Water sensitive design

Water sensitive urban design helps us better manage water in the Inner West. It considers the water cycle as a whole.

This includes the consideration of water sources, how water is used and where water flows. It also provides many environmental benefits.

Water sensitive urban design is used to better manage:

  • drinking or potable water
  • wastewater from washing or flushing
  • stormwater, which is rainwater that runs off from roofs, paths and roads

In an urban environment, managing stormwater is very important for protecting our waterways. As there are more hard surfaces, such as buildings, footpaths and roads, less water can soak into the ground. Large quantities of stormwater therefore flow into our water canals and rivers via stormwater drains in our streets. Stormwater often carries with it many pollutants including toxic chemicals, harmful bacteria and rubbish.

Water sensitive urban design can both improve stormwater quality and reduce stormwater quantity. This helps to create cleaner waterways and rivers for local wildlife which depend on them for food, refuge and habitat. It also enhances open spaces and contributes to greener places.

Water sensitive design can:

  • Prevent or reduce flooding in targeted locations
  • Reduce use of potable water through installing water efficient fixtures and rainwater tanks, and enabling water reuse
  • Encourage water to soak into the ground and help plants to thrive
  • Protect our natural environment by treating stormwater before it gets to our rivers and harbour

Women planting natives as part of a WSUD workshopPhoto: Women planting native plants in a swale next to a pond; part of a Water Sensitive Urban Design workshop. By Pilar Angon

      

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Page last updated: 29 Sep 2021