A systematic technique is introduced for the synthesis of cost-effective batch water networks with the placement of interception devices. Utilizing the new concept of property integration, a property-based approach is adopted. The water streams (sources) are characterized by a number of key properties, and water-using units (sinks) are bound with property constraints. The problem also considers a number of interception devices that can be used to modify the properties of the streams to optimize the reuse/recycle of process streams and minimize fresh resources. A source-tank-interception-tank-sink representation is developed. Storage tanks are used throughout the network to enable mixing, storage, and dispatch of the reused/recycled water streams. The procedure is supported by an optimization formulation whose solution identifies optimal allocation of sources to tanks, interception devices, and sinks. The solution also determines an optimal policy for operating the water network. A case study is solved to illustrate the important aspects of the devised procedure. (C) 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.