A ‘One Water’ approach is key to combat urban challenges, manage resources

Source: The post is based on the article “A ‘One Water’ approach is key to combat urban challenges, manage resources” published in Down To Earth on 14th September 2022.

What is the News?

The United Nations has estimated that by the year 2050, four billion people will be seriously affected by water shortages which might lead to multiple conflicts between countries over water sharing.

Therefore, shifting the attention from a single-minded and linear water management to a multi-dimensional integrated water management approach, that is, the ‘One Water’ approach is the need of the hour.

What is the One Water Approach?

One Water Approach also referred to as Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is the recognition that all water has value, regardless of its source.

It includes managing that source in an integrated, inclusive and sustainable manner by including the community, business leaders, industries, farmers, conservationists, policymakers, academics and others for ecological and economic benefits.

It is an integrated planning and implementation approach to managing finite water resources for long-term resilience and reliability meeting both community and ecosystem needs.

Objectives: 1) Reliable, secure, clean water supplies, 2) Aquifer recharge, 3) Flood protection, 4) Minimizing environmental pollution, 5) Efficient use and reuse of natural resources, 6) Resilience to climate, 7) Long-term sustainability, 8) Equity, affordability and accessibility to safe drinking water and 9) Economic growth and prosperity.

What are the characteristics of the One Water Approach?

All Water has Value: The mindset that all water has value — from the water resources in our ecosystems to our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.

A Multi-faceted Approach: Our water-related investments should provide economic, environmental, and societal returns.

Utilizing Watershed-Scale Thinking and Action: It should respect and respond to the natural ecosystem, geology, and hydrology of an area.

Partnerships and Inclusion: Real progress and achievements will only be made when all stakeholders come forward and together will take a decision.

How is One Water Approach Superior to Conventional Water Management?

Firstly, in the conventional water management approach, drinking water, wastewater and stormwater are managed separately, whereas in ‘One Water’, all the water systems, regardless of their source, are connected intentionally and managed meticulously for water, energy and resources.

Secondly, water is recycled and reused several times in one water approach, in contrast to a one-way route from supply to use, treatment and disposal.

Thirdly, the water system includes green infrastructures and a mix of grey and green infrastructure that form a hybrid system as compared to grey infrastructure in conventional water management.

– Grey infrastructure refers to structures such as dams, seawalls, roads, pipes or water treatment plants.

– Green infrastructure refers to natural systems including forests, floodplains, wetlands and soils that provide additional benefits for human well-being, such as flood protection and climate regulation.

Fourthly, active collaborations with industry, agencies, policymakers, business leaders and various stakeholders is a regular practice in the ‘One Water’ approach, whereas collaboration is need-based in conventional water management systems.