Water as a natural resource and infrastructure requirement

Water is a precious natural resource needed to fulfil many activities of everyday life. Significant infrastructure is required to deliver fresh water to homes and businesses throughout the city and also to remove sewage and waste water and ensure that it is effectively pumped, stored, transported and treated to prevent harm to people and the environment. Climate change has major implications on the water environment and there is a need for a more sustainable water sector in Northern Ireland. The RDS recognises the need to promote a more sustainable approach to the provision of water and sewerage services in contributing to environmental protection and a reduced risk of flooding throughout the region. It highlights the need to integrate water and land-use planning, reduce water consumption by recycling waste water and encouraging greater use of SuDS.