This thesis reports on research undertaken into the integration of water reuse systems into medium to high density residential developments in the semi-arid climate environment of metropolitan Adelaide. The research has focused on maximising the reuse of local water resources for residential lifestyle purposes, through the incorporation of relatively simple water sensitive systems into subdivision type developments, where allotments are less than 500 sq.m. / The quantities and qualities of the local water resources- roof runoff, surface runoff and wastewater- are considered and a paradigm for their reuse presented in which each local water resource is linked with a residential use sector- in-house, ex-house and public space- in order to minimise treatment requirements. On the basis of this paradigm a water sensitive residential model (WSRM) is developed. This model constitutes a subdivision layout which incorporates reuse systems while endeavouring to keep water systems infrastructure to a minimum. / Following on from this, the feasibility of the WSRM has been investigated by applying it to three conventional residential developments within metropolitan Adelaide. These are located in the suburbs of Mawson Lakes, Taperoo and Aldinga Beach. The specific physical, topographic and hydrogeological conditions associated with each site have required a flexible approach to the application of the model; and while a unique arrangement has been found for each site, the basic elements of the WSRM have provided an underlying consistent theme across them all. / Water balance modelling using the WaterCress program has been undertaken for each site to gain an understanding of the level of 'water-self-sufficiency' that might be achieved with the WSRM. Modelling results have indicated that between 50-70% of domestic water needs can be satisfied using local water resources. / An economic assessment has been undertaken of the WSRM from the point of view of development costs. The water reuse systems have been designed and costed for each site. Development fees and charges have also been ascertained. This has enabled a comparison to be made with the costs and development charges of conventional type developments. It is concluded that while the costs of the WSRM developments were consistently greater than for conventional developments, the increasing need for developers to contribute to external works relating to infrastructure and the environment is altering the balance. When account is given to these external costs, 'reuse' developments are at least as equally viable as conventional developments. / The research has produced a practical model to build reuse systems into the fabric of the residential development, significantly reducing reliance on the mains water supply and creating more sustainable developments. It has also shown that the economics of such developments are changing for the better. / Adelaide, like other Australian capital cities, is presently beset with complex issues relating to water supply, wastewater and stormwater management. Better management and more sustainable use of the available water resources is needed; maximisation of water reuse and more efficient use of local water resources are becoming increasingly important. / The trend in Australia today is for medium to high density housing for inner city infill or redevelopment sites and for outer suburb greenfield sites. Water sensitive residential developments within Australia, which have incorporated water reuse, have generally been located in high rainfall areas (average rainfall above 1200mm/year) and/or where the average allotment size is greater than 600 sq.m.. Two exceptions to this are the New Haven village and Mawson Lakes developments in the greater Adelaide region, where the average rainfall is around 500mm/year. In these two cases, however, reuse accounts mainly for ex-house water uses; in-house water uses are essentially serviced by the mains supply with toilets being the only exception. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267471 |
| Creators | Barton, Annette |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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