Sustainable Water Resources Management Volume 3: Case Studies on New Water Paradigm
This report assesses the foundation and requirements for a sustainable water infrastructure at the community and watershed scales. This is the final report in a 3-part series published by the Electric Power Research Institute. The report uses case studies to help communities take on water-related challenges, such as water scarcity, flooding, regulations, aging infrastructure, and water pollution. In addition to government regulatory agencies, the report will be useful for practitioners in the electric power, public water supply, stormwater management, and wastewater treatment sectors.
The case studies included in the report focus on two communities, one in Arizona and one in Kentucky. The report includes the results of a convening with members of both communities as well as water experts, which discussed conceptual model components of each community and generated ideas for a broadly applicable model for a new water infrastructure and management paradigm which includes:
- an integrated planning structure that connects current institutional silos;
- a technical toolbox to use in the context of performance-based requirements at the watershed and community scale; and
- regulatory flexibility to encourage innovation and affect better outcomes.
Attention is given to adaptation and integration of technological architecture. The report offers several approaches, including designing new water systems to mimic and work with nature in order to protect public health and restore natural and human landscapes. The report concludes with the need for communities to implement adaptive management practices that allow for monitoring performance over time in order to correct and adjust plans.
Publication Date: January 2010
Author or Affiliated User:
- Trevor Clements
Related Organizations:
- Electric Power Research Institute
- Water Environment Research Foundation
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- Case study
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