Strategic planning of drinking water infrastructure, a conceptual framework and building blocks for drinking water companies

Since investments in drinking water infrastructure are usually for the long term, it is important to consider the future in which the infrastructure has to operate. The future is not entirely open because of past and present drivers, conditions and physical state, plus the future in itself is uncertain. This report provides an approach and building blocks and inspiration for strategic planning of drinking water infrastructure by looking at past and present, defining alternatives for investments and testing robust options in various possible futures. Drivers for investment are shown to be largely determined by the societal context, and currently cost, sustainability and customer satisfaction compete. Potential transitions in the infrastructural chain from source to tap typically take 20 to 30 years. Even if changes take a long time, the infrastructure is both robust and flexible and changes can be made. We advise the water companies to monitor key uncertainties, or even to try to influence them with suitable partners. The four context scenarios of cities that were developed are useful in discussions with various stakeholders in thinking about long term investments.