9Structural Controls - Department of Water - The Western Australian ...

Conveyance Systems
Bannister Creek drain to living stream project,
Lynwood, WA. (Photograph: Department of
Water 2007.)
Natural and rehabilitated living streams, bioretention systems and swales are increasingly playing a
role in stormwater management, providing conveyance of runoff and an opportunity for water quality
improvement and detention and retention of flows. These conveyance systems are being applied locally to
new development areas and also retrofitted to existing development areas to replace existing steep sided
trapezoidal drains and to rehabilitate degraded waterways. In developed urban areas, these systems are also
used to supplement or, where feasible, replace piped drainage.
If designed correctly, these conveyance systems can provide aesthetic, recreational and conservation values
in the urban environment.
Best Management Practices
BMP System Applicable
Scale
4.1 Swales and
Buffer Strips
4.2 Bioretention
Systems
Lot, Street,
Precinct
Street,
Precinct
4.3 Living Streams Precinct,
Regional
Primary and
Secondary
Functions
Water Quantity
(Conveyance,
Retention and
Detention)
Water Conservation
Water Quality
Water Quality
Water Quantity
(Conveyance,
Retention and
Detention)
Water Conservation
Water Quantity
(Conveyance
Retention and
Detention)
Water Conservation
Water Quality
20 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Australia: Structural Controls
Grassed swale in parkland, Daglish, WA. (Photograph:
Department of Water 2006.)
Status of Application in Western
Australia
Widespread local application,
particularly grassed swales. Used
as both an infiltration system for
frequently occurring events and
conveyance of larger storms.
Wide application in eastern
states, particularly areas of low
infiltration. Limited local use to
date with several trial applications
in Western Australia currently in
progress.
Increased use recently, particularly
for development of rural areas with
steep sided trapezoidal drains.