Key concepts for Integrated Urban Water Management infrastructure planning: Lessons from Melbourne. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Furlong, Casey; Brotchie, Ryan; Considine, Robert; Finlayson, Greg; Guthrie, Lachlan
• Is Part Of: Utilities policy. Volume 45(2017)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Public utilities -- United States -- Periodicals; Public utilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; 363.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2017.02.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-1787

Abstract

Abstract: "Integrated Urban Water Management plans" consider all water services simultaneously to determine optimal infrastructure solutions. They create many benefits, including unlocking opportunities for water reuse. This paper conducts preliminary assessment of nine IUWM plan case studies from Melbourne. It finds inconsistencies between plans in relation to environmental and liveability objectives, and option identification methods, and also that many IUWM options perform worse than conventional water supplies in regards to energy. The most consequential finding is that the plans do not include scenario planning and therefore fail to consider infrastructure performance regarding resilience to future uncertainties around population and climate change. Highlights: Conducts a preliminary investigation into integrated water infrastructure planning. Utilises 9 case studies from Melbourne, Australia. Analysis conducted in association with industry practitioners. Finds a number of process gaps including a lack of scenario planning.