Water, urban planning and sustainable development

The powers and responsibilities entrusted to municipalities and local authorities include water and sanitation management, rainwater management, Aquatic Environment Management and Flood Prevention (GEMAPI), highways, urban development and more.

Often, water-related infrastructure has been buried and forgotten, hidden away from the view of residents. For instance, the perception of droughts and floods has become “fake practice” due to extremes driven by climate change. The weaknesses of ageing networks are becoming apparent.

The dewilding of rivers and the channelling of run-off are leading to uncontrolled floods, which are further exacerbated by urban development that is “sealing” the surface and increasing the power of water flows.

A significant shift in urban development is under way. Water infrastructure is becoming more visible, urban land is being “de-sealed” as way to support the creation of resources and to limit flood risks. Challenges related to the use of non-conventional water resources are being incorporated into planning. And so-called “ecosystem services” stemming from better water management in densely built-up areas are now being harnessed in order to raise living standards.