Developing water cycle strategies

Water cycle studies, which explore the local capacity for development in terms of water resources, should increasingly inform the preparation of planning strategies.

River Quaggy flood management scheme in south London. Photo by Stephen McLaren.

These investigations are undertaken in parallel with other detailed planning investigations relating to green infrastructure, urban form, community facilities, transport, and other issues. They can be produced to cover city-wide operations or as focus for a particular site.

The environment agency has produced guidance for local authorities on carrying out water cycle studies.

A water cycle strategy provides a plan and programme of water services infrastructure implementation alongside a costing of water services infrastructure required, by considering the impact of anticipated growth upon existing infrastructure. It is determined through an assessment of the environment and infrastructure capacity for:

• water supply
• sewage disposal
• flood risk management
• surface water drainage.

It also considers the impact of different efficiency measures and provides an overall estimate of the cost implications for a preferred solution.

In Corby, Northamptonshire a water cycle strategy was prepared to identify the water infrastructure that will be required to allow Corby to grow. It was prepared by a partnership group including Environment Agency, local Council and local development company. The required infrastructure the strategy identified is expected to cost £76 million and will be delivered in phases over the next 25 years.

This approach is now being used across Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area and in other growth areas including Lincoln and Norwich. An international example is Singapore, which has a a comprehensive long-term water supply strategy.

Priority: encourage sustainable water use
Tags: water, cities and towns