What is Integrated Water Management (IWM)?
Integrated Water Management (IWM) encompasses a range of strategies under a holistic and collaborative framework to sustainably manage water resources.
IWM seeks to use a series of solutions to help mimic and support natural water cycles to capture, treat, store and reuse water, to efficiently and sustainably manage supply and quality. However, effectively implementing IWM is complex and requires addressing several interconnected challenges.
Why IWM? Objectives and benefits
IWM aims to address the impacts of climate change, urbanisation and other water cycle pressures, creating solutions that ensure the long-term wellbeing of the environment and communities in which we live, without jeopardising future generations' ability to survive and thrive. The principles of IWM are scalable and can be applied at the regional and local level, right through to catchment-wide interventions. From buildings to catchments, villages to cities, IWM principles can support sustainable water management.
At the heart of IMW is integration, recognising that every form of water holds value. Therefore, supporting, controlling and creating more resilient water systems that withstand the effects of climate change and shifting rainfall patterns that lead to damage by runoff or flood, is one of the key benefits of applying the IWM approach.
Here is what you can expect when applying IWM:
1. Holistic knowledge
By focusing on the entire water cycle, including supply, stormwater runoff, wastewater, and ecosystem management, IWM looks to strike a balance between all the various stakeholders and receptors.
2. Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
IWM can harness NbS to enhance resilience. For example, GHD partnered with Biodiverse Consulting to address nutrient neutrality concerns at various sites within the River Tees catchment, utilising innovative and NbS. The project mimics natural processes by implementing reedbeds and wetlands to reduce nitrogen levels in surface water runoff. These systems harness vegetation and natural water flow to efficiently filter pollutants, providing an eco-friendly mitigation strategy. Designed with sustainability in mind, the approach balances development needs and ecological preservation.
3. Collaborating with stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is central to the IWM approach. This engagement includes local communities, water consumers, government agencies, water resources planners and managers. IWM can play a role in promoting fair, transparent and responsible water management practices by incorporating stakeholders in decision-making processes.
4. Implementing structural solutions
Combining nature-based methods with effective governance and infrastructure builds water resilience over time. Whether it’s developing efficient water distribution systems or preparing entire catchment areas for climatic challenges, applying IWM is key for structural strategies that support sustainable urban and rural growth.
5. Leveraging innovation and technology
IWM includes innovative technologies, such as predictive modelling, which enable the proactive management of water supply systems and preparation for unpredictability. By integrating data-driven tools into IWM projects, decision-making processes are enhanced, helping clients achieve better results.
IWM and GHD: A comprehensive approach
IWM isn’t just about handling water; it’s about connecting people, technologies and environments to create sustainable systems that benefit everyone. At GHD, we bring a collaborative and informed approach to this challenge. We draw on the full range of technical services at GHD to deliver integrated and holistic solutions across all facets of the urban, rural and environmental water cycle. Our services extend to urban planning and the future of cities - urban greening and cooling, climate adaptation and resilience, smart connected infrastructure and the water-energy-food nexus.
GHD's services include integrated strategy, planning, modelling and design, as well as a range of government and business advisory services, including research, policy, guidelines and business case development.
The Fishermans Bend Water Sensitive City Strategy, an IWM project, demonstrates an innovative approach to sustainable urban development in Melbourne. By integrating advanced IWM practices such as ‘smart’ rainwater tanks, green infrastructure and a water recycling plant, the strategy safeguards against sometimes opposing climate challenges like flooding and water scarcity. Besides mitigating environmental risks, the detailed design also prioritises community well-being with a focus on biodiversity, cooling green spaces and fostering a connection to the natural environment. This project sets a benchmark in creating resilient and liveable urban communities.
By managing water holistically, engaging stakeholders and implementing innovative solutions, we’re helping communities and organisations overcome the complexities of water management.