New Water Infrastructure
The"new water infrastructure" goes beyond the physical supply side infrastructure of water pipes, pumps and reservoirs. It considers not only efficiency improvements, but also building and maintaining social infrastructure—the planning processes and specific programs needed to liberate the full potential of water conservation. The new water infrastructure refers to the specific tools needed to move toward sustainable water management, such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting and local programs that inspire lasting behavioral change.
Our 2006 publication, Thinking Beyond Pipes and Pumps integrates leading thinking on water conservation and sustainable water management. This practical resource is designed for community leaders, water managers and policy makers. It urges communities to think beyond pipes and pumps and to embrace new ways of managing water that offer opportunities for big savings of both water and money.
Research Reports
Based on three years of research, this handbook provides a practical resource on how individuals, utilities and, most importantly, communities can save water and money. It seeks to inspire and facilitate action, designed for community leaders, water managers and policy makers. It promotes expanded definition of urban water infrastructure, including innovative physical components, water sensitive urban design and conservation programs designed to complement existing water supply networks. The Top Ten represent a suite of actions that can be tailored on a community- by-community basis. This report is available in both French and English in high resolution versions for printing and lower resolution versions for online viewing.
Related Publications and Media:
A New View of Water Security: Thinking Beyond Pipes and Pumps by Oliver M Brandes, Tony Maas and Ellen Reynolds published in Municipal World, February 16, 2007.
Discussion Papers, Briefing Notes and Case Studies
This case study investigates the water supply contexts and water conservation programs of three large cities in California: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. It is part of ongoing efforts by the Water Sustainability Project to highlight communities that are incorporating comprehensive demand management and “new water infrastructure” into their water management programs. Each city faces both growing populations and mounting water scarcity due to climate changes, new regulations and environmental concerns. Though they developed as cities in part thanks to supply-side approaches, each is now applying elements of the water soft path approach to address concerns about future water supplies.
The Water Conservation Planning Quick Guide highlights some of the leading available resources that support effective water conservation planning including Planning Manuals and Case Studies.
In February 2009, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson launched the Greenest City initiative, with a goal to develop innovative solutions that tie economic growth to new technology, green solutions, environmental stewardship and vision. WSP submitted a series of recommendations to the Water Working Group in June 2009.
An article in Environment Policy & Law Journal, Vol 15, No 8, November 2004, p.669.
