In response to climate change and a growing population, the ACT Government is committed to reducing potable water use, increasing water quality and controlling storm water flows.

The ACT Government has adopted a water sensitive urban design (WSUD) approach to reduce the demand for potable water through the proliferation of alternative water sources (rain, treated wastewater) and facilitating the use of water efficient appliances,  minimising the generation of wastewater,  treating urban storm water and wastewater for re-use and/or release, and using stormwater to improve environmental aesthetics and recreation.

WSUD addresses city planning to optimise water use, flows and capture to protect the environment, community and future. As part of this approach, the code was established, with the aim to achieve a 40% reduction of water use on 2003 levels.  As of 2018, the ACT Government had met this requirement; however, despite this success, the average yearly water use per person for ACT residents remains above the water consumption targets of other major cities such as Melbourne and Sydney under their own WSUD aspirations.

Alluvium has been engaged to o conduct a feasibility study investigating the quantum of potential water savings through revision of the water sensitive urban design general code, including the cost of implementing identified water saving options, and the development of an implementation plan for the project, including a proposed project schedule.