Optimizing the Structure and Scale of Urban Water Infrastructure

Optimizing the Structure and Scale of Urban Water Infrastructure: Integrating Distributed Systems

In March 2014, the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread partnered with the Water Environment Federation and the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida to convene a diverse group of experts to examine the potential for distributed water infrastructure systems to be integrated with or substituted for more traditional water infrastructure, with a focus on right-sizing the structure and scale of systems and services to optimize water, energy and sanitation management while achieving long-term sustainability and resilience. Participants at the March 2014 meeting identified five principles for successful implementation of distributed systems, to help utility managers evaluate alternatives for improving, expanding or revamping their infrastructure. With the goals of sustainability and resilience in mind, these principles create space for the successful integration of distributed infrastructure into existing water systems.

Click below to access the Convening Report and read more about the key principles for and benefits of implementing distributed infrastructure.