First appeared in

Asian Development Bank

100 Climate Actions from Cities in Asia and the Pacific

MORE

A climate-informed water basin study in Myanmar’s largest city has supported the design of urban water infrastructure that will protect residents against climate change impacts while also increasing their access to a safe and secure water supply.

Yangon City Development Committee’s (YCDC) water resilience project has utilized climate modeling to inform the design of water infrastructure to improve the provision of urban water services. Water supply to the city will be increased and protected against future disruptions through the construction of an underground pipeline as well as new intake and pumping structures.

The Ngamoeyek Reservoir provides 66% of the present water supply, but relies on an open irrigation canal that is vulnerable to evaporation, infiltration, and pollution. New plans for the water facilities have been proposed following a river basin simulation, which analyzed future water resource availability. By increasing the supply of water from 135 to 180 million gallons per day and creating a 34 kilometer, underground pipeline to transfer urban water independently from irrigation, Yangon’s water system will be strengthened against variability in rainfall, temperature, and river flow.

170M

LITERS MORE CLEAN WATER PER DAY

This project is funded by a $180 million loan from ADB. A River Basin Simulation (RIBASIM) analysis, which allows officials to better plan urban infrastructure, was utilized by ADB in the designing of the loan, with support provided by the Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund.

Yangon has undertaken a water basin study to improve water resilience and adapt to climate change (photo by Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund).

The Challenge

A recent analysis by the Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund showed that current water provision is insufficient to meet the needs of residents, especially under expected stresses from climate change.

Co-Benefits

Social By increasing the volume of water available to households in Yangon, the project will contribute to development and poverty reduction in the area.

Environment YCDC will take a leadership role in the responsible management of the region’s natural resources, recognizing water as both a resource and an important component of natural ecosystems.

Health The project will reduce pollution by moving the pipeline underground, resulting in the provision of safe water supplies, effectively reducing the spread of diseases and improving the region’s ability to respond to pandemics.