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STATE

Current water usage practice in urban areas is not sustainable. Most of the high quality water delivered to consumers at high environmental and economic costs is used for non-potable purposes, whilst stormwater that could be used directly for non-potable purposes is treated as a waste product.

PRESSURE

With current water usage, population growth will eventually necessitate damming new rivers at enormous environmental and economic costs. Meanwhile, not capturing stormwater on site for non-potable uses adds to downstream flooding and increases pollution loads to our creeks and waterways.

RESPONSE

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) aims to change the way we use water in our urban areas by including urban design features on individual properties that reduce the demand for mains water by using stormwater for non-potable purposes. WSUD can include rainwater tanks, minimising impervious areas, water efficient appliances, water pollution traps, infiltration and filter strips, and on-site detention.

The Trust, Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and the Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) are taking the lead in delivering the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) 'capacity building' program in Sydney. The Trust is also administering a demonstration sites project with Baulkham Hills and Blacktown Councils, Landcom and Sydney Water Corporation in Western Sydney.

WSUD news, case studies and advice can be found on the WSUD Website at www.wsud.org