Redesigning the role of water in future cities is a huge task, but one that is necessary to achieve water security and resilience. While it might be tempting to continue to design infrastructure and governance systems in the same way we always have, we must recognize the tremendous opportunity we have to innovate and create more efficient, sustainable solutions that can better adapt to the challenges of the modern world.
However, the existing infrastructure found in developed countries is here to stay. So the question becomes, how can we gradually alter this system as we build new infrastructure? And, can we actually change how we manage and govern water at different scales, locations, and timelines to ensure we are equipped to deal with the impacts of changing social, climate, and economic realities?
Here, I look at three ways we can successfully redesign and reimagine the role of water in our future cities.
Adapt our existing infrastructure — and embrace new models — to confront new challenges
In developed countries, an intricate network of established infrastructure and layers of governance dictates how water is extracted from the environment, allocated among users, and managed post-consumption. As cities and communities evolve, we face the challenge of building upon this existing framework to redefine the role of water.
In the context of developed countries, modular solutions versus centralized infrastructure becomes an important consideration. With technological advancements and data-driven approaches, we have an opportunity to integrate modular solutions seamlessly with centralized systems to enhance efficiency, provide valuable insights, foster community engagement, and optimize our systems.
In developing countries, on the other hand, we have a blank canvas with which we can completely reimagine water management. Such countries have the potential to leapfrog and adopt a new water paradigm focused on efficiency and circularity. They can shift the focus to creating a more central role for water while leveraging appropriate technologies and local solutions — many of which have worked for centuries in these communities — to address water security and scarcity. The crux of this approach lies in the flexibility around how we use water and adapt to local conditions while also developing the infrastructure that can provide access to water and sanitation.
Fitting water quality to purpose with technological advancements
Developed nations rely on established infrastructure based on centralized solutions that treat and deliver high-quality water to our taps. People within these nations are often completely disconnected from their water sources; water leaves their taps, and after being used once, it leaves their homes. These systems were designed to provide the highest-quality water suitable for all purposes while also protecting public health.
However, technological advancements now offer modular alternatives tailored to meet specific needs. For example, flushable water needn’t be of drinkable quality, nor the water we use for cooling systems. In fact, many of the uses for water can be managed with lower-quality water.
The significant carbon footprint and environmental impacts of water treatment processes highlight the importance of fitting quality to purpose. By prioritizing lower-quality water for non-potable uses, we can minimize energy and resource consumption while exploring opportunities for water reuse and recycling at every scale.
Reuse and recycle water at every stage
The infrastructure we rely on today — mainly constructed in the 20th century or even earlier in some regions — was designed to treat and deliver water efficiently and centrally.
However, this infrastructure was constructed during an era where centralized infrastructure systems were deemed the most viable means of treating and delivering water given our technological capabilities, and the world was not confronting today’s distinct climatic, social, and economic challenges. As we confront the realities of climate change, environmental degradation, and aging infrastructure, a more definitive focus on reusing and recycling water is key.
At the heart of this approach is a transition towards a circular economy model and leveraging new technologies to address emerging challenges while also enhancing the resilience of these systems.
Traditionally, water utilities often anticipated perpetual growth in demand due to population and economic growth. However, in recent decades, there has been a shift towards water efficiency driven by technological advancements and evolving regulations. This reduction in water consumption opens up possibilities for marginal solutions to meet future demand without exacerbating pressures on the environment we depend on.
Demand management must extend beyond conservation and efficiency measures to encompass behind-the-meter water reuse solutions. Data-driven customer engagement strategies such as “Nest for Water” could also further reduce water demand.
Using new technologies to fuel water reuse in developing nations
Integrating data gathering and technology into water management systems can revolutionize how we monitor and respond to water usage patterns. From tracking consumption at every scale to detecting leaks and optimizing treatment processes, technology offers incredible opportunities for efficiency and sustainability.
In developing countries especially, technology presents us with a chance to build model cities equipped to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
In these contexts, we have the opportunity to create model cities that address current challenges. Imagine cities where every home incorporates onsite and modular water reuse systems (e.g. shower to toilet, sinks to gardens, and beyond), every neighborhood captures rainwater for reuse, and decentralized treatment facilities ensure water quality at the source to minimize reliance on centralized infrastructure.
By monitoring consumption patterns and utilizing sensor technology, we could also ensure efficient water use, address quality issues quickly at every level of the system, and create homes and neighborhoods that are dependent on distributed water reuse while taking less from the environment.
This vision can become reality, but we also need our policies and financial incentives to align with the transition towards decentralized, sustainable water management models. Embracing innovation and departing from conventional paradigms will be key to redesigning the role of water in our cities.
Focus on distributed governance structures
In developed nations, the construction of centralized infrastructure, such as dams, aqueducts, and treatment facilities, is generally accompanied by governance and management structures that facilitate the allocation and treatment of water, ensuring quality standards as it is distributed through various systems. However, these centralized systems often operate under rigid governance frameworks, greatly lacking in flexibility and adaptability to address emerging challenges.
As we think about the future role of water amidst climate change, urbanization, and aging infrastructure, we also need to rethink our policies and governance structures. Revisiting these frameworks is crucial, especially in developed countries, as they shape how infrastructure is designed, managed, and operated and how resources are allocated to build future infrastructure. By fostering flexibility in governance, we can better adapt to emerging challenges and embrace flexibility across the water supply chain.
We must also recognize the interconnected nature of our water resources. Rather than dividing water into distinct categories like potable, wastewater, and stormwater, we should adopt a holistic “one water” model. This involves managing all water resources holistically and leveraging natural systems like groundwater recharge and community green spaces to promote resilience.
Moreover, as urbanization continues to accelerate, we have an opportunity to prioritize modular solutions over centralized infrastructure, where communities can achieve greater flexibility and efficiency in meeting their water needs. This shift requires not only technological innovation but also supportive governance structures that encourage experimentation and adaptation.
In both developed and developing countries, water security and resilience hinges on policy decisions and financial investments. Rather than replicating outdated models, we should direct funding to help empower communities to embrace new solutions such as natural systems, including horizontal levees, groundwater recharge, parks, and community centers that are tailored to fit their unique challenges and opportunities while providing multiple benefits.
As we look ahead to a future where 70% of the world’s population resides in urban areas, the choices we make today will shape the cities of tomorrow. We are building future cities today! We have the power to redesign the role of water in these cities by embracing flexible governance, reusing water at every opportunity both behind and in front of the meter, and investing in sustainable water infrastructure to create cities of resilience rather than reliance.
Qatium Experts
Newsha Ajami is Chief Strategy and Development Officer for Research at Berkeley Lab Earth & EESA and is one of many experts that we co-create Qatium with.
