The Water Proofing the West project was developed by the City of Charles Sturt together with the State and Federal Government and the City of Port Adelaide.

Stormwater management and flood mitigation has been a significant issue facing our city. As well as flood risk, previous drought conditions and water restrictions saw many Council reserves and natural vegetation areas deteriorate and show signs of stress. The Waterproofing the West project has had multiple benefits including a reduction in flood risk, less reliance on mains water and a reduction in untreated stormwater draining into our waterways and marine environments.

The goal was to create a system that harvests, treats and stores stormwater for distribution to sections of Western Adelaide. The key elements of the project include:

• The wetlands and stormwater drainage in Old Port Road
• Cooke Reserve and West Lakes Golf Course wetlands and bio-filters
• St Clair Wetlands
• The River Torrens Transfer System – diverts excess river flow to the wetlands
• 36km of linking distribution mains throughout the City of Charles Sturt

The Water Proofing the West project has officially been completed and opened. It has created a unique, integrated water sensitive urban design solution to the challenges of stormwater and flood management and water quality improvement in an urban environment. The construction of the wetlands within our urban environment has added aesthetic value, created an ecological habitat and assists in creating a greener, cooler city. You can read more about the project on the Water Sensitive Cities website and through their interactive map.