Water terms, explained
Plain-language definitions of the terms used across this site. Free to quote and reuse.
Integrated water management (IWM)
Planning water supply, wastewater, surface water drainage and water reuse as one connected system rather than as separate utilities. In new housing it means deciding how water moves through a development at masterplanning stage.
Water smart community
A development designed so that homes, infrastructure and residents together use less water, create less flood risk, and return water safely to the environment.
Greywater
Water from baths, showers and basins — everything except toilets and kitchen sinks. Once treated it can be reused for WC flushing, laundry and irrigation.
Rainwater harvesting
Collecting rainfall from roofs and hard surfaces, storing it, and using it for non-potable purposes instead of drinking-quality mains water.
Dual-pipe
A second, separate pipe network carrying non-potable water alongside the mains supply. It must be installed during construction — retrofitting it is prohibitively expensive.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
Features such as swales, basins, ponds and permeable surfaces that slow, store and clean surface water where it falls, rather than piping it away.
Water neutrality
A new development does not increase total water demand in its area. Achievable in new housing through integrated design, but not through any single measure alone.
Water stewardship
The long-term ownership, operation and maintenance of a development's water systems — who is responsible, how it is funded, and for how long.
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