The Water sensitive urban design brochure series provides introductory information on various water sensitive urban design approaches. The brochures include references to further information on design and installation of water sensitive systems.
The brochures will assist those involved with water sensitive urban design in local governments, consultancies and developer companies, particularly managers and directors.
Each stormwater device brochure provides a summary of the main benefits, design factors and target pollutants, as well as photos and/or diagrams.
Provides an overview of urban water management objectives, treatment train approach and an introduction to the concept of design scale for the selection of suitable urban water management approaches. It also lists documents that support the application of water sensitive urban design.
Provides an overview of the factors that need to be considered when designing a stormwater management system for new urban developments or when modifying an existing system. It also provides the management objectives and performance outcomes for small, minor and major rainfall events.
Biofilters (also known as biofiltration systems, bioretention systems and rain gardens) are excavated basins or trenches that are filled with porous filter media and planted with specially selected vegetation to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. These use natural and physical processes to treat stormwater. Biofilters have very flexible configurations and climate, soil and groundwater requirements.
Constructed wetlands are extensively vegetated water bodies that use sedimentation, filtration and biological uptake processes to remove pollutants from stormwater. These are generally not suitable where contaminated or nutrient-rich groundwater is intercepted. Significant land area is usually required to accommodate large detention volumes.
Dry or ephemeral detention areas are depressions that temporarily hold stormwater and release it at a slower rate than it comes in. These reduce downstream flow rates and reduce flow velocities and so help prevent downstream erosion. Dry or ephemeral detention areas improve stormwater quality primarily by allowing sedimentation of particle based contaminants. These are termed ‘dry or ephemeral’ as their lowest point is located above the maximum groundwater level and drain after each storm event to provide the full storage volume for the next storm.
Infiltration basins are depressions designed to capture and store stormwater prior to infiltration into the soil profile. Infiltration trenches are below-ground linear devices that store stormwater prior to infiltration. Infiltration basins and trenches maintain site water balance and can replenish local groundwater.
Litter and sediment traps are devices that retain ‘gross pollutants’ (litter and debris greater than 5 mm) and coarse sediments (particles greater than 0.5 mm). These are available in several configurations and designs and many are proprietary products.
Living streams are constructed or retrofitted stormwater conveyance channels that mimic the characteristics (morphology and vegetation) of natural streams. As well as conveying stormwater, they also treat it using physical and biological processes and create diverse habitats for wildlife. Living streams can become complex ecosystems that support a wide range of plants and animals.
Pervious paving can be used as an alternative to traditional impervious hard surfaces used in roads, carparks, footpaths and public squares or plazas. Pervious pavement reduces runoff as some of the rainfall infiltrates into the soil below. Pervious pavement can also provide an additional water storage system. There is a variety of pervious pavements such as porous asphalt, porous turf, porous concrete and permeable paving blocks.
Rainwater storage systems are a simple method of capturing rainwater, traditionally from roofs, for use as an alternative water supply source and to reduce consumption of scheme water. When installed and maintained in accordance with recommended guidelines, these can provide a high quality source of water. Soakwells
Soakwells are a commonly used small-scale method of increasing infiltration into the ground as a way of managing stormwater. These generally consist of a vertical perforated cylinder and an open or perforated base, which provides maximum infiltration area.
Swales are grassed or vegetated broad, shallow channels used to collect and convey stormwater flows, promote infiltration, reduce stormwater peak flow rates and discharge volumes, and remove sediments. Swales use a combination of physical and biochemical processes to treat stormwater. Buffer strips are vegetated areas that reduce sediment loads from water flowing through them. Buffer strips are aligned perpendicular to the water flow. Buffer strips are commonly used in conjunction with swales, living streams and constructed wetlands.