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Understanding the role of the water sector in urban liveability and greening interventions

2018-04-16

Water utilities are increasingly looking to water recycling and nature-based/green infrastructure solutions to address challenges such as drought, flooding and sewer overflows. At the same time, urban planning and public health sectors are increasingly emphasising the link between "liveable" built environments and community health, such as the ability of urban green space and vegetation to improve mental and physical health, reduce heat, promote exercise, and decrease depression.

This report begins to explore the role that water utilities in five cities (Barcelona, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Melbourne) are currently playing in relation to supporting this liveability and greening agenda, and identifies the range of potential projects and mechanisms through which water utilities are able to make a contribution to this cause.