Water and Cities in Latin America

Approximately 80 per cent of the population of Latin America is concentrated in urban centres. Pressure on water resources and water management in cities therefore provide major challenges. Despite the importance of the issues, there has been little systematic coverage of the topic in book form. This work fills a gap in the literature by providing both thematic overviews and case study chapters. It reviews key aspects of why water matters in cities and presents case studies on topics such as groundwater management, green growth and water services, inequalities in water supply, the financing of water services and flood management. Detailed examples are described from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru, and there is also a chapter comparing lessons which might be learnt from US cities. Contributing authors are drawn from both within and outside the region, including from the Inter-American Development Bank, OECD and World Bank to set the issues in a global context.

"Latin America’s water challenges are growing by the minute. Rising urban populations in the region are placing water management at the top of the decision-makers’ agenda. This book provides a timely and thorough overview of the issues faced by business, households and governments in the areas of financing and managing of water and sanitation, risk management and infrastructure development. With a policy-oriented focus and insightful case studies, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to address the water challenges in Latin American countries. It also contains compelling evidence and arguments for a broader audience interested in sustainable development in a key region of the world." – Ángel Gurría, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. "A very timely and important publication for a highly urbanized Latin America. It will help the region move forward in reducing the gap in access to water and sanitation in cities and to advance social inclusion, integration and the effective reduction of inequalities." – Enrique García, Executive President, CAF-Development Bank of Latin America. "This much-needed book fills a gap in the literature on water and urban development in Latin America. It highlights both the successes and the challenges still to be addressed within detailed case studies of a range of cities. It also serves as a very useful guide to innovations being applied, especially the much needed multi-sectoral and regional perspectives and the institutional and financial challenges they pose. It includes a consideration of climate change adaptation and of green infrastructure for water and waste water management. Essential reading for those working in Latin America but with much to teach other countries struggling to improve water and sanitation provision in urban areas." – David Satterthwaite, Fellow, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)."This book makes an excellent contribution to the understanding of the complexities, challenges and policy options surrounding the provision of water and sanitation services in Latin America. It is a book to be read by a wide array of audiences: government officials, academics, practitioners, and all of those interested in the future of cities and their connection with water and sustainable development." – Axel Charles Dourojeanni Ricordi, Senior Consultant, Fundación Chile, and former head of the Division of Natural Resources and Energy, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ismael Aguilar-Barajas is Professor of Economics and Research Associate, Water Center for Latin America and the Caribbean, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico. Jürgen Mahlknecht is Executive Director, Water Center for Latin America and the Caribbean, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico. Jonathan Kaledin is Founder and Principal of the 11th Avenue Strategies consulting firm and a member of the Stockholm International Water Institute's Associate Program. Marianne Kjellén directs the UNDP Water Governance Facility at SIWI, the Stockholm International Water Institute. Abel Mejía-Betancourt is Senior Water Advisor for CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and former Water Manager at the World Bank.