Applying international water management knowledge and approaches to Melbourne.
This review assessed international responses to Integrated Water Management (IWM), identified industry best practice, and, recognising that societal values, institutional arrangements and environments differ vastly, developed a recommended approach specifically for Melbourne.
Project challenges:
- Assess IWM framework in order for Melbourne Water, and other water businesses, to promote the concept of a Water Smart City in Melbourne.
- Identify ways to make more efficient use of current water infrastructure while developing new water supply and treatment solutions, and water reuse.
- Identify and define best practice in IWM which is appropriate for Melbourne.
Halcrow’s role
Halcrow used its international network of offices in the United Kingdom, Europe and North America initially to identify a range of IWM practices and approaches. These were then assessed considering the institutional framework in which Melbourne Water operates.
Drawing on its expert knowledge of world-leading Water Cycle Strategies to achieve the client’s objectives, Halcrow:
- Undertook global research of IWM initiatives.
- Developed criteria and conducted in-depth analysis of selected IWM approaches.
- Reviewed best practice approaches for integrating water supply; wastewater disposal; storm water harvesting; water recycling; and catchment management.
Presented a report which emphasised the importance of leadership and stakeholder engagement for an IWM policy to work effectively