Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a means of using water to mimic the natural process of retaining, filtering and infiltrating stormwater near to where it falls. This approach promotes the capture and use of water to support healthy vegetation in streetscapes and constrained urban areas.
General
- Integrate vegetated swales, rain gardens and biofilters into the landscape to capture and treat stormwater at the source.
- Use permeable paving materials for paths, plazas, parking areas and other surfaces to allow rainwater to filter through the ground rather than running off. Materials like porous asphalt, gravel or permeable concrete help to reduce surface runoff and allow water to naturally infiltrate.
- Use drought-tolerant and native plant species in landscaping to reduce the need for irrigation and minimise water consumption.
- Use organic mulches around plantings to retain moisture in the soil, reduce evaporation and suppress weed growth. Additionally, promote soil health through composting, which helps the soil retain water and improves plant growth.
