'Big infrastructure' not the answer

Australians have continued to make their mark on the international water scene as part of Singapore International Water Week, sharing local experience with nations struggling with extreme water challenges. And one message is that ‘big infrastructure’ is not always the solution.

Tom Mollenkopf, Chief Executive of the Australian Water Association, is currently in Singapore as part of a delegation of Australia’s leading water thinkers addressing policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners from around the world. In his address to the Australian Business Forum, Mollenkopf argued that big infrastructure is not the only answer when it comes to solving the world’s urban water problems.

“Big infrastructure is an important part of the answer, but not the total solution. In addition to thinking of dams, pipelines and desalination plants to augment our water supplies, there is much that can and must be done at a domestic, local and regional level within our homes and cities. Managing demand for water through more water-efficient practices, irrigation infrastructure, smaller ‘on-site’ systems, appropriate vegetation selection and water-sensitive urban design are all part of the solution,” Mollenkopf said.

According to Mollenkopf, successful water management in the future will be based on “multi-disciplinary engagement”; solutions will require behavioural change, better and more integrated urban planning, and sound economic principles.

“As communities become more water literate, they will seek to have a greater say in how water is managed. Pure technological or engineering approaches will not be enough; water professionals must engage with other disciplines and civil society,” said Mollenkopf.

“Some of the most pressing issues are not about what the engineering solution should be, but who will pay. Nations such as Singapore have achieved as much through urban planning and social engagement as through technology. This is something the world — including Australians — could benefit from hearing more about,” he continued.

“And, of course, we must also never forget the importance of adequate sanitation in any water debate, as it is intrinsically linked with both community health and to the protection of our waterways and catchments — a primary source of drinking water,” said Mollenkopf.

“Australia is at the coalface in dealing with water scarcity and climate change. It is interesting to see just how much public and private sector organisations around the world are looking to us for the answers. It is quite challenging to think that the solutions they will be implementing are what we have, or are currently creating, at home.”

Of particular interest to water leaders facing challenging water management issues are Australian diversification strategies — such as WA’s pioneering Security Through Diversity strategy — and Australian demand management and water-efficiency programs.

“While it’s premature to say Australia is out of the woods yet in terms of water security, it is great to know we not only have the capability to achieve great results in the future, but also some runs on the board already,” said Mollenkopf.