Take action on cooling with water

People have a special connection to water in our landscapes. Being near water can make people feel cooler, calm and connected to the natural environment.

We can all look for ways to sustainably incorporate water into the urban areas and use water to reduce urban heat.

Develop and implement an integrated water cycle management strategy

Water can be managed strategically across areas and precincts by developing an integrated water cycle management strategy. These strategies promote efficient, sustainable and productive water management that is integrated with land use planning.

Implementing an integrated water cycle management strategy will ensure that the water needs of urban areas are met, while also allowing water to be harnessed in the landscape to cool communities.

To develop an integrated water cycle management strategy with a strong focus on mitigating urban heat:

• consider local and regional drivers such as population growth, urbanisation and climate change
• develop a clear vision, objectives and outcomes that the strategy aims to achieve
• assess your area’s current water performance, including the health and quality of waterways, access to water supply and the condition of stormwater harvesting schemes and water recycling plants
• use vegetation, urban heat island and heat vulnerability index data to understand where the community is most vulnerable and to track progress in delivering actions
• be clear that urban heat is a driver of the strategy and embed appropriate objectives and outcomes to ensure water is efficiently used and managed to cool the local community. This could be achieved by:
  • designing water infrastructure to provide multiple benefits for the community and environment, such as cooling and greening and water quality
  • integrating water planning with land use planning to achieve liveability outcomes that include urban cooling.

Use water to cool

Across large sites and public spaces, incorporate water-sensitive urban design principles into your development to retain in water the landscape.

On sites

• divert stormwater into the soil profile and reduce surface runoff using passive irrigation systems such as:
  • raingardens
  • bioretention basins and swales
  • constructed or restored wetlands
  • wicking lawns on turf open space and sports fields
• slow down and reduce stormwater runoff by installing green roofs and walls
• install water features including public fountains, ponds, sprinklers and water curtains to help reduce ambient temperatures. Ensure these features use water efficiently – including rainwater, harvested stormwater and recycled water – and adhere to water quality guidelines.

Around your home

• introduce water-efficient technologies, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling. These can reduce everyday potable water demand for things such as irrigation and toilet flushing
• adopt water-wise gardening techniques:
  • plant the right species for your local climate and conditions
  • introduce mulch
  • use efficient watering options to minimise water use, including installing a raingarden to passively irrigate your garden
  • water gardens early in the morning and in the late afternoon to reduce evaporation loss, sustain higher levels of soil moisture and increase daytime evapotranspiration.
• use a cover to reduce evaporation from your pool and save time and money on pool maintenance.

For more information, visit Take action with cool materials and Take action with greening.

Strategic plans and planning controls can be used by councils and state government to respond to urban heat. For more information, visit Using planning strategies and controls for cooling.