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Compact Cities: Billions Saved on Water & Sewage
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Compact cities can grant piped water to 220 million more people.
- Sprawling cities increase water bills by 75 percent.
- Urban form, not just money, dictates service access.
Developing cities with compact growth patterns, instead of outward expansion, offers a powerful solution to water and sanitation access challenges. This urban planning strategy could extend piped water to an additional 220 million people and sewage services to 190 million more. Water costs are substantially higher in sprawling cities, with bills increasing by 75 percent compared to more condensed urban environments.
The analysis highlights that residents in dispersed neighborhoods face a 40 percent reduction in access to critical infrastructure. This underscores the significant impact of urban form on essential service availability. Effective planning, focusing on density and walkability, is key to ensuring equitable access, demonstrating that policy, not just investment, can drive improvements.
With urban populations poised for substantial growth in Africa and Asia by 2050, strategic urban planning is paramount. By prioritizing compact development, cities can enhance water and sanitation services without necessarily increasing infrastructure investment. This focus on city shape offers a controllable lever for improving living conditions for millions.
