Latin America

Latin America: connect the urban water cycle

Consider water supply, wastewater, drainage and catchments together.

Regional brief2 min readEdition: 25 September 2026

An integrated reference

The World Bank’s Integrated Urban Water Management overview discusses interconnected urban water challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its 2013 publication is useful as a planning reference, rather than current news on individual projects.

Look across boundaries

A supply decision can affect wastewater volumes, receiving-water quality, stormwater opportunities and the energy system. An integrated assessment makes these relationships visible without assuming that every service must use a single model.

Frame a practical comparison

  • Define the service area and catchment boundaries.
  • Identify which agencies own the decisions and assets.
  • Compare reuse and demand management with conventional augmentation.
  • Record distributional and environmental outcomes alongside financial cost.

Build an evidence chain

Connect a strategic option to a resource balance, treatment assessment and hydraulic servicing plan. Read the strategic planning guide for a transparent comparison framework.

Sources & further reading

Source findings are distinguished from editorial interpretation. Apply current local criteria and project evidence when making engineering decisions.