Photo: An example of Water Sensitive Urban Design. By Pilar Angon
Council incorporates water sensitive urban design features in streetscapes and parks across the Inner West through its local environment planning process known as subcatchment planning. Water sensitive features can include rain gardens, bioswales, constructed wetlands, stormwater harvesting schemes and, of course, rainwater tanks.
A rain garden is a specially designed garden that filters stormwater runoff from surrounding areas. Particular native plants are planted in rain gardens to remove pollutants.
A bioswale is a channel that conveys stormwater runoff, designed to slow the flow of runoff and like rain gardens, planted to remove pollutants.
Constructed wetlands are wetlands that are built to recreate natural water features. They can be designed to remove pollutants from stormwater and provide important habitat for wildlife.
Stormwater harvesting is a way of reducing our reliance on potable or tap water. Water runoff is collected, treated and stored. This water is then used for irrigation of sportsgrounds, parks and toilet flushing.
Have a look at the map below to find WSUD features near you.