3 stories that illustrate how smart ideas, raised awareness, and citizen/state partnership have led to drastic improvements in these 3 cities water usage.

 

Why Melbourne needed to catch and store

Something strange and remarkable has happened in Melbourne. Five years ago, the city of over 4 million inhabitants nearly ran out of water. Now it is regarded among the most innovative, water-smart cities in the world.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jul/30/melbourne-smarter-urban-water-why-melbourne-needed-to-catch-and-store

How Spain’s Zaragoza learned to use less

Facing severe crop failure and forest fires, pioneering citizens transformed habits in a decade and reduced water use by 27%.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jul/30/zaragoza-smarter-urban-water-zaragoza-spain-learned-to-use-less

How dammed Denver turned to ridiculing waste

Denver drained rivers until its Two Forks dam was vetoed; then a PR campaign diverted the city’s attention to conservation.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jul/30/denver-smarter-urban-water-how-dammed-denver-turned-to-ridiculing-waste

 

Part of our special focus for World Water Week.