Introducing the City Water Resilience Approach:
Assessing and Building Urban Water Resilience

7 December 2018 / 12:30 – 13:30

PCCB Capacity-Building Hub / RYSY Meeting Room 24 - Area E

Introduction

In the urban context, water is among the resources most impacted by climate change, while the treatment, storage and recycling of waste water and storm water represents an increasingly significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. With over 2 billion new urban residents anticipated by 2050, there is a growing need for urban water management that ensures consistent, adequate and high-quality water services for cities. However, the scale and complexity of this need presents a challenge to city decision-makers across multiple-sectors, taking account of the shocks and stresses on urban water systems from variable climate.  This approach provides a framework, tools and case study examples from developing and developed cities to share best practice and build capacity within the spectrum of city stakeholders. A clear demand therefore exists for innovative approaches and tools that help cities build water resilience at the urban scale.

Arup has conceptualized The City Water Resilience Approach (CRWA) to help create water resilient cities with the capacity to provide access to high quality water resources for all residents, protect residents from water-related hazards, and connect residents through water-based transportation networks (provide, protect, connect). The City Water Resilience Approach outlines a detailed methodology for developing resilience and a suite of resources to help cities grow the adaptive capacity that allows them to survive and thrive in the face of shocks and stresses. The CWRA process has been developed based on a mix of field and desk research, collaborative partnerships with subject matter experts, and direct engagement with eight city partners.