Springwood resident Phillip Birtles believes that there is an essential connection between people and water. Through his work at Sydney Water, he taps into that connection, strengthening it and contributing to healthier, happier communities while simultaneously improving waterway health.
Key Points:
How we use and manage water is crucial to healthy waterways and happy communities, especially in the face of challenges like climate change and urbanisation.
Built form can have negative impacts on the natural water cycle, leading to stormwater runoff, pollution, erosion, and sedimentation of waterways.
Integrated Water Cycle Management takes a holistic approach to managing water for healthier environments, minimal waste, and better public amenity.
Available at the turn of a tap, mindlessly consumed, flushed and forgotten. Water is essential to life, and yet so often taken for granted. Springwood resident and Integrated Water Cycle Manager at Sydney Water, Phillip Birtles, is working hard to change how people understand the water cycle and to create better systems of water management.
“How we use water is so important because there’s only so much of it,” he said. “Truth is, there is enough water in Sydney, but we have to work harder to set up better systems in urban areas. We need to have a more mature view of water and the water cycle. So much water is being flushed and so much storm water is running off because of all the hard surfaces – we need to get better at capturing that, especially with climate change and urbanisation. But that’s exciting. It requires different thinking. My job is to move the dial on those things.”
Happy kids enjoying Blue Mountains waterways. (Photo: Belle Butler)
Phillip became interested in rivers and waterway health while studying environmental science at university. He developed a particular interest in urban waterway restoration and later worked at the Department of Land and Water Conservation, promoting Water Sensitive Urban Design concepts and best practice around managing stormwater. “I was trying to protect tiny little streams from development, and I realised the biggest impact was stormwater.”
Water Sensitive Urban Design accepts that conventional urban development can have negative impacts on the natural water cycle. Built-form is full of impervious surfaces that prevent water from doing its natural thing and soaking into the soil. Instead, the water runs off into stormwater drains and watercourses, causing erosion of natural waterways, sedimentation of creeks and rivers, and carrying pollutants with it along the way. Not only is this causing damage to the environment, but it is also enabling the large-scale wasting of water.
Water Sensitive Urban Design aims to integrate the water cycle into urban design, thereby minimising the damage to natural waterways while harnessing, treating and re-using stormwater.
Rock-lined flow paths as part of the Glenbrook Raingardens Project (Photo: Julie Nance)
Sydney Water and Blue Mountains City Council’s jointly funded ‘Glenbrook Raingardens Project’ is an example of this approach. The project involves constructing raingardens and a naturalised stormwater channel with embedded biofilters to remove nutrients from stormwater flows that enter the Hawkesbury Nepean River via Knapsack Creek, thus improving waterway health, creating habitat and improving biodiversity.
At Sydney Water, Phillip’s job has two major focal points: Setting up Integrated Water Cycle Systems in the new development areas around the Western Sydney Airport; and improving water management systems in Parramatta as part of the Make Parramatta River Swimmable Again project.
Integrated Water Cycle Management of Western Sydney Parkland City. (Click to enlarge. Image supplied by Sydney Water)
“Integrated Water Cycle Management is about considering the balance of water sources and sinks in the urban contexts at the same time to provide efficiencies and reduce waste. In this way extra benefits can also be identified and considered,” Phillip said.
He explained that Wianamatta (‘The Mother Place’ in Dharug), or South Creek as it’s commonly known, is the most significant waterway that runs through Western Sydney. Already degraded from past and present land-use practices since European settlement, it is also a catchment area that is experiencing rapid urban development. Phillip’s aim is to set up Integrated Water Cycle Systems that improve and protect the health of the natural waterways, manage and utilise water efficiently, and vastly improve the liveability of the area.
“The biggest risk to freshwater streams like Wianamatta is stormwater, causing erosion and then sedimentation,” he said. “One solution is to hold stormwater, harvest as much as possible and put it into a distribution system as a recycled product, mainly used for irrigation and by industry. This reduces the draw down on the dam and protects the system, creating almost unlimited water supply in the urbanised areas of Western Sydney, which are getting hotter and hotter.”
Artist impression of treatment wetlands and trunk drainage channels and creeks (Photo supplied by Sydney Water)
While the science and tech are all there to create and implement these systems, the task is not so simple. “A truly integrated approach to something as complex as the water system is really difficult,” Phillip said. “It requires a holistic approach, and change, which can be hard because people resist change, even when we can see the benefits of it. A lot of what I do is getting different people to talk about it – connecting people and helping them understand. So it’s a people game.”
Connecting people with water is a driving force of Phillip’s work. “Human connection to water is really important,” he said. “It seems that people are drawn to it – real estate value near water is an indicator of that. There are lots of studies that show significant mental health improvements from connection with water, so it’s really important communities have access to clean waterways that aren’t sanitised.”
1938 swimmers at Lake Parramatta. (Photo State Library of NSW)
In line with his passion for bringing water and people together, one of the highlights of Phillip’s career has been his involvement in the Parramatta River Masterplan and Make Parramatta River Swimmable Again. “This was the first time we really connected catchment management with a swimming outcome,” he said, “and it was an example of effective community engagement.”
The process involved engaging a PR firm that asked the local community what resonated with them and the Parramatta River. The answer was swimming, and so ensued the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s project, Make Parramatta River Swimmable Again. “We started by asking the people a question, then looked at the data to see if it was possible. We were able to create a management program focussing on an outcome that the community wanted – rather than the usual way of looking at data first, then moving the dial on it to loosely match community outcomes last.”
The project involves rigorous modelling to find out which sites on the Parramatta River are possible to improve and make safe for swimming, the implementation of stronger requirements on stormwater management and sewer system upgrades, auditing major construction sites, and water quality testing as well as real time monitoring at the designated swim sites. “This changed the conversation in Sydney around waterway management,” Phillip said. “It legitimised that you can have a stormwater management outcome and swimming in urban areas.”
Concept impression of a potential future swimming site. (Image Studio Octopi, supplied by Sydney Water)
In this project, and at the heart of Phillip’s work, is the simple equation that a positive outcome for waterways equals a positive outcome for people. “Improving water quality for swimming means improving waterway health in general. It creates a positive feedback loop – if people care about swimming in water, then people care about clean waterways.”
Take Action:
Individuals can make changes at home to better manage water. Some small actions can make a difference, including:
Installing a rain water tank.
Building a raingarden. Find tips on how to do it yourself here: Building a raingarden
When embarking on building work, being conscious of sediment runoff and install a temporary silt fence.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Yesterday we launched the Upper Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening Group at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s the perfect time to get planting so we shared locally acclimatised seeds for a variety of beans (they don`t cross-pollinate so you can plant as many varieties as you can fit in!), round yellow zucchinis, Japanese pumpkins and Roi de Carouby peas. Seeds are arguably one of the best return on investments you can make in your life. Plant one tiny celery seed and when that plant goes to seed you can harvest thousands to replant and to sprout and add to your salads. We`ll be meeting on the first Saturday of every month as part of Skill Share Saturdays at the Planetary Health Centre. Our next meeting will be Saturday 6 Dec. Register here if you`d like to attend (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-upper-mountains-seed-saving-and-gardening-group?
The KTOWN pickers - Katoombans Taking On Waste Now - are clearing litter from local tracks and streets and stopping it from entering our waterways and eventually our water supply. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/ktown-katoombans-taking-on-waste-now/
This Saturday will be the first meeting of the Upper Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening Group at the Planetary Health Centre, starting at 10am. Register your interest here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3LalNFy
It will be followed by the Planetary Health Bushcare group at 1.30pm. Register your interest here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/49k8PPo
Global poisoning by a tsunami of toxins that are flooding the planet is fast becoming the biggest threat to life on earth. Extreme weather events like fire and flood accelerate this chemical pollution. To address this the Planetary Health Centre`s Full Cycle 2025 conference from 20-22 Nov is bringing together leading experts in managing extreme weather events as well as those who are working on reducing the risk of hazardous materials like asbestos and PFAS. According to keynote speaker Julian Cribb:
"The poisoning of our planet through human chemical emissions is arguably the largest human impact of all upon the Earth. In volume, it is four to five times greater than our climate emissions (which are a part of it), and three times more lethal than the estimated climate death-toll. It is the mega-threat least understood by society, monitored by science or regulated by government. It has mainly occurred over the last 50 years, due to a massive global surge in chemical use and materials extraction.
Scientific assessment has identified more than 350,000 man-made chemicals. The US Department of Health estimates 2000 new chemicals go on the market every year and the Smithsonian says 1000 new compounds are now being synthesised every hour. The UN Environment Program warns about a third of these “are persistent, able to accumulate in humans and animals and are toxic”.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 13.7 million people — one in every four — die each year from diseases caused by “air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change and ultraviolet radiation”, caused by human activity.
Human chemical emissions are thus responsible for the largest mass killing in history.
Learn more and register for the conference here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
There will be a free community expo on Saturday 22 November at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba.
Conference volunteers receive free registration. Email planetaryhealthevents@bmcc.nsw.gov.au if you’d like to volunteer at this critically important event.
T`ai-chi and Qigong routines can increase mobility and strength, improve immunity and help build an inner calm. To get the greatest health impact you need to practice them on a regular basis, so we`re thrilled to now be offering a 6-week block of classes to take you into summer starting 9am this Saturday 1 November and running until Sat 6 December. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4qrw4Nx This Saturday, 1 November, the activity is also the first in a full day of Skill Share activities at the Centre that includes Seed Saving and Gardening from 10am, and Planetary Health Bushcare from 1.30pm. You can book in for Bushcare here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/49k8PPo Contact Lis on 0407 437 553 for more information.
Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be meeting again at the Planetary Health Centre at 6pm on Monday 27 October. Register at this link if you`d like to attend! (link in profile) https://events.humanitix.com/rotarians-4-planetary-health-l7bb4qhr?
Thank you to everyone who popped by for the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains today! It was a great day discussing gardens, ponds, frogs, seeds, composting seats, wicking beds and how to restore the hydrological cycle! Next Saturday will be our Skill Share Saturday. We`ll be kickstarting a 6-week block of Tai Chi & Qigong at 9am, launching our Seed Saving and Gardening Group at 10am and running our monthly Bushcare Group at 1.30pm. You can book in for Tai Chi here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/tai-chi-and-qigong-six-week-block-spring-2025-qaw2ts2v and to Bushcare here (link also in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-bushcare-spring-summer-2025
The Planetary Health Centre is on the Edible Garden Trail today! Last week we launched the Upper Mountains Seed Savers and Gardening Group. Come along to learn more, enjoy a coffee in our garden, and pick up a free Vegetable and Flower Sowing Guide. We`re open from 10am. You can find us at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Tickets for the Edible Garden Trail available here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-edible-garden-trail-2025
The Planetary Health newsletter is now out. Read about three days of innovation at the upcoming Full Cycle Conference in Nov, the Edible Garden Trail this weekend, and a six week block of Tai Chi and Qigong classes at the Planetary Health Centre (link in profile): https://bit.ly/47jbFBz
Today is an Extreme Bushfire Danger Day! Have you heard about the extraordinary fire resistant paint developed by Professor Yeoh and his team at UNSW? Professor Yeoh will be presenting at our Full Cycle Conference on Thurs 20 November. He is world renowned in the field of fire safety and his innovations are helping to keep people and property safe. Importantly among these innovations has been the development and commercialisation of FSA FIRECOAT paint (sold at Bunnings), which creates a protective insulating ‘char’ on a building when it’s exposed to flames. It is water based and non toxic. Watch it in action in this video (link in profile): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkA1RlxMjWQ
Join us at the Conference to learn more about Professor Yeoh’s work during three days of innovation and exploration in which leading speakers from around Australia will share how we can reduce the risks of natural hazards and hazardous materials. Places are limited so register here now (link in profile): https://www.fullcycleconference.com.au/
With new modelling suggesting a hot summer with increasing fire risk it`s worth making time now to learn more about how we can reduce the risk of disaster by registering to attend the Full Cycle Conference that`s bringing together the Bushfire Building and Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conferences in Katoomba on 20-22nd Nov. Group discounts apply if you register now here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
• Emma Whale from the NSW Reconstruction Authority will discuss how state-wide and place-based disaster adaptation planning is helping reduce risk;
• David Sanderson, the inaugural Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture at UNSW, will share the results of a landmark enquiry on how our response to disasters requires a change in housing policy and local government empowerment;
• Owen Price, Director of The Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires at UOW will compare the patterns of housing loss in the NSW and Californian wildfires;
• Guan Heng Yeoh from UNSW will share how he developed the award winning FIRECOAT fire resistant paint;
• Everson Kandare from RMIT University will discuss the development of fireproof cladding made from molasses-cultured mycelium - a fungal biomass;
• Alan Green from the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre UOW will introduce Heatwave and Multi-Hazard Resilience Star Rating Tools for retrofitting houses;
• Emma Bacon from Sweltering Cities and Dr Kim Loo from Doctors for the Environment will discuss heat waves and social justice;
• Andrew Bovis from Integrated Water Solutions will discuss the potential use of treated blackwater as an independent water source for landscape hydration and fire fighting;
• Sara Jane Wilkinson from UTS will launch the Bushfire Retrofitting Toolkit for older Australians and do a session on green roofs and walls to reduce disaster risk and increase biodiversity;
• Melissa Knothe Tate will discuss research on tackling PFAS contamination;
Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair today. It was an inspiring and thought provoking day with lots learnt, many connections made, amazing food consumed and stunning weather! We look forward to doing it again next year!
Belle Butler is a writer, musician and occasional photographer. She likes mix-and-matching these artforms and often explores the same themes through each of them. Her short fiction has been published in numerous Australian literary journals and she recently received a WestWords Fellowship and Mentorship with Delia Falconer for her novel manuscript, ‘River.’ Hopefully it will be published one day.
There is an army of hard-working environmental warriors all around us: in soil, on plants, in the air and in the water. Insects are our hidden allies. They protect, develop and maintain our natural environments, and yet their contribution is so often misunderstood, ignored or actively maligned.
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