LAUSR

Abstract Urban densification is seen as a possible solution in response to the intense urbanization and sustainable development. Urban densification counteracts the negative effects of urban sprawl, which include increased mobility challenges, demand of natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and encroachment on green spaces. In spite of its benefits, urban densification creates pressure on the existing buried water infrastructure (BWI) (i.e., drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) and the environment. The impacts of urban densification on the level of service of BWI are overlooked in the published literature. This study aims to identify and discuss the key drivers, induced pressures, their effects on the level of service, corresponding impacts, and finally the possible responses using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) linkage-based sustainability assessment framework. The DPSIR framework was selected due to its simplicity and most powerful communication tool between environment and society. The outcome of this study provide a conceptual model, which interlinks the steps (i) identification of system indicators, (ii) data processing, (iii) decision making, and (iv) impact analysis with factors influencing the integrated level of service of BWI at three different levels. Together these steps create a basis for evaluating the level of service of multifaceted BWI. The uncertainties associated with scenarios, datasets, and model development could be a challenge during the application of proposed conceptual framework. The proposed conceptual model may serve as reference for multi-stakeholders in understanding the dynamic balance between urban densification, BWI, and sustainable use of water services.