1. The SWITCH Approach to Integrated Urban Water Management
Managing Water for the City of the Future
Managing Water for the City of the Future
The SWITCH Approach to Integrated Urban Water Management
Ralph Philip
ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
European Secretariat, Freiburg, Germany

2. SWITCH cities around the world

3. Integration = more sustainable
22 February 2019
The SWITCH hypothesis
Achieving a truly sustainable urban water system is only possible when this system is designed, planned and managed in an integrated way.
Integration = more sustainable

4. Links within the urban water cycle
22 February 2019
Links within the urban water cycle
Stormwater
Water quality
Potential resource
Sewer capacities
Water treatment standards
The Urban Water Cycle
Water supply
Wastewater
Potential resource
Wastewater volume

5. Links between water supply and other sectors of urban management
22 February 2019
Links between water supply and other sectors of urban management
Energy
Housing
Waste management
Parks, gardens and recreation
Water supply is indirectly linked with a number of urban sectors including:
Parks, gardens and recreation – Land uses such as parks and gardens, golf courses and sports fields rely on large quantities of fresh water for irrigation.
Housing – The construction of new housing developments creates additional water demand and the need for new distribution infrastructure
Energy – Water availability from reservoirs may be restricted due to conflicting interests from hydro-power generation. Water treatment and pumping costs are also dependent on a reliable supply of energy.
Waste management – Poorly managed urban waste can cause the pollution of ground and surface water sources.
Local economic development – Many industries rely on a large supply of fresh water for production, washing and cooling purposes. Industrial growth therefore depends on a reliable source of supply.
Health – A reliable water supply of sufficient quality and quantity is essential for the health of a city’s population.
Local economic development
Health

6. Links between stormwater and other sectors of urban management
22 February 2019
Housing
Roads and transport
Solid waste
Parks and gardens
Land-use management

7. 22 February 2019
Links between wastewater management and other sectors of urban management
Energy
Housing
Parks, gardens and recreation
Farming
Wastewater management is indirectly linked with a number of urban sectors including:
Parks, gardens and recreation – Recycled greywater and treated effluent can be used as a cheap and reliable source of irrigation for parks, gardens, golf courses and sports fields.
Housing – The construction of new housing developments requires new wastewater collection infrastructure and expanded capacities at treatment plants.
Energy – The digestion of wastewater sludge produces biogas that can be used as a renewable energy source. Conventional wastewater treatment is also dependent on a reliable supply of energy.
Farming – Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus contained in wastewater can be recycled as fertiliser for farming purposes. If safely managed, treated effluent can also be used as a source of irrigation for crops.
Local economic development – Adequate sanitation services and clean rivers and lakes can boost investment in the local economy, particularly tourism.
Health – Inadequate sanitation services is one of the main causes of disease in developing countries.
Local economic development
Health

8. 22 February 2019