Workshop Backgrounds
Environmental Education to Develop Management Systems for the Local Environment
Workshop Series 3: Water in Cities
7 November 2003
Introduction:
Process flow diagrams provide an unambiguous understanding of how a local authority, or aspect of a local authority, functions. Process flow diagrams decompose a process into its individual steps - inputs, direction of flow of materials, energy and activities, feedback loops and outputs such as products, services, waste, emissions etc. They help define institutional responsibilities, the nature of an activity and the aspects and impacts associated with it. Further, process flow diagrams can be used to anticipate problems and are useful to show all the areas that an EMS incorporates.
Exercise:
In assigned groups (local authority, wastewater sewerage board and citizens groups), produce an institutional process flow diagram for a wastewater facility.
Output:
The output of this exercise is a one page institutional process flow diagram for a wastewater facility.
Learning Objectives:
The aim of this exercise is to gain an understanding of process flow diagrams and their uses.
For more Information:
Refer to Chapters 9 and 10 of the “ Urban Environmental Management – Environmental
Management System Training Resource Kit ”.
N O T E S

Workshop Backgrounds
Environmental Education to Develop Management Systems for the Local Environment
Workshop Series 3: Water in Cities
7 November 2003
Simulation Information:
The local authority owns one wastewater treatment facility which is located in close proximity to an industrial area. The facility provides secondary treatment for both urban and industrial wastewater and is currently operating at capacity. Treated wastewater is discharged into an adjacent creek which is used for recreational purposes and is classified as a sensitive environment. The facility is regularly breaching discharge quantity and/or quality limits and has been fined by the state pollution and environment authority on several occasions.
The facility has to be upgraded to accommodate an increasing local population, address issues of non-compliance and improve the quality of discharge into the creek. Council has limited space available for the upgrade and expansion due to the nearby industrial area. The state pollution and environment authority placed strict limits on the quality and quantity of discharge into the creek during and after construction to protect the creek.
Exercise:
In assigned groups (local authority, industry, citizens groups) decide upon a suitable upgrade option and wastewater management strategy.
Output:
The output of this exercise is a decision on the type of upgrade and a one page wastewater strategy.
Learning Objectives:
The aim of this exercise is to work with stakeholders to achieve a suitable solution and to identify all relevant issues.
For more Information:
Refer to Chapter 19 of the “ Urban Environmental Management – Environmental Management
System Training Resource Kit ”.

Workshop Backgrounds
Environmental Education to Develop Management Systems for the Local Environment
Workshop Series 3: Water in Cities
7 November 2003
Introduction:
Integrated Urban Water Resources Management (IUWRM) incorporates socio-human factors, economic issues and ecological systems into one resource management plan. IUWRM promotes coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without comprimising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. IUWRM focuses on cities and urban areas. It looks at demand management by combing interests, priorities and disciplines as a multi-stakeholder planning and management process for natural resources within the catchment ecosystem
(including coastal catchments).
IUWRM should be applied at a catchment level, integrating water and environmental management.
The main principles of IUWRM are:
 It should be applied using a systems approach that recognises the individual components
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 as well as the linkages between them
It should utilise full participation by all stakeholders, including women and businesses
Processes must be transparent and people assigned accountability for all decisions
It should build capacity for all stakeholders, including education and awareness raising about water; information resources for policy making; regulations and compliance; basic infrastructure; etc
Information must be made available and used to make policies and predict responses
Full-cost pricing should be complemented by targeted subsidies
Central government leadership and support (financial, technical, skills etc) is required
Best existing technologies and practices must be adopted
Financing must be reliable and sustainable
Water resources must be shared in an equitable manner
Exercise:
In assigned groups (local authority, urban water board and citizens groups), write an Integrated Urban Water Resources Management Strategy for a local catchment.
Output:
The output of this exercise is a one
– two page IUWRM stragey.
Learning Objectives:
The aim of this exercise is to become familiar with IUWRM strategies.
For more Information:
Refer to the Global Development Research Centre’s IUWRM page: http://www.gdrc.org/uem/water/iwrm/index.html