Past and Present of Urban Water Management: Retrospective and Call for Innovation

Peter A. Wilderer

Institute for Advanced Studies on Sustainability of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Salzburg, Germany

Abstract: The linear concept of urban water management evolved in ancient cities. The concept has been adopted and further developed in the 19th and 20th century. It serves its purpose as long as water is readily available for human and industrial consumption. This, however, is rarely the case in the fast growing cities around the world, particularly in cities located in areas where quantity and quality of naturally available fresh water do not meet the actual urban water demand. In such cases it appears to be unwise to use water just once as suggested by our forefathers. Wastewater when properly purified should be considered as a supplementary source of useable water, nutrients and energy. Purification of wastewater to a degree that meets the specific requirements of subsequent users is considered a reasonable, energy saving and sustainable option in the battle against water shortage.

Key words: anthropocene, decentralization, inherited water management concept, water reuse