe and sustainable water supply is critical for both the health and economic progress of citizens in developing countries such as Ghana. This study provides insight into the value of drawing from a broad range of stakeholders in seeking viable pathways towards those goals. Originality/value While water management challenges for developing countries have been significantly researched, particularly in the context of private financing arrangements, little empirical insight is provided into how governments can move forward with sustainable progress beyond the failure of such arrangements. Water management in Ghana beyond 2011 provides that unique context.

scholarly journals Urban Water Management: Best Practice Cases

2014 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Ramakrishnaiah
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management

scholarly journals Nature Based Solutions for Urban Resilience: A Distinction Between No-Tech, Low-Tech and High-Tech Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robbert PH Snep ◽  
Joris GWF Voeten ◽  
Gerben Mol ◽  
Tim Van Hattum
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Urban Design ◽  
Added Value ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Urban Settings ◽  
Vegetated Roofs

Urbanization and extreme weather require smarter urban water management. Nature-based solutions (NBS) like vegetated roofs and city trees can contribute effectively to climate resilience and future proof urban water management. However, large scale implementation is limited due to a lack of knowledge among professionals on how to capture, store, and reuse water on-site. In this paper we advocate a classification into no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech green, thereby supporting urban designers to better utilize the ability of these green elements to effectively manage water flows in different urban settings. Here, “no tech” green is considered traditional urban green, handling (rain) water like nature would. “Low-tech” green (e.g., extensive Sedum roofs) are suitable for dense urban settings with limited demand for water management and ecosystem services. More developed “high-tech” green solutions have vegetation performing even beyond natural capacities, offering full water management control options and enable city planners, architects and landscape designers to enhance urban resilience and circularity without claiming valuable urban space. We elaborate our “tech NBS” approach for city trees and vegetated roofs thereby demonstrating the classification's added value for sustainable urban design. We conclude that specifying the demanded “no/low/high” -tech level of green infrastructure in urban design plans will help to yield the most of ecosystem services using appropriate levels of available technology.

scholarly journals An Overview of Hybrid Water Supply Systems in the Context of Urban Water Management: Challenges and Opportunities

Water ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 153-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukta Sapkota ◽  
Meenakshi Arora ◽  
Hector Malano ◽  
Magnus Moglia ◽  
Ashok Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Supply Systems

scholarly journals Situations, challenges and strategies of urban water management in Beijing under rapid urbanization effect

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-127
Author(s):  
Wen Liu ◽  
Weiping Chen ◽  
Qi Feng ◽  
Ravinesh C. Deo
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Water Pollution ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Urbanization Effect ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Current Water ◽  
Water Problems

Abstract As the capital and a major political hub for China, Beijing has undergone a rapid urbanization effect with significant population growth in recent years. At the same time, Beijing has also been suffering from severe water problems such as water scarcity, urban flooding and other issues related to water pollution. These have increasingly generated severe water problems and stymied the pace and scope of sustainable urban development. The critical challenges faced by water resource administrations pertains to the issues of sustainable management of water resources and the relevant actions to be put in place in order to address these water-related problems. In this study, the current water situation of Beijing is described in great detail focusing on water resource amounts, water supply, water consumption and water pollution changes analyzed from historical to recent years. The challenges of Beijing urban water management systems are also analyzed to offer possible solutions in light of the current trends. Finally, a number of useful strategies and action-oriented measures are provided for Beijing's urban water resource administration to assist them in overcoming the current water management challenges and for them to move towards a more sustainable developmental city.

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