Assessing Integrated Water Management Options for Urban Developments - Canberra case study

Urban water services in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are currently provided through conventional centralised systems, involving large scale water distribution, wastewater collection, water and wastewater treatment. A study was conducted to assist Environment ACT in setting broad policies for future water services in Canberra. This paper presents the outcomes of a study examining the effects of various water servicing options on water resources and the environment, for two townships in Canberra, one existing and one greenfield site. Three modelling tools were used to predict the effects of various alternative water servicing scenarios, including demand management options, rainwater tanks, greywater use, on-site detention tanks, gross pollutant traps, swales and ponds. The results show that potable water reductions are best achieved by demand management tools or a combination of greywater and rainwater use for existing suburbs, while 3rd pipe systems are preferred for greenfield sites. For this specific climatic region and end use demands, modelling predicted increased water savings from raintanks compared to greywater systems alone, with raintanks providing the additional benefit of reduced peak stormwater flows at the allotment scale. Rainwater and stormwater reuse from stormwater ponds within the catchments was found to provide the highest reduction in nutrient discharge from the case study areas. Environment ACT amended planning controls to facilitate installation of raintanks and greywater systems, and commenced a Government funded rebate scheme for raintanks as a result of this study

Manual for adopting integrated urban water management for planning

Integrated urban water management (IUWM) is an emerging approach for water utilities to plan and manage urban water systems to minimize their impact on the natural environment, to maximize their contribution to economic vitality, and to engender overall community improvement. It considers All parts of the water cycle The full range of demands for water The full range of water supplies over time The practices that can provide water fit for purpose both in quality and quantity and reduce demand for water The relative sustainability of water service provision Local context and stakeholder views The scale, engineering, and functional aspects of the water system The means by which transition from current practice can be achieved This project will refine, extend, and tailor an IUWM approach developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Australia) to enable its application by U.S. and Australian water, wastewater, and storm water utilities for town or city level IUWM

Wollongong, NSW UVQ: Modelling the Movement of Water and Contaminants through the Total Urban Water Cycle

Abstract: This paper presents the water and contaminant daily simulation model of the total water cycle, called UVQ. The model has been developed to provide a means for rapidly assessing conventional and non-conventional approaches to providing water supply, stormwater and wastewater services to urban allotments, neighbourhoods and catchments. The model is placed in the context of other such models developed internationally through a brief literature review. This is followed by a description of the model and a case study, which is used to illustrate the utility of the model. UVQ is an effective tool for assessing the impacts of urban development options on the total water cycle, as well as the performance of a wide range of non-conventional demand and supply side management techniques. It compliments other aspects of an environmental assessment of options, along with more traditional aspects such as infrastructure costing

Recycled Water and the Manufacturing Industry

As water shortage continues, the use of non-potable water becomes more important. The use of recycled water by industry is one avenue worth exploring. A project was developed to provide support in industrial decision makers considering use of recycled water and other water usage reduction options. Support was provided through an information pack regarding potential problems, solutions and advantages to using recycled water in specific end uses and through two software tools. This paper presents the development of these tools and includes feedback on a trial of the software with industrial users