Increasing autonomy of urban water

Description

Increasing autonomy of urban water involves developing local water sources, enhancing water recycling, and implementing decentralized management systems to reduce dependence on external supplies. This strategy aims to ensure reliable access, improve resilience to droughts and disruptions, and address vulnerabilities in centralized infrastructure. Key actions include rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and community-led water governance, enabling cities to better manage demand, minimize losses, and secure sustainable water resources for growing urban populations.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends the encouragement, to the extent possible, of autonomy and financial viability of city water, solid waste and sewerage utilities.