Water Sensitive Urban Design

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Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is an approach to planning and designing urban areas that integrates the water cycle with urban development.

The water cycle

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on the planet.  Water cycle management around urban areas includes:

  • rainwater from roofs
  • run-off or stormwater
  • drinking water
  • groundwater
  • grey water from bathrooms and laundries
  • black water from kitchens and toilets.

Benefits of Water Sensitive Urban Design

WSUD helps us to:

  • maintain and restore the natural water balance
  • reduce flood risk
  • improve and protect water quality of surface and groundwater
  • use water resources more efficiently
  • reduce infrastructure costs
  • reduce erosion
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • protect ecosystems and habitats
  • protect the landscape
  • minimise our reliance on mains water
  • minimise treated wastewater discharge
  • enhance the visual landscape.

What we’ve done so far

We’re committed to a WSUD approach to urban planning and have started with projects at Beachway Avenue and Lindfield Reserve. 

Find out about the project at Beachway Avenue.