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What is integrated water management?

Considering all elements of the urban water cycle to deliver the best value from all our water resources.

What is integrated water management?

Integrated water management is a collaborative approach to the way we plan, manage and deliver water services. Population growth and climate change are putting pressure on our water supplies. An integrated water management approach helps us to address these challenges.

By considering all elements of the urban water cycle, our valuable water resources go further to create more sustainable and liveable communities, as shown in the infographic below. For example, we can reuse stormwater to irrigate green spaces, instead of using drinking water. Green space in a community increases wellbeing and environmental health.

Infographic showing the urban water cycle and the role of integrated water management.

Our vision

There are many ways that integrated water management will help us achieve our vision for thriving people and Country as set out in our 2030 Strategy. We're working with different organisations to support our community's economic, social, environmental and cultural potential.

  • We're delivering value for our customers by providing access to alternative water sources. These will support a range of non-drinking water needs like watering gardens, flushing toilets and washing clothes.
  • We're supporting communities to thrive by enhancing green spaces and increasing tree canopy cover.
  • We're healing and caring for Country through our work with Traditional Owners, local communities, government and other water corporations. We aim to restore the environmental health of our catchments and waterways. Together we'll create resilient urban and natural environments that can withstand extreme weather events.


Integrated Water Management Framework 2024

Our framework explains our unique ambition for integrated water management. It also describes how we will work with our partners to drive a range of different outcomes for our customers, communities and Country.

Integrated Water Management Framework 2024 (PDF 4.03 MB)


Our focus 

We're focusing on three key areas to advance integrated water management and maximise the value delivered by our water services.

Collaborating with purpose

We’re partnering on initiatives that contribute to green and healthy urban landscapes in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

  • We are a key partner of Greening The West, which aims to improve the wellbeing of communities in Melbourne’s west through a range of projects including the One Million Trees initiative and transforming the heritage-listed Main Outfall Sewer into a continuous parkland. Through our award-winning Stormwater Harvesting Partnership Fund, we have worked with councils on sustainable irrigation systems.
  • We are a key partner of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration, which is transforming the Moonee Ponds Creek into an iconic waterway for Melbourne. The group protects, enhances and activates the creek catchment.
  • We are a proud member of the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra and Coliban Integrated Water Management Forums. These forums bring together all organisations with an interest in the urban water cycle. Together we identify, prioritise and oversee the implementation of collaborative water opportunities.

Planning for the future

We’re planning to secure our water future by using other sources of water to supply our communities and meet the growing demand for water.  

We conduct studies across our service area to explore how we can use more recycled water, treated stormwater and rainwater to meet non-drinking water needs, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets and washing clothes. 

Our latest project aims to identify opportunities to keep our open spaces green and vibrant without having to rely on drinking water.  

Supporting delivery

We support our partners and stakeholders to deliver integrated water management projects and initiatives. To build the capacity of our partners we provide evidence, advice, resources and tools to improve industry practices.  

Guidance for developers 

Our developer guidance will help you understand our requirements for Development Integrated Water Management Plans and identify water management solutions that are good for the environment and the community.

Integrated Water Management developer guidance (PDF 1.33 MB)

 

Stormwater Harvesting Partnership Fund

Stormwater harvesting involves collecting, treating and storing stormwater runoff from urban areas. This water can then be reused to irrigate public parks, gardens, sports fields and golf courses. 

We are working with councils to improve green spaces in Melbourne’s west by adding sustainable irrigation systems.

Learn more
Aerial photograph of Laverton Creek Wetlands in Altona