This manual aims to help the reader understand urban water demand management issues by presenting a full range of demand management measures. It also provides guidance on developing and implementing a cost-effective demand management plan and reducing the urban footprint, i.e. our adverse impacts on the environment. The great majority of NSW's towns and cities are located on floodplains, both inland and coastal. In the past, most heavy transport was maritime or riverine in nature. These towns are subject to flooding and measures are needed to protect their future livelihood.
Floodplains are also the commercial, social and environmental arteries of the state.
Regular flooding enhances agricultural productivity by increasing soil moisture, recharging groundwater and depositing fertile silt across the floodplain. However, flooding can also interfere with production, communication and agricultural practices, destroying high value crops. Development and management of the floodplain needs to consider a broad range of issues.