This document discusses water sensitive urban design (WSUD) as a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable urban water management. It aims to manage the urban water cycle and improve water security by considering the environment in infrastructure planning from the earliest stages. WSUD principles include sustainable water supply options through conservation, alternative sources like rainwater harvesting, and wastewater minimization through treatment and recycled water. The document presents frameworks for transitioning cities to water sensitivity and engaging stakeholders in its benefits like provision of services, costs, environmental protection and community health.

1. Urban Water
Management
Towards water sensitive urban settlements –
integrating design, planning and management
of South Africa’s towns and cities
K. Winter, K. Carden, L. Fisher-Jeffes, &
S.Pan
Public input into the National Water Resource Strategy
October 2012

2. 2
Urban Water
Management
Urbanisation in SA, 1950 - 2030
Source: Haldenwang, 2010

3. 3
Urban Water
Management
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
• Multi-disciplined approach to urban water
management aimed at managing the urban water
cycle in a more sustainable manner so as to improve
water security (Wong, 2006).
• Considers the environment in conjunction with
infrastructure planning, design and management at
the earliest possible stage of any decision-making
process (McAlister, 2007).

4. 4
Urban Water
Management
Influence of WSUD on the urban water cycle
Source: Hoban & Wong (2006)

5. USE
Potable water
supply and
treatment plant
Hot water system
Shower and
bathroom taps
Clothes washing
Toilet flushing
Garden irrigation
Built environment
Natural environment
Natural environment
Built environment
Human
consumption -
kitchen
Discharge
Sewage
treatment plant
(STP)
Water treatment
plant

6. REUSE
USE
Potable water
supply and
treatment plant
Hot water system
Shower and
bathroom taps
Clothes washing
Toilet flushing
Garden irrigation
Built environment
Natural environment
Natural environment
Built environment
Human
consumption -
kitchen
MINIMISE
MINIMISE PROTECT & ENHANCE ENVIRONMENT
Discharge
Stormwater
treatment
Train
Sewage
treatment
plant (STP)
All water is an opportunity
Not a threat
Discharge

7. 7
Urban Water
Management
Descriptive understanding of WSUD
“…mitigating water scarcity, improving
water quality, thereby protecting
ecosystems, through the development of
water sensitive urban areas (for all) that
are sustainable, resilient and adaptable to
change, while simultaneously being a place
where people want to live….”

8. 8
Urban Water
Management
Narrative definition
Term Definition
“water
sensitive”
A new paradigm that integrates new knowledge with the
provision of water services and the protection of aquatic
environments in urban areas
“urban areas” …inclusive of residential, commercial or industrial
purposes
“for all” Implemented in all developments in an appropriate and ‘fit-
for-purpose’ manner
“resilient and
adaptable”
Development that is able to withstand disasters and adjust
to changes in environment, climate, population and social
circumstances.
“a place where
people want to
live”
Where there is integration of the green and brown agenda
- where amenity forms part of the planning and design;
where ecosystems services are valued

9. 9
Urban Water
Management
WSUD principles / strategies
1. Sustainable water supply options
• water conservation / demand management
• alternative water sources, e.g. rainwater / stormwater
harvesting
• aquifer storage
2. Wastewater minimisation
• quality improvement
• use of treated wastewater / recycled water
3. Stormwater management
• SUDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage)
• enhancement of amenity and biodiversity

10. 10
Urban Water
Management
WSUD transitions framework
Cape Town
Ethekwini
Source: Brown et al. (2008)

11. 11
Urban Water
Management
Green Point Park, Cape Town

12. 12
Urban Water
Management
Sanitation
Housing
Solid Waste
Water Supply
Drainage
And the ugly.

13. 13
Urban Water
Management

14. 14
Urban Water
Management

15. 15
Urban Water
Management
WSUD transitions framework
Source: Brown et al. (2008)

16. 16
Urban Water
Management
RETRO
FIT
Water supply
city
Sewer City
Drained
city
Water way
City
Water
Sensitive
city
Un-service high
density areas
Apartheid/separate
development
Water cycle
city
Vision
History Goal
What we need to
do now
Develop water
sensitive services
The road ahead
Develop water
sensitive services
Informal settlements
Formal settlements
Green fields
WSUD in SA:
“2 History’s, 1 future”

17. 17
Urban Water
Management
The Vision Component
RETRO FIT
Water
supply
communities
Sewered
communities
Drained
communities
Apartheid/separated
communities
History Goal
What we
need to do
now
Develop water
sensitive services
The road ahead
Informal
settlements
Formal
settlements
Green fields
Develop water
sensitive services
Un-serviced, high
density
communities
Needs
Solutions
Water Supply
Supply
Hydraulics
Public Health
Separate
Sewers
Need for “cheap”
labour
Allow the formation of informal
settlements with no services
Civil unrest/demand
for equitable services
Adhoc provision
of services
Flood
Protection
Channelization
Amenity and
environmental
protection
Water scarcity, public health
Integrated Urban Water Cycle management (IUWCM),
management of point source
Management of
diffuse pollution
Limits on
natural
resources
Fit for
purpose use
of water
Inter-
generational
equity
Adaptive,
multifunctional
infrastructure
designed to
emphasise water
sensitivity
Waterway
Communities
Water
Sensitive
Cities
Water
cycle
communities

18. 18
Urban Water
Management
Presentation of benefits of WSUD
Stakeholder Area of interest
Politicians Provision of basic services; job creation
City officials Costs / ease of maintenance
Private developers Increased profit / public image
Community groups Job creation; public health / safety
Environmental groups Protection of environment
Individuals Additional costs/ benefits per household

19. 19
Urban Water
Management
Acknowledgements
Water Research Commission of South Africa –
Contract no. K5/2071: “Water Sensitive Urban Design
(WSUD) or Low Impact Design (LID) for improving
water resource protection/conservation and reuse in
urban landscapes”