Water Policy, Planning and Project Delivery Keys to the Future of Water

New solutions to complex water issues can be found when we take into account education, communication, collaboration, integration and investment. This is the finding of a report released by Black & Veatch (UK) recently, based on a global workshop conducted during Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) in 2012.

The report, titled ‘Unlocking Innovation’, provides recommendations on how the water industry can foster innovation and apply it to address water challenges around the world.

The report shows a need to advocate a holistic approach to today’s water issues beyond political, geographic and socio-economic borders. There are three recurring themes, emphasising the need to: Educate the public regarding the true value of water; Connect diverse stakeholders through collaboration; Drive integration and communication across the water industry’s sectors

“It is clear that the water industry needs to reframe its thinking and embrace innovation at all levels,” said Cindy Wallis-Lage, President, Black & Veatch’s global water business. “To solve our cities’ future water challenges, we need to be smarter about how we create policies and then plan and deliver infrastructure.”

When educating the public, equal time should be given to both the cost and value of water. Education is vital and urgent, at a time when the water industry is being challenged to provide alternative methods and funding in delivering key water infrastructure. The importance of two-way communication was also highlighted in the workshop. The more decentralised systems get, the more the public needs to be involved and engaged in the planning and maintenance of the systems.

Another common theme raised was the need for collaboration within the water industry and across other sectors. Private industry has a positive effect in driving innovation. Adopting a collaborative approach between governments and private partners enables solution diversification and flexibility to meet water demands in times of crises.

“Adopting win-win collaborations with industry should be the way forward for government agencies looking to becoming more pro-business and service-oriented,” said Chew Men Leong, Chief Executive, PUB Singapore. “The Singapore International Water Week represents an excellent platform for us to seed such partnerships and develop solutions with the global water industry.”

Participants also discussed the concept of “economies of scope”. This was defined as the need to look holistically at the touch points of water with energy, food, and industry. Greater integration can result in synergistic resource planning solutions that will benefit cities in the long-term.