Welcome to Urban Water Cycle Solutions
We believe in a better world.
A sustainable and equitable ecosystem supports this aim.
Forensic examination of systems provides best knowledge to guide our journey.
Transfer of wisdom derived from courage, independence and honesty is our approach.
Featured Projects
Is zero afflux the question or answer to better flooding outcomes?
Presentation by Peter J Coombes and Andrew Allan at HWRS 2022: Is zero afflux the real challenge or solution for better flood management? It is vitally important to establish science and legally based rules for fair administration of the objectives and exploration of options that respond to flood risks. Otherwise, there will be a substantial administrative burden for marginal benefit. Our professionals and agencies need to be prepared for a different and challenging future, and our methods need to be fit for purpose from a whole of society perspective.
Sydney Water Alternative Water Strategy – A vision of what is possible and a road map to get there
The purpose of this investigation was to provide an alternative view of the potential for water cycle management throughout the Greater Sydney region and the role of Sydney Water Corporation (SWC).
Available Storage in Rainwater Tanks – Stormwater Benefits
Impact of rainwater tanks on stormwater infrastructure. What is the available storage in rainwater tanks prior to a rain event that is significant to stormwater infrastructure? The use of design storms is current Australian practice for design of stormwater management...
Systems Analysis of Ballarat Region: Water Grid?
Systems analysis of the Ballarat and connected regions: A first ever systems analysis of the Ballarat region provides a reality check on assumptions underpinning proposed water grids for the state of Victoria. Essentially, it is proposed that a water grid supplies the towns in the Ballarat region by transfer of water from dryer irrigation areas and the water stressed Murray Darling River Basin. Detailed systems analysis of hydrology, water resources, irrigation and urban behaviors across multiple linked water districts provides a wealth of cautionary information about the need for systems analysis to truly understand linked water systems.
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Featured Publications
Urban Flood Risks, Water Law and Insurance
Urban flood risks, water law and insurance: The intersection of emerging science, practice and authority By Professor Peter J Coombes Published in Precedent issue 178 - September/October 2023, Journal of the Australian Lawyers Alliance This article discusses the...
The Future of Australian Housing Design
The Future of Australian Housing Design
Responding to population growth and climate change
Dr Peter Coombes is speaking on the economic advantages of decentralised water and stormwater management at the Rainwater Harvesting breakfast at 7:30 am on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at the Parramatta Novotel.
Tone Wheeler, Principal of Environa Architects will be discussing how architects are, and believe we should be, responding to these challenges.
Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson will be speaking on the Parramatta Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2017
Australia city face escalating challenges of population growth, economic development, decline of ecosystems and climate change. A number of new urban housing challenges have emerged, and western Sydney is experiencing all of them.
Systems Analysis of Water and Sewage Services, Costs and Prices
Bottom up systems analysis of urban water resources and market mechanisms for pricing water and sewage services
Presentation Peter J Coombes, Michael Barry and Michael Smit at the HWRS 2018 conference in Melbourne at 11:00 am on Tuesday 3 December 2018. Consumers in the Greater Melbourne region pay uniform fixed and variable tariffs for utility water and sewage services. Removing fixed tariffs creates substantial reductions in water demands and improvements in water security to 2050 at a net present value of $8.6 billion. A full usage tariff regime was seen to increase water efficient behaviours and reveals improvements in household welfare.
ARR 2016 Urban Book workshop at HWRS2018
Australian Rainfall & Runoff 2016 Urban Book workshop at the Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium
Workshop by Peter Coombes, Steve Roso and Mark Babister at 11 am on Monday 3 December 2018 at Ballroom 3 Pullman Hotel 192 Wellington Pde Melbourne.