This discussion paper raises a series of issues and questions. Further work may be undertaken depending on responses to this discussion paper and progress with the current national water services review. Urban water systems are the natural, modified and built water systems that exist in towns and cities. These two systems are interconnected and interact in both positive and negative ways. The functions provided by the built system of water supply , wastewater and stormwater infrastructure are commonly referred to as water services.
Water is central to all life and access to water is a basic human right.
Natural water systems provide ecosystem services, maintain the 'health' of streams and rivers, provide habitat for flora and fauna, water for urban water supplies, amenity values, and are used for a range of recreational purposes. Built water systems supply potable water, safeguard life and property from flooding, and remove, treat and dispose of waste. An important but often unrecognised dimension of the urban water cycle is the provision of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the functions carried out by nature that maintain, for example, water, carbon, and oxygen cycles, which in combination with a vast array of other ecological functions, support life, including human. Towns and cities directly and indirectly benefit from ecosystem services such as water supply and waste assimilation.