Many of the global challenges such as urbanization, climate change, increased resource demand and competition between different water users, impact the cities where most of us live. These create water risks for cities including flooding, water scarcity and pollution. Flooding can cause loss of life, homes and infrastructure, and negatively affect economic activities within cities. Floods also disrupt and limit access to resources that cities rely on, not only water, but also food and energy. Water scarcity and drought often lead to costly investment in capital intensive approaches to secure supply, and potentially use of unsafe alternative sources. Declining water quality can affect water supply and sustainability. 

The IWA-INBO Handbook on Basin-Connected Cities aims to support decision making in strengthening the city’s connection and integration with its river basin.