Incorporating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) with Municipal Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs)

MSc (Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusExtreme climate events are frequent in many parts of the world. Considering these climate events are accompanied by a growing population, resulting in an increased water demand from local municipalities, alternative water-related development strategies should be considered. Incorporating Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) within municipal Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) can enhance the sustainability of urban areas. Water resource management is one of the most significant challenges experienced in the 21st century. South Africa is a semi-arid country with variations in rainfall, temporal and spatial precipitation, resulting in a more complex situation. It is expected that by 2030, there will be a water demand and supply gap of up to 17% due to increased urbanisation, population and economic growth, climate change and unrealistic living standards. The relationship between water and land use is not understood, and spatial planning and land-use documents barely address water-related land-use implications. This study aimed to understand the level of incorporation of WSUD within Municipal SDFs. The study reflects on the urban water challenges experienced on local and international levels. Opportunities are identified as to how municipalities can, and should, give effect to WSUD. This was achieved by evaluating four municipal SDFs using the WSUD principles. To prove that municipal SDFs do not incorporate WSUD to secure water sustainability, Witzenberg Local Municipality, Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality were selected as case studies. A review of each case study’s SDF revealed that the concept of WSUD is not incorporated fully. An extensive evaluation revealed that sustainable water management and planning can be achieved by incorporating WSUD. The study provides a framework for WSUD with guidelines on water sensitivity and conservation for local authorities. This will ensure that municipalities can secure adequate water resources in the future.Master