Cities worldwide are grappling with aging infrastructure, climate pressures, and the urgent need to reduce water waste. A new study published in the *International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development* (previously known as the *International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development*) by Vasco Schelbert of the Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) at Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, offers fresh insights into how decentralised urban water management systems (DUWMS) could transform the way cities handle water, energy, and waste.
Schelbert and his team conducted an in-depth comparison of five lighthouse initiatives—ranging from building-scale systems in high-income cities to neighbourhood-scale projects in middle-income countries. Through 125 expert interviews and a rigorous literature review, they identified six key factors that consistently enable successful implementation and scaling of these systems. These findings come at a critical time when cities are seeking resilient, circular infrastructure solutions to meet sustainability goals.
One of the most compelling takeaways is the potential for DUWMS to recover resources that would otherwise be lost. “Wastewater isn’t just waste—it’s a source of water, energy, heat, and nutrients,” Schelbert explains. “By treating and reusing these resources locally, cities can reduce their reliance on energy-intensive centralised systems while cutting costs and emissions.” This is particularly relevant for the energy sector, where wastewater treatment accounts for a significant portion of municipal energy consumption. By integrating decentralised systems, municipalities could lower operational costs and even generate energy from biogas or heat recovery, creating a tangible commercial incentive for adoption.
The study highlights that success isn’t just about technology—it’s about governance, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive policies. Schelbert notes, “The most successful projects we studied weren’t just technically sound; they had strong local champions, clear regulatory pathways, and financing models that aligned with long-term benefits.” This suggests that the future of DUWMS will depend as much on policy and collaboration as it does on innovation.
For industries tied to energy and infrastructure, these findings signal a shift toward decentralised, resource-efficient systems. Municipalities and private investors may soon prioritise projects that demonstrate scalability and economic viability—two areas where the study’s six systemic factors could guide decision-making. As cities race to meet climate targets, the energy sector stands to benefit from partnerships that turn wastewater into a valuable resource rather than a liability.