How water challenges can shape tomorrow’s cities

Over 80% of cities have been built next to rivers, which in turn have become polluted and prone to overtopping their banks. Many cities are also subject to coastal flooding. As this paper describes, water challenges in urban areas include contamination of water sources, lack of potable water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, storm water floods, subsidence, environmental impact and diseases. Dealing with these issues – plus climate change and ongoing urbanisation – calls for innovative ideas when planning for water in the development of urban areas.