Influence of Water Efficiency and Diversified Water Supply Schemes on Urban Water Infrastrucrure Planning

Abstract

Water security is increasingly becoming a cause of concern in Australia with population growth and climate change set to exacerbate the variability of supply in both rural and urban regions. During recent drought conditions in Queensland there was a strong emphasis on water restrictions to reduce residential consumption, as well as water policy strategies such as modifying building codes to require all new residential and commercial buildings to conserve and/or substitute potable water. Additionally, there was a heightened emphasis on having an Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) approach to water management. IUWM involves the use of alternative water supplies and demand management practices to ensure a sustainable approach to water management by integrating both the demand and supply-based management approaches. Within Queensland, mandatory regulations required residents to save on household water consumption by using alternative water measures in order to offset mains (potable) demand. The installation of rainwater tanks and the reuse of greywater, connected to toilets, cold water laundry and outdoor use, were some approaches adopted by householders to achieve the water saving targets. In addition, current mandatory regulations require new households to install minimum efficient rated water appliances to contribute to water savings.