Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have questions about smarter water solutions? You’re not alone. At Aqua Build, we work with councils, developers, architects, and engineers who need practical answers on stormwater, greywater, and water-sensitive urban design.

Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked about our systems, compliance, and project support.

General Water Solutions

• What is WSUD, and why does it matter?

WSUD stands for Water Sensitive Urban Design. It’s an approach that integrates stormwater, wastewater, and water conservation into urban planning. By using systems such as planter boxes, greywater reuse, and stormwater diversion, WSUD helps protect waterways, reduce flooding, and improve sustainability in cities.

• What are the main differences between stormwater, greywater, and wastewater?

Stormwater: Rainwater that runs off roofs, roads, and other hard surfaces. If unmanaged, it can carry pollutants like litter, oils, and sediment into drains, rivers, and bays. With the right systems, stormwater can be captured, filtered, and reused for irrigation or other non-potable purposes.

Greywater: Relatively clean wastewater from showers, baths, sinks, and washing machines (not toilets). Greywater can be filtered and reused for garden irrigation, toilet flushing, or other non-drinking applications, helping reduce potable water use.

Wastewater (or blackwater): Water that contains higher levels of contaminants, such as sewage from toilets or industrial discharges. Wastewater typically requires more advanced treatment before it can be safely discharged or reused.

In short: stormwater comes from the sky, greywater comes from the home, and wastewater is the heavily contaminated water that requires the most treatment.

Products & Applications

• What types of projects are Aqua Build systems suitable for?

Aqua Build solutions are designed for a wide range of applications, including:

o   Infill developments

o   Commercial and residential projects

o   Public spaces and council infrastructure

o   Tree irrigation and streetscape projects

• How do Aqua Build’s planter boxes differ from traditional raingardens?

Our planter boxes are modular, compact, and require up to 50% less space than traditional raingardens. They can be installed in under an hour, need minimal maintenance, and are fully compliant with WSUD standards, making them ideal for infill and space-constrained developments.

• What are the benefits of an Aqua Build planter box compared to a rainwater tank?

While both systems help manage water sustainably, Aqua Build planter boxes offer several unique advantages over traditional rainwater tanks:

• Less expensive – An Aqua Build WSUD planter box can reduce stormwater pollution to comply with pollution reduction targets for at least 50% less than it costs to install a rainwater tank.

• Space efficiency – Planter boxes are compact, making them ideal for tight urban sites where large tanks are impractical.

• Pollution control – Unlike tanks, our planter boxes filter stormwater through soil and vegetation, removing pollutants before water re-enters the environment.

• Landscape integration – They double as green infrastructure, enhancing developments with vegetation, rather than hiding a large storage unit.

• Low maintenance – Modular design means easy installation and minimal upkeep compared to the plumbing and servicing requirements of rainwater tanks.  You don’t need a ladder to keep the inlet flowing.

Put simply, rainwater tanks store water for reuse, while Aqua Build planter boxes filter, treat, and integrate water management into the landscape, delivering compliance, sustainability, and aesthetic value in one (cheaper) solution.

• Can Aqua Build planter box be added to the overflow of a rainwater tank?

Yes. You can get additional pollution reduction if the overflow from the tank goes into an Aqua Build WSUD planter box.

• What maintenance is required?

Our systems are designed for simplicity. Many of our planter boxes and stormwater diversion units require less than five minutes of maintenance per year, reducing long-term costs while ensuring ongoing performance.

The advantage of our systems is, because the units are typically about 1-metre high, they are easy to see and therefore maintain. 

• Can systems be customized?

Yes. Aqua Build planter boxes can be tailored in size, capacity, and finish to suit your site requirements and design preferences. We work with architects, developers, and engineers to deliver solutions that integrate seamlessly into each project.

Logistics & Support

• Where does Aqua Build operate?

We are based in Melbourne, but we can supply and support projects across Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Our team works with councils, consultants, and developers in urban and regional areas to deliver water-sensitive solutions that fit local requirements.

• Do you provide installation or just supply the system?

We can provide full installation support or work alongside your contractor team. Our modular systems are designed for quick installation, helping reduce construction time and costs on-site.