Sustainable Water Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Most sustainable water systems comprise novel combinations of traditional and new system components that mimic and work with nature. These systems will both protect public health and safety and will restore natural and human landscapes. Examples of sustainable natural designs include the following:

Watershed restoration promoting natural watershed flows and functions through localized water retention with sustainable flood retention basins, water use and recycling into natural wetlands, groundwater and air. These large-scale systems will restore and preserve vegetation and wildlife, and minimize climate change and global warming.

Green cities that focus on restoration of natural cycles of water infiltration and evaporation, through localized treatment and groundwater recharge via sustainable drainage systems, trees, parks and roof gardens and stream restoration.

Smart growth promoting patterns of neighbourhood development that interconnect nature and the built environment, preserve open space and respect natural drainage flows.

Green infrastructure such as most sustainable drainage systems (or best management practices) that trap storm water and sustain trees and plants. These plants restore beauty and improve the air quality in cities, moderate energy flows and provide potential food sources.

Small-scale onsite and neighborhood treatment via small-scale technologies such as wetlands that mimic natural membranes and filters and that utilize soils and smart localized controls.

Onsite reuse such as closed-loop water systems in residential and commercial buildings, where storm water and wastewater are treated and reused for landscape irrigation, toilet flushing and cooling, and where minimal waste leaves the site.

Therefore, we would like to call for papers to disseminate and share findings on similar sustainable water systems in addressing problems and opportunities scientifically. Papers are selected by a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, development and application in the wider area of sustainable water systems. Original research paper or critical reviews are invited.

Prof. Dr. Miklas Scholz
Guest Editor