No matter how legislation or guidance may change, one thing will always remain with Victorian water infrastructure:
Acronyms.
For anyone wanting to keep up with newly introduced acronyms, or if you’re new to engaging with infrastructure and construction, we’ve pulled together a helpful guide to the different acronyms you might encounter, all in alphabetical order.
Helpful acronyms for water management in 2026:
The statistical probability that a storm event of a certain size is to occur in any given year. For instance, a 1% AEP storm event has a 1 in 100 chance of occurring in any given year.
The official national reference surface measuring elevation across Australia, with 0 metres representing mean sea level.
The national guideline for defining design rainfall/catchment characteristics for flood modelling.
Online service for locating underground assets including water, power, telecommunications, sewerage and drainage infrastructure.
A 3D representation of the surface terrain of an area, typically used in 2D flood modelling, urban planning and terrain analysis.
Graph used to select design rainfall intensities based on how often a storm occurs (frequency) and how long they last (duration).
These are the statutory bodies responsible for floodplain management, integrated planning and coordination of land, water and biodiversity. Their key role is to advise on developments on floodplains, as well as provide advice on flood mitigation.
The Victorian department responsible for overseeing the state’s water, energy, environment, agriculture forestry and climate action sectors. Their key role in the water sector is to advise on Stormwater management for urban development.
Department responsible for regulating impacts on the environment, including stormwater runoff pollution, sediment control and water quality compliance.
The surface elevation of a building’s floor after construction. Applicable in flood impact assessments on identifying whether the building is positioned above proposed flood levels
Mapping and geospatial analysis software used to assess and view drainage networks, map flood/catchment extents, and ultimately support planning decisions for both councils and private developers.
A planning approach that combines stormwater, drinking water, and wastewater and all facets of the water cycle to maximise social, environmental and economic benefits. This allows for the building of more water sensitive and resilient cities through knowledge sharing and taking advantage of the links between these different elements and develop solutions that have broader benefits.
The drainage and waterway authority for Metropolitan Melbourne. They are responsible for maintaining major drainage assets, flood modelling, waterway health, issuing floodplain development permits and catchment planning applications.
Smaller, self-contained water supply, reticulation and wastewater systems that may exist on a property. Could include rainwater reticulation, water tanks, and even drainage / treatment systems.
This is the outline of how a construction or new development aims to divert stormwater entering the property, to reduce the impacts of this new construction on flood risk, neighbouring properties, and/or water quality.
An approach to planning and designing urban areas to manage stormwater (through retention) and reduce the harm it causes to our rivers and creeks. This could be through implementing rainwater tanks, raingardens, sedimentation ponds and wetlands.
If you’re looking for more support on managing your water in Victoria, our team is happy to help, simply get in touch with using the contact form below or give us a call!
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