Integration of urban water services

An important aspect of urban water systems is the interactions that take place between different components of the system (e.g. foul water from leaky sewers entering into a drinking water distribution network). It is widely recognised that it is important to consider these interactions in order to maintain effective, efficient and safe water and sanitation services. Hence, an integrated approach to urban water management (IUWM) is necessary. This paper begins by presenting a case Study in India that highlights the important interactions that takes place between different components of the urban water system. The case Study highlights the need to recognise these interactions in order to provide safe and sustainable urban water services. The paper then presents ongoing research on development of integrated urban water modelling tool that allows an integrated approach to urban water services. By applying an IUWM approach it is possible to satisfy the water and sanitation needs of a community at the lowest cost to society whilst minimising environmental and social impacts.