Discussion of the enabling environments for decentralised water systems

摘要

Decentralised water supply systems are becoming increasingly affordable and commonplace innAustralia and have the potential to alleviate urban water shortages and reduce pollution into naturalnreceiving marine and freshwater streams. Learning processes are necessary to support the efficientnimplementation of decentralised systems. These processes reveal the complex socio-technical andninstitutional factors to be considered when developing an enabling environment supportingndecentralised water and wastewater servicing solutions. Critical to the technological transitionntowards established decentralised systems is the ability to create strategic and adaptive capacity tonpromote learning and dialogue. Learning processes require institutional mechanisms to ensure thenlessons are incorporated into the formulation of policy and regulation, through constructiveninvolvement of key government institutions. Engagement of stakeholders is essential to the enablingnenvironment. Collaborative learning environments using systems analysis with communities (socialnlearning) and adaptive management techniques are useful in refining and applying scientists’ andnmanagers’ knowledge (knowledge management).