Urban water programs and initiatives
On this page:
- Current initiatives
- Ongoing programs
- Putting water at the centre of urban design
- Iconic Adelaide locations with smart water features
There are already a number of programs and initiatives underway that are contributing to our urban water management. Links to these are provided below.
Current initiatives
Click on the link to find out more
- South Park Lands - Victoria Park/ Pakapakanthi (Park 16) Wetland
- Kangaroo Island and Eyre Peninsula desalination plant development – SA Water
- Water sustainability grants – Green Adelaide
- Residential infill policy proposal – Plan SA
- Water security – Department for Environment and Water
- Alternative Water Supplies Efficiency Measures project – Department for Environment and Water
- Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme – SA Water and PIRSA
- Water Industry Act 2012Review – Department for Environment and Water
Ongoing programs
Ongoing urban water management programs across the state to deliver urban water services and/or improve the standard.
- SA Water provide water supply and sewage services.
- Local councils have many water management activities including stormwater management, open space watering and community wastewater.
- Stormwater management planning underpins the continued improvement of urban drainage systems.
- Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project is a program of works designed to substantially reduce the number of properties affected by very large flood events.
- Green Adelaide surface water monitoring provides comprehensive water information for Adelaide’s waterways.
- Water Sensitive SA collates information on water sensitive activities as part of a capacity building program.
- Flood Hazard management by Department for Environment and Water
- Water allocation planning establishes water sharing rules for certainty of water availability now and in the future.
- Regional climate partnerships work to manage climate risks in their regions including water issues.
- Landscape SA boards facilitate the management of landscapes and water is one of their strategic priorities along with land, pests and biodiversity.
- Australian Water Association provides professional development and industry networking for the water sector.
- StormwaterSA promotes best practice stormwater management for metropolitan areas.
- Stormwater Australia links the interests of Australian stakeholders of the stormwater industry.
- Hydrological Society of South Australia promotes an interest in the science of hydrology and discussion of our State’s water resources, their management, conservation and use.
- Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme Australia's urban water saving scheme
Putting water at the centre of urban design
In South Australia’s hot and dry climate putting water at the centre of the design of our homes, buildings and open spaces is essential.
Water Sensitive SA is a collaborative program that provides information and advice on putting water at the centre of designs in what are known as ‘water sensitive urban design’ projects. The Water Sensitive SA Website includes an interactive map of installed WSUD projects around South Australia.
Iconic Adelaide locations with smart water features
Today smart water management is a common feature in many developments in South Australian Towns and cities.
The iconic South Australian places listed below are some examples from our towns and cities that have put water at the centre of their design to create cooler spaces, save operating costs and improve environmental performance.
Adelaide Oval uses reclaimed wastewater for oval irrigation and toilets. Water efficient appliances through all buildings.
Adelaide Zoo has a web based water management tool to find leaks and deliver future savings.
Adelaide Airport uses reclaimed wastewater and harvested stormwater for irrigation and toilets. Has implemented an irrigation management plan.
Wayville Showgrounds Goyder Pavilion has a 3.5 million litre underground water tank that captures roof rainwater and stormwater for use.
Royal Adelaide Hospital uses reclaimed wastewater and harvested stormwater for irrigation and toilets. High efficiency water fittings throughout.
Adelaide Parklands uses reclaimed wastewater for irrigation.
SAHMRI uses reclaimed wastewater and captured rainwater for toilet flushing and all irrigation with smart irrigation controls. High efficiency water fittings throughout.
SA Water House uses reclaimed wastewater and captured rainwater for toilet flushing. High efficiency water fittings throughout.
Mawson Lakes has reclaimed water supplied throughout the suburb for open space and for residents to water gardens, wash cars and flush toilets.
Urban developments such as Lochiel Park and St Clair have incorporated the use of rainwater, stormwater and reclaimed water as well as water sensitive landscaping.
Schools use recycled water for irrigating ovals at many schools.
Coopers brewery uses local groundwater for production of beer.
Botanic Gardens has a stormwater wetland with aquifer storage.
Marion Cultural Centre Stormwater is captured and used for public toilet flushing, water efficient fixtures and fittings and water efficient landscaping.
