Sustainable Water Treatment Methods to Be Used in Urban Communities

Abstract

The increasing population and rapid urbanization rates lead to increasing demands on water resources. In an arid country such as Egypt, cities are facing problems of water scarcity and untreated wastewater. Communities consume large amounts of water, leading to higher water demands and an increased wastewater production. Many developing countries can’t afford the required infrastructure to cope with the rising demand on water supply and wastewater treatment, leading to a water challenge. The water challenge is studied by researchers in agricultural, infrastructures, and other related fields, while the role of the urban planner/designer is usually not included, though the integration of water management techniques in urban design can provide valuable benefits on water resources, in addition to positive impacts on the social, environmental, and economic aspects of the community and the health of its inhabitants. This chapter introduces the concept of integration of water management in the urban design of communities, from an urban design point of view, providing the link between water management and community design. The chapter focuses on methods that can be applied in Egypt. Examples of communities in similar climatic conditions are examined to provide an understanding of the potential of integration of water management techniques in new urban communities in Egypt.