Wastewater - Turning Problem to Solution

and must fit the economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts, aiming for appropriate actions, learning, adapting and innovating. Acknowledging this complexity is important for success. This report draws on examples and case studies from different contexts as illustrations of different approaches. This report identifies three action areas which must be addressed in conjunction and at multiple governance levels engaging individuals, businesses, industry sectors and governments to: 1. Reduce the volume of wastewater produced 2. Prevent and reduce contamination of wastewater flows 3. Sustainably manage wastewater for resource recovery and safe reuse

To succeed, the action areas must constitute a systems change: There needs to be effective and coherent legislation and governance, mobilization of adequate and sustainable resources and investment, developing capacities and capabilities, innovation, equitable access to the solution, shifting behaviours, developing trust and monitoring to inform and track the success of measures as well as technical and social innovation. The SDG 6 Accelerator Framework provides a useful frame to implement the building blocks needed to close the loop on wastewater resource recovery and reuse. It can also help align the actions presented with the United Nations Water Action Agenda and SDGs. Behaviour change, social acceptance and equity are important additional accelerators.

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