ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Water-sensitive urban design

Water-sensitive urban design means designing cities and towns in a smart way to make use of their water resources well. Water is very important for us because we need it to drink, grow plants and do many other things. But if we do not use water wisely, it can cause many problems like flooding, pollution and shortage of water in dry areas.

Water-sensitive urban design helps us to use water wisely by designing cities in a way that water is conserved, used efficiently and made clean for use. This design considers how water moves in the city, where water comes from, how much water is needed and how it can be stored and distributed. This is done by using features like parks, green roofs, wetlands, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and water tanks.

Parks, green roofs, and wetlands help in storing water, absorbing it, and releasing it back slowly. They also reduce the amount of water that goes into sewers or drainage systems. Permeable pavements allow water to seep through the ground, preventing it from flowing into drains, and also decreasing the impact of floods. Rain gardens help in cleaning water and removing pollutants while also directing stormwater to where it's needed most. Lastly, water tanks help in storing water, which can be used during drier periods, and reducing the impact of drought.

In conclusion, water-sensitive urban design helps us to create smart cities that use water more sustainably and minimize water-related problems. It's a way to manage our water resources better, so we can make sure that everyone has enough clean water to use for many years to come!