Urban water

The increase in population has had a significant impact on the urban footprint in South East Queensland over the last two decades. Recently, an additional 5,000 hectares were added to the designated urban footprint.

Rapidly developing urban areas and established areas can place pressure on catchment values and aquatic ecosystems. This can include:

• Increases in stormwater run-off and associated pollutants to waterways, including sediment, nutrients, organic matter, and hydrocarbons.
• Increases in point source pollution releases into waterways from sewage treatment plants.
• Direct disturbances and channelisation of natural streams and creeks.
• Increases demand for portable water supply, sourced from local water supply catchments.
• Increases in pollution from development and construction sites.

Integrated water management is a holistic collaborative approach to water management that considers how the delivery of water, wastewater and stormwater services can contribute to water security, public and environmental health and urban amenity.

State and local governments, along with water service providers, have a high level of responsibility and influence on how urban areas are planned, and how the built environment interacts with the water cycle and waterways. Residents can also take actions to minimise adverse impacts of buildings, backyards and construction sites.

Other organisations with substantial roles in urban water management in South East Queensland include developers and the construction industry.

Here's a snapshot of just some of the action over the past 5 years. These numbers will grow as more groups from across the region contribute their data.