Authors

Robert Y.G. Andoh,Michael G. Faram and Kwabena Osei

Abstract

Globally, the water and wastewater industry faces major challenges, both in developed and developing world regions. The developed world has enjoyed the benefits of the foresight of prior generations, with major strides gained in public health simply from innovations such as the humble sewer which has contributed more to human health than all developments in the medical field. Challenges faced in different regions are diverse in nature, magnitude and scale. Some are local in nature but others such as the impacts of Climate Change are truly global. The paper examines the status and evolution of innovations within urban water management (with particular reference to stormwater management) including impacts of regulation, barriers to innovation, current trends and paradigms. It is argued that there is a need to change the way we approach urban water management challenges, particular if the goal is to achieve more sustainable development in an increasingly urbanizing world.