Soil solutions: improving water management across Sydney's public open spaces

Abstract

With the support and assistance of Sydney Water Corporation (SWC), URS Australia Pty Ltd (URS) have developed an Irrigation and Landscape Efficiency Assessment methodology (ILA) to improve the management of public open space across Sydney. To date over 180 ILAs have been conducted, with a number of key management issues identified. Excessive watering from poor irrigation scheduling practises, low soil water-holding capacity (from shallow or sandy textured soils); and inappropriate location of ornamental plantings are regularly encountered. This paper explores the key issues impacting water management across Sydney's public open spaces, and highlights methods available to rectify these issues and reduce potable water use into the future.