Excess water in the urban environment results in flooding,which causes structural damage, risks to personal safety and disruption to city life. Water is also a major contributory factor for disease transmission as well as being the medium for transport of many pollutants. These problems are of increasing concern due to climate changes and are particularly apparent in the humid tropics. Integrated Urban Water Management in the Humid Tropics – the output of a project by UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme on the topic – focuses on engineering aspects related to water supply, wastewater and stormwater management in the humid tropics. Flood control is dealt with a specific emphasis on reducing vulnerability to flood disasters in urban areas.The book also addresses environmental health concerns related to the different components of the urban water system and strategies for their control. The volume provides illustrations of different aspects of integrated water management in the urban environment by drawing upon a set of case studies – predominantly from South America.Urban Water Series - UNESCO-IHP, ISSN 1749-0790Following from the Sixth Phase of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (2002–2007), the Urban Water Series – UNESCO-IHP addresses fundamental issues related to the role of water in cities and the effects of urbanization on the hydrological cycle and water resources. Focusing on the development of integrated approaches to sustainable urban water management, the Series should inform the work of urban water management practitioners, policy-makers and educators throughout the world.Series EditorsCedo Maksimovic, Imperial College, London, United KingdomJ. Alberto Tejada-Guibert, International Hydrological Programme, UNESCO, Paris, France
