Making the transition to a integrated water management framework will support municipalities and other decision makers in addressing a complex system of drivers and risks. Such drivers and risks include aspects related to [[climate change]], [[urban development]], redevelopment and intensification of existing areas. Failing infrastructure – and the cost of its repair and replacement – is one example of risks. A 2007 survey carried out by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and McGill University survey found that the estimated water infrastructure deficit in Canada was $31 billion for existing infrastructure, plus $56.6 billion for new infrastructure needs, including water, wastewater and stormwater systems (FCM, 2007). Since the One Water approach considers these systems in a systematic, integrated manner, it can help water managers identify cost-effective solutions that can impact and improve multiple systems. It can also help municipalities determine and prioritize investments based on benefits to residents and the watershed. | Making the transition to a integrated water management framework will support municipalities and other decision makers in addressing a complex system of drivers and risks. Such drivers and risks include aspects related to [[climate change]], [[urban development]], redevelopment and intensification of existing areas. Failing infrastructure – and the cost of its repair and replacement – is one example of risks. A 2007 survey carried out by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and McGill University survey found that the estimated water infrastructure deficit in Canada was $31 billion for existing infrastructure, plus $56.6 billion for new infrastructure needs, including water, wastewater and stormwater systems (FCM, 2007). Since the One Water approach considers these systems in a systematic, integrated manner, it can help water managers identify cost-effective solutions that can impact and improve multiple systems. It can also help municipalities determine and prioritize investments based on benefits to residents and the watershed. |