FAQs

As a result of natural processes, water transfers between the land, rivers, creeks, ocean and atmosphere in a continuous cycle. 

This natural cycle is impacted by buildings and sealed surfaces. When rain falls on roads or concrete, it cannot soak into the ground. Instead, excess water becomes stormwater and travels through streets and drains before flowing into rivers and oceans.

Integrated water management (IWM) is a holistic and collaborative approach to water management. It considers all elements of the water cycle to ensure that water used to support and enhance social, ecological and economic outcomes.

An Integrated Water Management Strategy will help create a City that is more resilient to urban development, climate change and future population growth.

A water sensitive city is resilient, liveable, productive and sustainable. It is a city that manages water to protect the health of the surrounding environment whilst also mitigating flood risk and creating green public spaces that harvest and recycle water. 

Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) aims to create urban environments that allow the water cycle to function as it would naturally.

Many different types of WSUD are used to reduce the volume of stormwater and pollution that enters our waterways. Examples include raingardens, swales, constructed wetlands and rainwater harvesting.