This post from Metropolis looks at the complex relationship between cities and water cleanliness, and looks to a different future through a design competition.
"Our water infrastructure, flawed at the best of times, is now on the brink of collapse. The United States alone is faced with spending $330 billion dollars over the next two decades, simply to keep our existing tap water systems functioning.
Now is the perfect moment to ask ourselves if there isn't a better way to manage our water systems.
Is it possible to completely redefine our relationship with water? To satisfy our thirst without compromising our aquifers or harming our marine life? To eradicate water-borne diseases using ecologically sound processes? To craft solutions capable of addressing water crises in developed and developing countries alike?"