The integrated water cycle at Googong (Australia)

Circular and resilient water management in urban areas

agosto 2025

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

Googong is a new town under development in the New South Wales region of Australia. Designed to accommodate 55,000 residents in the long term, the town was conceived from the outset to incorporate a fully sustainable water cycle, addressing the challenges of water shortages, pressure on natural resources and the need for resilient solutions for a growing community. In a temperate climate, with hot summers and moderate rainfall, Googong needed to find innovative ways to manage water sustainably, whilst offering a high quality of life to its residents.

Googong’s integrated water cycle is an innovative system combining dual networks, rainwater harvesting and the reuse of treated wastewater. Developed in collaboration with local authorities, property developers and water management experts, this project aims to create a water-self-sufficient town, where every drop is optimised for sustainable use. The objective is to reduce demand for drinking water by 50 per cent, whilst ensuring a reliable supply for essential needs.

Solutions implemented

• Dual networks : Separation of drinking and non-drinking water for optimised management. Non-drinking water is used for purposes that do not require drinking-quality water, such as irrigation or flushing toilets.

• Rainwater harvesting : Integrated into residential buildings, public spaces and urban infrastructure. Rainwater is collected, stored and reused for non-potable purposes.

• Reuse of treated wastewater : Wastewater is treated locally and reused for the irrigation of green spaces, flushing toilets and other non-potable uses.

• Green infrastructure : Retention basins and ecological corridors are integrated into the city for sustainable stormwater management.

Key results

• 50 per cent reduction in drinking water demand : Through the reuse of treated wastewater and rainwater harvesting, the town has been able to reduce its reliance on freshwater resources.

• Improved resilience to droughts : The integrated system enables the town to better withstand periods of water restrictions, ensuring a reliable supply for essential needs.

• Creation of a sustainable town : Googong has become a model for future urban projects in Australia and internationally, demonstrating how integrated planning can reconcile urban development with sustainable water management.

• Social acceptance : Raising awareness and involving residents has enabled the rapid adoption of new water management practices.

Climate and environmental impacts

• Climate change mitigation :

  - Reducing demand for drinking water lowers energy consumption associated with pumping, treating and transporting water, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions.

  - Green infrastructure (retention basins, ecological corridors) helps to reduce the urban heat island effect, thereby improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption associated with air conditioning.

• Climate adaptation and resilience :

  - Drought management : The integrated system ensures a continuous water supply even during periods of water restrictions, thereby guaranteeing the city’s resilience in the face of prolonged droughts.

  - Flood mitigation : Retention basins and ecological corridors help manage stormwater, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.

• Biodiversity : Green spaces and ecological corridors provide habitats for local flora and fauna, contributing to the restoration of urban ecosystems.

Success factors

• Values :

  - Integrating sustainability from the very outset of the city’s design, with a holistic approach that combines water management, climate resilience and quality of life.

  - Recognising the importance of community participation to ensure the project’s long-term success.

• Connections :

  - Physical connections : Dual networks, rainwater harvesting systems and green infrastructure create an integrated system where water is managed efficiently and sustainably.

  - Social connections : Collaboration between property developers, local authorities and residents to design a city tailored to local needs.

• Investments :

  - Blended finance : The project has benefited from public and private funding, with long-term economic returns thanks to savings made on water consumption.

  - Sustainable economic model : Savings on water and energy costs enable rapid amortisation of the initial investments.

Referencias

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