Water Sensitive Urban Design

Water Sensitive Urban Design Resource Kit

Water is essential to the health of the environment. As a valuable natural resource it has two dimensions that are closely linked - quantity and quality.

Climate change has resulted in water and its use being one of the most important environmental concerns now facing Australia.

Although the Hobart region is very fortunate that there is ample supply of high quality treated drinking water available from the River Derwent, impacts on water supply levels can occur at peak usage time, in particular during hot summer periods.

It has also become apparent that, to protect Hobart’s water resources and waterways from long-term impacts of urbanization, storm water runoff from contaminated surfaces will need treatment.

To respond to these challenges the Hobart City Council has prepared a resource kit with a wide range of applications for ‘water sensitive’ design in the urban environment.

It has been developed both from local knowledge in Hobart and also through using valuable information and ideas identified in other parts of Australia.

Our water sensitive urban design guidelines are intended to assist both the Council and Hobart’s design practitioners mitigate the long-term impacts urbanisation has on our waterways. They will offer an improved standard of water management in new and existing development of various types from subdivision through to vehicle parking areas.

These guidelines include 12 sets of Practice Notes that provide technical information and advice in relation to a number of ideas for greater efficiency in water use and re-use. They promote the on-site collection, treatment and utilization of storm water and waste water, as well as the installation of more efficient ‘home’ fittings and appliances as part of an integrated system.

Whilst mainly aimed at building and infrastructure design professionals, including the Council’s own designers, the guidelines can also be referenced by the wider community.

The guidelines come in a hard copy loose leaf format and on a CD or can be downloaded below.