Applying integrated urban water management concepts: a review of Australian experience

• Published in: Environmental management (New York) Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 589 - 605
• Main Author: Mitchell, V Grace
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 01.05.2006
• Subjects: Australia; Cities; Conservation of Natural Resources; Environmental impact; Environmental management; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution - prevention & control; Geography; Hydrologic cycle; Land development; Stormwater; Urban areas; Urban development; Waste Disposal, Fluid - methods; Waste Management; Wastewater; Water management; Water resources; Water Supply; Australia
• ISSN: 0364-152X; 1432-1009
• DOI: 10.1007/s00267-004-0252-1

This article explores recent Australian experiences in the application of the concept of integrated urban water management (IUWM) to land development sites through the review of 15 case studies. It discusses IUWM's emergence and comments on the success or otherwise of Australian experience in its application. The understanding of IUWM is maturing within the Australian water industry, an occurrence that has been facilitated by demonstration sites such as those reviewed. Successes include the translation of IUWM concepts into well-functioning operational urban developments, significant reductions in the impact of the urban developments on the total water cycle, and the increasing acceptance of the concept within the water and land development industries. However, there is still room for greater integration of the water supply, stormwater, and wastewater components of the urban water cycle, improved dissemination of knowledge, enhancement of skills in both public and private organisations, and monitoring the performance of systems and technologies.