VicRoads takes a holistic approach to water management in the construction, operation and maintenance of roads. This is achieved by considering the use, where appropriate, of either potable water, wastewater, stormwater and groundwater so as to protect aquatic ecosystems and the different uses and values of the water (called beneficial uses). An integrated approach will help ensure that the water cycle is considered as a whole, in keeping with the fundamental principles of not only Water Sensitive Road Design (WSRD) but urban and regional water management as well.
More specifically, to sustainably manage water and protect water quality on road projects, we:
- treat stormwater run-off from existing sealed and unsealed roads
- use sedimentation basins and other best-practice environmental management techniques to prevent sediment laden run-off from leaving construction sites
- identify alternative sources to reduce the quantity of potable (drinking-quality) water use in construction and maintenance activities
- incorporate WSRD into urban roadsides to manage stormwater run-off
and protect groundwater
This holistic approach to water management within VicRoads is documented within the IntegratedWater Management Guidelines.
Integrated Water Management Guidelines [PDF, 1.83MB, 67PP]
Run-off from road surfaces can cause increased pollutants to enter stormwater systems and be discharged to waterways, bays and coastal waters.
Water Sensitive Road Design (WSRD) manages urban stormwater run-off. It protects water resources by improving the quality of stormwater before it reaches waterways and bays. Treatment measures such as swales and bio-filtration systems remove pollutants from the road run-off before they reach receiving environments.
WSRD is integrated into road project designs, along with pedestrian and cycle paths for accessibility and landscaping for aesthetics and to promote biodiversity. VicRoads guidelines for applying WSRD are in the Integrated Water Management Guidelines.
Road construction activities such as dust suppression and material compaction require water. VicRoads is committed to minimising the use of potable water for all activities associated with the construction of the road network, its maintenance and operational activities. An objective of our Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2010-2015 is that by 2015, 80% (by volume) of all water used during road construction, and 40% of all water used for regional projects and maintenance, is non-potable.
You can register your non-potable water source for use by VicRoads and our contractors. The water must be quality assessed before being placed on the register and updated if the quality changes.
Complete the relevant Expression of Interest (EOI) forms below to register your non-potable water:
EOI - Industry and Sewage Treatment Plants [DOC, 766KB,2pp]
EOI - Quarries, Dams and Groundwater [DOC, 767KB, 2pp]
The supplier and purchaser of the non-potable water share responsibility for its supply and use. The supply agreement template below outlines each party's responsibilities. This agreement acts as a formal contract between the supplier, purchaser and VicRoads for the supply and use of the water.
Supply Agreement Template [PDF, 810KB, 9pp]
Contractors who use non-potable water must complete an Environment Improvement Plan (EIP). An EIP helps manage risk associated with the transport, storage, handling and use of the non-potable water. It considers the source and concentration of contaminants in the water, surrounding land use and safety of workers and the community. The EIP meets Victorian EPA requirements as well as the national guidelines for non-potable water use.
Complete the EIP template below if you use non-potable water. The template is in two sections, the first document is the EIP cover (in PDF) and the second is the content of the EIP (in Word format). Both sections need to be filled out, printed and collated into the one document together with any attachments.
EIP Cover [PDF, 710KB, 3pp]
EIP Template [DOC, 22KB, 9pp}