Water Quality
Urban Stormwater Program
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Derwent Estuary Program
Tamar Estuary Program
There is growing community concern about water quality and the need to manage our waterways in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Urban Stormwater Program
Urban runoff is a major contributor of pollution to beaches, creeks and rivers. Through the Living Environment Program, technical assistance will be provided to developers as well as State and Local Government staff to manage stormwater runoff from streets, paths and subdivisions (both new and old). A major focus of this program is on practical solutions such as water sensitive urban design (vegetated stormwater infrastructure, water tanks, etc). These techniques not only slow stormwater, reducing flood risk and the impact of peak flows on waterways, but can also help to clean the water of contaminants before they reach waterways.
This program aims to provide information and develop tools that will assist development appraisal authorities, development proponents and designers improve urban water management and work towards achieving ecologically sustainable development.
See also:
Stormwater 
Stormwater Quality
Water Quality
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a pro-active planning tool to ensure that new developments are designed and built to minimise impacts on their surrounding environments. Site runoff is contained on the site to the degree possible through infiltration, reuse and aesthetic water features.
Given Tasmania’s current development boom, this is an essential tool for minimising stormwater impacts in the future. There are a number of opportunities to showcase within State Government development projects (e.g. public housing, schools and tourism facilities).
This project promotes WSUD and provides technical assistance to regional councils and developers, on integrating water sensitive design techniques into new state-supported developments and infrastructure.
Derwent Estuary Program
The Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) is a regional partnership between local governments, the Tasmanian State Government, commercial and industrial enterprises, and community-based groups to restore and promote our estuary. The DEP was established in 1999 and has been nationally recognised for excellence in coordinating initiatives to reduce water pollution, conserve habitats and species, monitor river health and promote greater use and enjoyment of the foreshore. Our major sponsors include: Brighton, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils, the Tasmanian state government, Hobart Water, Hobart Ports Corporation, Norske Skog Boyer and Zinifex Hobart Smelter.
Derwent Estuary Program website
Tamar Estuary Program
The Tamar estuary is an important waterway in Tasmania. Residents, businesses, councils and Government agencies agree that managing pollution in the Tamar is an important task.
Over the next three years a Tamar Estuary Program will be established to address this significant issue. Elements of this program will include an updated State of the Tamar report, establishment of a Steering Committee and preparation of a Tamar Estuary Management Plan.
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Further information:
Contact: Environment Enquires
Environment Division Enquiries
Phone: 6233 2758
Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au
