The water security pressures caused by Melbourne’s recent 13-year drought have fundamentally changed the way we use water. The drought detrimentally stressed our trees, parks and gardens. The need to better manage water has led to some ingenious and cutting-edge water capture and recycling techniques being implemented by the private sector, government, residents and the City of Melbourne.

This new approach, fit-for-purpose water use, prioritises the appropriate quantity and quality of alternative water sources for different demands. The closer the match in the quality of the water to the level needed for end use, the less treatment is required. Reducing water treatment is both energy and cost efficient. However, in a drier climate we will likely require more water to maintain healthy landscapes that in turn provide heat mitigation and health benefits to the community during hot, dry periods. Therefore total water use may increase, being offset by increasingly sourcing water within the local catchment, rather than using potable water.  

Water sensitive cities interact with the urban water cycle in ways that provide the water security essential for economic prosperity. This is achieved through efficient use of fit-for-purpose water, enhancing and protecting the health of water in the environment. This mitigates flood risk and damage, creating public spaces that harvest, clean and recycle water.

A city’s strategies and systems for water management contributes to biodiversity, carbon sequestration and reduction of urban heat island effects.

City as a catchment is an approach supporting the creation of a water sensitive city. Our vision is of a healthy city in a healthy catchment. Seeing our city as a catchment means that we recognise the important role and linkages of the natural and man-made catchments.

Liveability is defined as a measure of the attractiveness of a location as a place to live and work. Economic, social and environmental factors all influence liveability, such as the quality of the natural and built environments; amenity; access to educational and health services; and cultural vibrancy. (Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission November 2011).

Recent changes in water management in Victoria have led to the development of an urban water-focused Victorian Government body, the Office of Living Victoria. The Office of Living Victoria (OLV) drives the water industry, associated sectors and community to redefine the way we plan for and manage the water cycle.

The City of Melbourne has engaged extensively with the Office of Living Victoria in the development of this strategy to ensure it aligns with current and future OLV strategies, plans and projects.