Priorities
Key information
Water
The ability to engineer water for irrigation was the foundation of civilisation. The safe supply of drinking water and the disposal of foul water are essential for urban settlement.
Sustainable water management means minimising our impact on the healthy functioning of the water cycle. Although the total amount of water on the planet does not change, the way we use and manage water has far-reaching effects.
So far the impact of climate change has been most visible through flooding and drought. It is clear that we need to make our places more resilient against the worst effects of climate change.
However, we should not forget that water is a valuable design resource too, improving financial value and visual amenity. Integrated design can add value to our places at the same time as we address climate change.
The benefits of sustainable water management include reducing the risk of flooding, supporting cooler microclimates, reducing carbon emissions, providing opportunities for recreation and lowering environmental and economic costs.
Local authorities can improve sustainable water management by establishing water catchment-based strategies, managing demand for potable water, providing and promoting rainwater harvesting for gardens and public spaces and preserving wetlands and habitats.
Priorities for water
- Manage surface water and flood risk Surface water management is becoming more challenging with a changing climate.
- Encourage sustainable water use Water use is often unsustainable with high environmental and economic costs.
- Protect watercourses Taking water from rivers can harm wildlife and has aesthetic costs.
Related priorities
- Integrate green infrastructure into urban areas
- Moderate the urban heat island
- Help wildlife adapt to climate change
- Adapt public space to climate change
Experts
The water theme was written by:
Richard Copas
Robert Bray
Sarah Bell
Susannah Gill
Alan Barber
