Transcript STOA Annual Lecture, Brussels, 29-11-2011 Managing Water Supply and Sanitation in a Crowded World problems & solutions Peter A.

STOA Annual Lecture, Brussels, 29-11-2011
Managing Water Supply and Sanitation
in a
Crowded World
problems
& solutions
Peter A. Wilderer
Munich, Germany
Technische Universitaet Muenchen
–
Institute for Advanced Study
7 billion people on Earth
more alarming is compression of people in specific areas
> 60% live in coastal zones
> 50% live in cities
the consequence:
local increase of demand and pollution
demand:
pollution:
• water
• food
• energy
• land
• etc.
• air
• water
• soil
• mindset
• etc.
amplified by:
• globalization of „western“ lifestyle
• progress of complexity
on the other side
locally available resources are limited
pollution and over-abstraction
deteriorate quantity and quality of resources
sequence of causes and results
local
population
growth
migration
destabilization
- economies
- societies
local growth of
- demand
- pollution
deficiencies
the traditional approach to solution:
increased exploitation of natural resources
loss
of
eco-system function
- control of surface temperature
- control of precipitation paterns
- ability to absorb disturbances
(resilience)
what did James Lovelock say?
„eco-system function warrants life on Earth “
we are faced with global crises: the big 4
climate
change
deficiency
of resources
ecosystem
dysfunction
destabilization
(societies &
economies)
all 4 crises are delicately interwoven
balancing
climate
satisfying
demands
perserving
ecosystem function
stabilizing
societies & economies
to keep our eco-socio-economic system stabel
all 4 crises are to be solved
simultaneously
concerted action is required to reach solution
climate
change
deficiency
of resources
ecosystem
dysfunction
destabilization
(societies &
economies)
„water“ plays an overarching role
mitigating
climate impacts
securing
supply of
food - water - health
preservating
ecosystem
function
stabilizing
- societies
- economies
water resources management – build-up of urban water infra-structure
our current approach:
copied from ancient Romans
water is used just once
our current approach:
pumps
upgraded during the past 150 years
water
work
sewer pipes
in-appropriate
when water is scarce
WW
treatment
the smart way of using water
urban water reuse
applying
innovative technology
for
converting wastewater into water ready for use
notice:
wastewater is a resource
urban water reuse
goal:
• minimization of water abstraction from natural resources
• minimization of costs for sewer installation
• minimization of time for installation
targets:
• peri-urban agriculture - parks - gardens
•
•
•
•
housing areas
high-rise buildings
hotel complexes
enterprises
- not yet properly served
- in water stressed areas
roof-top hydroponics using customized recycling water
growth of leafy vegetables for direct human consumption
by spraying treated wastewater to the roots
• yield: 22 t/year of leafy vegetables
• installation costs: ca. 30,000 Euro
(olympic swiming pool size)
Changi General Hospital – Dr. Chow
result: - reduced fresh water abstraction
- reduced demand of land for agriculture
- reduced need for transportation (water, food)
solution for a housing area
water purification
underneath a court yard
purified water for
• toilet flushing
• cleaning
• landscape irrigation
steep gravity sewer:
low demand of
flushing water
purification
plant
Abwasser
airplane shower
allow passengers
to shower
with 15 liters of water only
applicable also for commercial laundries
Urban Sustainability Centre - London
Forum and Exhibition Hall
Siemens AG
Themes:
• decentralized energy generation
• e-mobility infrastructure
• decentralized water treatment and reuse
• tele-communication
dezentralization requires central monitoring & control
DeSa/R: Decentralized Sanitation and Reuse
summary
solution of the big 4 global challenges
requires
concerted action
smart use of water
makes the trick
• water reuse is an option to be considered when water is scarce
• helps satisfying the needs of people, industry and ecology alike
water reuse in urban areas (not yet served)
requires decentralization of water purification technology
technology of decentralized water management
requires participation, innovation, demonstration and proper regulation
participation
• regulators
• teachers
end-user
• city planers
• architects
• engineers
• operators
• scientists