Stormwater treatment types
There are a wide range of water sensitive urban design treatment types that can be used in an urban setting to help the water cycle function more naturally.
Below are some of the approaches commonly used by the City of Melbourne.
Green roofs
A green roof is a vegetated landscape built up from a series of layers that are installed on a roof surface. They can be installed layer by layer on the roof or as modular, pre-prepared layers in trays.
Raingardens
These specially designed garden beds improve the health of our waterways and reduce stormwater flows.
Raingarden tree pits
Each raingarden tree pit works like a small raingarden. When it rains, stormwater runs off road surfaces and into the gutters.
Constructed wetlands
Constructed wetlands are assets with multiple benefits. They can clean and store stormwater, while also improving amenity and biodiversity.
Infiltration trenches
An infiltration trench is an excavated channel in the ground. It is filled with porous material and collects water that runs off buildings, roads or other impermeable surfaces.
Porous pavement
Porous asphalt is a simple way to increase the permeability of urban surfaces.
Stormwater and rainwater harvesting
Stormwater harvesting systems collect stormwater, clean it and store for irrigation and other purposes.
Swales
Swales are linear channels in the ground that are lined with grass or other vegetation.
Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT)
Gross Pollutant Traps are designed to intercept the flow of water and catch any litter or debris.
Click on a treatment type to learn more.
- Glossary
- Melbourne's water story
