Innovating the Urban Water System: Achieving a Net Zero Water Future Beyond Current Regulation

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent extreme climatic events and failing infrastructure have increased awareness of the need for expanded resilience within urban water systems. Architects and engineers are more seriously considering integrating water capture and reuse technologies into projects; yet, the systems necessary to meet net zero water resilience are not currently legal for commercial use. This paper investigates the regulatory changes necessary to accommodate net zero water projects in Arizona. Institutional innovation in three critical systems—making rainwater potable, reusing water on-site, and decentralizing wastewater treatment—is needed to implement existing technology. Extrapolating from the removal of the identified barriers, this article sets forth a regulatory pathway for regenerative water design. For urban water reinvention to occur, institutional innovation will be as important as technological innovation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)68-81
Number of pages14
JournalTechnology Architecture and Design
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Architecture
  • Visual Arts and Performing Arts
  • Urban Studies

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