Policy Brief: The urban water challenge

Abstract

There are major challenges associated with the provision of urban water services which meet acceptable standards of service for present and future generations. Unless there is significant investment in the underground networks there will be an increasing loss of access to acceptable service. There has been a mistaken belief that water resource difficulties can be solved through “hours of day” water rationing. Successful case studies help to point the way forward. In the developed world there are wake-up calls for major investment. In many parts of the developing world the most fundamental change required is the adoption of a policy of continuous (“24/7”) supply. There should be sustainable cost recovery from water charges, with subsidies being targeted to make provision for low-income groups. With rapid urbanization, water service planning has to be integrated with city planning.

Keywords:

• 24/7 supply
• sustainable cost recovery
• political commitment
• city planning