Abstract Body

This paper examines the integration of Integrated Water Management (IWM) methods for smaller scale urban redevelopment as part of the planning and building approvals systems in Adelaide, Australia. Integrated water management takes a systems thinking approach to managing urban stormwater, considering multiple objectives of stormwater runoff quality, peak discharge flowrates, stormwater volume reduction and water efficiency.

As the area of impermeable surfaces connected to a drainage system increases, additional burden is placed on existing infrastructure. Existing pipe systems are designed for a specific purpose, such as for drainage for low density housing. As an area develops into higher-density development, and more impervious surfaces are connected, piping systems no longer function well and are more frequently flooded. Additional stormwater runoff volumes and increased flooding frequency scour downstream watercourses and pollute coastal environments.

This project is facilitating broad scale adoption across the city of strategies to reduce this impact, as new redevelopment and urban densification projects will be required to include IWM considerations as part of the development design process. Integrated water management in new developments has multiple social, economic and environmental benefits including:

• reduced supply costs for potable water where retention storages are incorporated for supplying toilets, hot water services, laundry washing and cold-water outlets, and irrigation systems

• improved effectiveness and extended life of existing stormwater infrastructure

• reduced flood risk and resultant damage

• improved stormwater quality to protect coastal environments from pollution

• protecting the integrity of urban water courses from erosion

• reduced impervious surfaces resulting in reduced heat and stormwater runoff

• creating greener urban environments with high visual amenity.

Adelaide is a world leader in the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies including in integrated water management. This project undertook broad stakeholder engagement and developed online IWM design support through guidelines, education and engineering tools (https://www.watersensitivesa.insitewater.com/) for development projects. This will result over time in the widespread adoption of IWM practices for projects that are seeking planning or building development approvals.