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R. Graf and K. Pyszny
status, degree of development, resources and water and economic needs), between
which there is often a conflict of interest. Urbanization and suburbanization are
a frequent phenomenon, which is manifested by the concentration of population
in ever larger areas adjacent to the largest Polish cities. In such situations the city
directly influences the adjacent areas and determines the development of the so-called
urban functional area [6]. Water management in urbanized areas, where demographic
growth is associated with spatial and economic development, is viewed as “the art of
difficult choices” [10] or the “wicked problem” for the solution of which changes in
water management methods and the urban system are usually necessary [11]. Carter
[12] emphasized that very rarely is there any cooperation between communes or
regions in the field of water resources management in terms of catchment area, often
this cooperation is simply missing. The problems registered in highly urbanized areas
include: the increase in demand for good quality water, growing threats related to
water pollution and the occurrence of periods of drought or flooding, which were the
basis for the implementation of the common area and water policy [13].
We find a reflection of these principles in the new model of water management,
the essential features of which are multifaceted and interdisciplinary management of
water resources in the metropolitan area. The importance of water in the metropolitan
area is higher the more differentiated its spatial layout is. This differentiation is
provided by areas with a high degree of urbanization and investments, as well as by
valuable natural and legally protected areas. Integration of activities at the spatial,
functional, environmental and social levels in the new model of water resources
management in metropolitan areas [9] is provided by new assumptions of water policy
of the European Union Member States, defined in the Water Framework Directive
[14].
2 The EU Water Framework Directive has been implemented into Polish law in
the Water Law Act [15].
18.2 Water Management Problems in Metropolitan Areas
Metropolises are characterised by the multidirectional and multilevels of spatial
development and management of a system comprised of units of differing statuses.
Their characteristic feature is continuous transformation, which occurs under the
influence of a countless number of factors of a political, economic and demographic, and also technological and environmental nature. Metropolitan areas are
distinguished by zones of permanent impact and areas of potential developmental
opportunities. As a result of progressing urbanisation, some 75–80% of the entire
population of Poland lives within the administrative borders of cities and in zones
located around large municipal centres. According to forecasts, this concentration
of people will occur both in large municipal centres throughout the country, and in
functional areas, with the greatest increase taking place in metropolitan areas [6].
2 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000
establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.
R. Graf and K. Pyszny
status, degree of development, resources and water and economic needs), between
which there is often a conflict of interest. Urbanization and suburbanization are
a frequent phenomenon, which is manifested by the concentration of population
in ever larger areas adjacent to the largest Polish cities. In such situations the city
directly influences the adjacent areas and determines the development of the so-called
urban functional area [6]. Water management in urbanized areas, where demographic
growth is associated with spatial and economic development, is viewed as “the art of
difficult choices” [10] or the “wicked problem” for the solution of which changes in
water management methods and the urban system are usually necessary [11]. Carter
[12] emphasized that very rarely is there any cooperation between communes or
regions in the field of water resources management in terms of catchment area, often
this cooperation is simply missing. The problems registered in highly urbanized areas
include: the increase in demand for good quality water, growing threats related to
water pollution and the occurrence of periods of drought or flooding, which were the
basis for the implementation of the common area and water policy [13].
We find a reflection of these principles in the new model of water management,
the essential features of which are multifaceted and interdisciplinary management of
water resources in the metropolitan area. The importance of water in the metropolitan
area is higher the more differentiated its spatial layout is. This differentiation is
provided by areas with a high degree of urbanization and investments, as well as by
valuable natural and legally protected areas. Integration of activities at the spatial,
functional, environmental and social levels in the new model of water resources
management in metropolitan areas [9] is provided by new assumptions of water policy
of the European Union Member States, defined in the Water Framework Directive
[14].
2 The EU Water Framework Directive has been implemented into Polish law in
the Water Law Act [15].
18.2 Water Management Problems in Metropolitan Areas
Metropolises are characterised by the multidirectional and multilevels of spatial
development and management of a system comprised of units of differing statuses.
Their characteristic feature is continuous transformation, which occurs under the
influence of a countless number of factors of a political, economic and demographic, and also technological and environmental nature. Metropolitan areas are
distinguished by zones of permanent impact and areas of potential developmental
opportunities. As a result of progressing urbanisation, some 75–80% of the entire
population of Poland lives within the administrative borders of cities and in zones
located around large municipal centres. According to forecasts, this concentration
of people will occur both in large municipal centres throughout the country, and in
functional areas, with the greatest increase taking place in metropolitan areas [6].
2 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000
establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.