Global network launches on World Water Day to push for achieving safe, affordable and fair access to secure water systems in urban centres worldwide.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 is for all people to access safe water by 2030. Yet in 2015 nearly a third of the world's population lacked safely managed drinking water supplies and 61 percent were without safely managed sanitation services.*
Today, on World Water Day, UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures and eight partner organisations have launched Global Urban Water Security Network, a knowledge-sharing network working to achieve equitable, accessible and secure water systems in urban centres across the world.
The network will enable utilities, governments and NGOs to access support and knowledge as well as learn from the experiences of other cities and develop new ways to plan and manage urban water systems.
Network partners have identified specific challenges within the industry that need urgent action, such as:
- How can water restrictions be managed effectively and equitably?
- How do we ensure financial sustainability of water utilities during drought?
- How can we design and implement a rapid water conservation response to drought?
- How can we collaborate across sectors in identifying and understanding water source options?
Members of the network have been at the forefront of responding to drought and developing action plans to avoid and reduce the worst impacts of drought in Australia, California, Sao Paulo, The Philippines, Spain and the UK.
The network is seeking collaborations with utilities, NGOs, governments, businesses and researchers to develop responses to these questions so we can be as prepared as possible for the challenges now and in the future.
UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures Director Professor Stuart White, says: "Water scarcity and severe drought is a global problem, with cities, towns and their basins around the world facing epic challenges.
"The Global Water Security Network will bring people and organisations together to ensure we confront these issues and build resilience to climate change. If we don't act now we will see catastrophic consequences for societies, economies, the environment and human wellbeing."
*www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org
ENDS
Media contact: Jane Easton +61 435 239 369, jane.easton-2@uts.edu.au
Global Water Security Network Partners
Anglian Water,Canal de Isabel II, Climate-KIC Australia, ICE WaRM, Pacific Institute, UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, The Alliance for Water Efficiency, Water UK, Waterwise
About the Institute for Sustainable Futures
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) is an interdisciplinary research and consulting organisation at the University of Technology Sydney setting global benchmarks since 1997 in helping governments, organisations, businesses and communities achieve change towards sustainable futures. We utilise a unique combination of skills and perspectives to offer long term sustainable solutions that protect and enhance the environment, human wellbeing and social equity. For further information visit isf.uts.edu.au