Introducing total water cycle management in Sydney: a Kogarah Council initiative

Abstract

Away from traditional supply option of building dams, we need to adopt new supply options that can be incorporated into urban development and at household-level technology, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater reclamation. While technological advancements have made them possible, economic arguments and to larger extent a lack of political leadership have been keeping these options at pilot stage. The Kogarah Council is amongst a few NSW municipalities who have embarked on a comprehensive review of its water management practices. This journey has resulted in changing the Council's focus from traditional drainage pits and pipes to a much broader approach to water cycle management. In 2003 the Kogarah Council became the first one in Sydney to adopt TWCM principles into its Sustainability Management Plan. “Reduction in per capita water demand in Kogarah” was identified as a key sustainability indicator in the plan. At the same time, the Council recognised that while it had a statutory responsibility for managing stormwater, a successful partnership with the Sydney Water Corporation (responsible for water and wastewater) was vital to bringing together data, resources, and knowledge to develop and implement TWCM projects. The project developed a TWCM strategy for the Beverley Park catchment to identify priority projects in the catchment that produce the most cost-effective water savings. The Council has since endorsed the strategy and is committed to three priority projects identified for implementation in 2004/05: participation in Sydney Waters “Every Drop Counts” Business Program, the Beverley Park Water Reclamation Project, and the Rainwater Tanks in Schools Project. The first project will enhance the on-going water efficiency roll-outs from the Sydney Water Corporation, and the other two projects focus on creating new water sources. By 2005/06, the implementation of these projects will save up to 150 ML of drinking water every year in Kogarah. This paper presents an insight into this innovative project and provides the current status of the three priority projects.