The water sensitive approach integrates ecologically and economically sustainable water infrastructure like constructed wetlands, bio-filtration gardens, stormwater harvesting, and local sanitation systems based on "smart" new septic tanks, into buildings and landscapes.

Also known as nature-based solutions, these types of systems are more ecologically sustainable because they mimic the earth's natural systems, while being more economically sustainable because they require less maintenance and are not connected to a central "big pipes" system.

Our field-tested innovations over the past two decades are now ready for the next challenge: translating the approach to informal settlements. This will enable these resource-poor settings to leapfrog conventional water management technologies with accelerated health gains and a more sustainable and environmentally compatible solution.