Arup and Sydney Waters release study on future urban water management

UK-based Arup has launched a study along with New South Wales Government-owned Sydney Water, visualising future scenarios of urban water management in cities of Australia and worldwide.

The study assesses the key challenges in supply of safe, secure and sustainable drinking water in urban areas. It delves into possible problems that could affect water supply globally after 25 years, due to population explosion, scarcity of water and recurring budget pressures.

The study, titled ‘The future of urban water: scenarios for urban water utilities in 2040’, highlights more than 100 social, economic, environmental, political and technology trends that affect global water management.

The report was launched at the ‘Committee for Sydney’ workshop as a part of the Sydney 2054 initiative.

Taking Sydney as reference point, the report explores the major challenges faced by Australian cities and other cities worldwide, attempting to address situations in order to secure safe and sustainable water supply for the cities.

The report outlines four distinct scenarios, which will be used by Sydney Water for long-term planning of hydro resources.

Arup Australasia water leader Daniel Lambert said: "Australia is the driest populated continent and, due to the challenges of our climate, Sydney Water has successfully undertaken water efficiency and conservation programmes to manage demand.

"As our largest city and one facing unique challenges however, it is imperative that Sydney continues to remain at the forefront of innovative thinking as to what the future of water supply may look like.

"This thinking should consider demand, operating models and adoption of technological innovation to ensure value is able to be realised by the community."

Sydney Water ‘Liveable City’ programmes manager Kaia Hodge said: "We recognise that there are big changes ahead for the industry and that it is vital for us to take a leadership role that is proactive in responding to change and planning for the future.

"We are excited by emerging opportunities to do things differently and be at the forefront of creative solutions that respond to the full range of customer needs.

"This Arup study is an exciting step towards securing innovative and efficient management of our water resources for the next several decades."

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Image: The study is set to shape the future of urban water management services. Photo: courtesy of Arup.