Water sensitive urban design

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is using water sustainably by incorporating all water sources (rainwater, stormwater, groundwater, mains water, and wastewater) into urban planning and construction.

Learn more about water smart designs at www.resilienteast.com/watersmart.

An expanded verge to allow more space for a mature tree. — Expanded verges, permeable paving, and mulch help water soak in, preventing roots from pushing up in search of water.

Tree Inlet — Tree inlets reduce water pooling on roads, support tree growth, and reduce roots pushing up to search for water.

Tree Verge & Verge Garden — Where there is limited verge space, a protuberance, tree verges or rain garden can be created.

A permeable flat kerb that allows water to reach street trees. — Gaps in kerbing and permeable surfaces allow water to reach tree roots, reducing kerb maintenance issues.

Tree Verge — Where there is limited verge space, a protuberance, tree verges or rain garden can be created.

A spoon drain with a section of permeable surface to allow water to reach a tree. — Permeable surfaces embedded into the spoon drain helps water to soak into the plants and reduces downstream runoff.

Council installs a range of different WSUD treatments around trees to allow water to reach tree roots (see examples below).

Community

Water sensitive urban design