Urban water systems

We understand the need to build resilience within the urban water cycle by identifying fit-for-purpose water source and storage options to meet a range of end uses. We identify and quantify water supply opportunities and their direct and indirect benefits across improved reduced potable water use, waterway health, urban greening and cooling, and enhanced urban biodiversity.

Through our integrated water management work, we identify and assess the use of alternative, non-potable water sources. We have a comprehensive understanding of how rainwater, stormwater, recycled wastewater, and groundwater can be sourced, harvested, stored, and utilised for various end uses that benefit both community and the environment, while also saving precious potable water supplies.

At the project level, we plan, model and design water sensitive urban design (WSUD) assets that treat urban runoff to improve the quality of water reaching our waterways and bays. At the strategic level, we provide advice to policy makers to shape and guide the industry’s approach, influencing long-term stormwater management outcomes.

We have significant capability and experience in the field of surface water management. We plan, model and design assets that mitigate flooding (detention basins), treat stormwater (wetlands) and convey flows (constructed waterways). We go beyond business as usual, designing assets that benefit community and support biodiversity, including naturalisation projects to turn concrete-lined drains into ecologically rich waterways. Our industry guidelines for waterways and wetlands have guided best practice in the water industry.

We plan, design and supervise the construction of assets that combine water and vegetation in urban environments such as wetlands, biofiltration, and passively irrigated street trees. Our approach contributes to the improved amenity of any new or established community, cools and greens community spaces, while also improving water quality.

We have developed industry guidelines addressing the unique management needs of urban lakes, helping mitigate common risks such as blue-green algae and weed infestation. As community assets, urban lakes can serve recreational, flood mitigation and water quality improvement functions. We understand how to optimise the design and management of these lakes to maximise the delivery of these benefits to community and lake managers.