Thinking Beyond Pipes and Pumps: Top 10 Ways Communities Can Save Water and Money

Abstract

Thinking Beyond Pipes and Pumps presents an expanded definition of urban water infrastructure—one that goes beyond the existing physical infrastructure of pipes, pumps and reservoirs. This new infrastructure includes innovative physical components, water sensitive urban design and conservation programs designed to complement existing water supply networks. By developing such an infrastructure, water management shifts its focus beyond expensive, expansive and ecologically damaging physical infrastructure, toward dramatically increased water productivity. In this context, increasing water efficiency and conservation is more than just the right thing to do. It is the only way to address the dual goals of meeting human water demands and sustaining aquatic ecosystem health—foundations of lasting water security.