Sustainability First
Every WaterUps product is manufactured in Australia from 100% recycled polypropylene. We design for longevity, not obsolescence.
About WaterUps
Wicking Our World — One Project at a Time
WaterUps is Australia's world-leading sub-irrigation wicking technology company, enabling landscape architects, commercial developers, and local government authorities to create thriving, water-efficient green spaces at any scale.
Our Mission
Enabling Urban Greening at Scale
With 2030 set to be climate change crunch time for Australia, now is the time for urban centres to make it green — to literally put down roots. WaterUps was founded on the belief that sustainable urban greening should be accessible, scalable, and economically viable.
Our wicking technology aligns with Water Sensitive Urban Design objectives, supporting decentralised stormwater management, reducing urban heat island effects, and fostering biodiversity in the built environment.
Designed and manufactured in Australia from 100% recycled plastic, there's no other system like it. From rooftops to building interiors and exteriors, ground level surfaces, trees and stormwater rain gardens, WaterUps provides exciting, cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
- Save up to 80% in watering costs and time
- Create stronger, healthier root structures faster
- Improve canopy growth by at least 30% year-on-year
- Pay for themselves with reduced maintenance
- Can be incorporated to reduce load on existing stormwater infrastructure
80%
Less water than top-down irrigation
Our Values
What Drives Us
Circular Economy
Our closed-loop sub-irrigation systems capture and reuse stormwater, reducing hydraulic loading on grey infrastructure networks.
Proven Performance
Backed by the Kimbriki Research Centre Study and deployed in commercial installations across Australia, Europe and New Zealand.
Urban Resilience
WaterUps enables cities to go green at the scale and speed that future climate conditions demand.
Our Audience
Built for Trade & Commercial
This section is designed exclusively for trade and commercial professionals. We work directly with the people who specify, design, and install green infrastructure — not retail customers.
Our technical team provides project-specific guidance, product specifications, and installation support to ensure every WaterUps installation delivers maximum performance and longevity.
Landscape Architects
Commercial Developers
Local Government Authorities
Urban Planners
Property Managers
Horticultural Consultants
Sustainability Consultants
Building Architects
Our History
A Decade of Innovation
2015
WaterUps founded in Australia — world's first modular sub-irrigation wicking system
2018
Kimbriki Research Centre Study confirms 80% water savings compared with traditional irrigation
2019
First commercial installations — Pocket City Farms and Bondi Public School
2020
Expansion to local government — Forbes Shire Council, North Sydney Council and Hobart Airport
2021
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, RSPCA NSW HQ and Wollongong City Council
2022
The Calyx installation — 1,700L underground reservoir in an iconic indoor garden
2023
Saffire Freycinet Hotel and ASB Bank Auckland — international expansion
2024
King Street Wharf Sydney and Spark CBD Auckland — continued commercial growth
Technical Alignment
Aligned with WSUD & Green Infrastructure Objectives
WaterUps® wicking systems directly support Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles and contemporary green-blue infrastructure objectives.
Stormwater Management
- Captures and reuses stormwater runoff
- Reduces peak runoff volumes
- Eases demand on grey infrastructure
- Passive conveyance via capillary action
Urban Heat Mitigation
- Enhanced evapotranspiration
- Reduces urban heat island effect
- Supports canopy growth
- Microclimate modulation
Biodiversity & Ecology
- Supports nitrogen fixation
- Promotes mycorrhizal symbiosis
- Consistent soil moisture
- Healthier root ecosystems