Abstract
The development called the ‘WGV precinct’ is a 2.2 ha medium density residential urban infill development in the Fremantle suburb of White Gum Valley, Western Australia. It was delivered by DevelopmentWA, the State Government development agency. DevelopmentWA and the project’s consultant team designed the WGV precinct to be an exemplar of urban water management in this type of development. Working within commercial constraints, the team established strategies to achieve ambitious reductions in mains water consumption compared to a business-as-usual approach. This paper discusses the process of establishing the precinct’s water related technologies and design features, a valuable case study in demonstrating water innovations in residential developments. Monitoring and transparently reporting on the real-world performance of the project is a key element. A comprehensive metering and data gathering system was put in place, which continues collecting data as the WGV precinct becomes increasingly established. Based on the design water strategies and early stage modelling, a target of 60–70% mains water reduction against the suburban average was set. The measured performance shows that a 65% reduction has been achieved. Barriers and constraints were observed that, if resolved, indicate that more ambitious targets can be considered for future projects. The paper includes discussion of opportunities for further work and compares some basic project qualities and outcomes to two other Australian residential development projects that had reduction in mains water consumption as an explicit objective.
Highlights
In Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, urban water sources have changed from being supplied from dams (88%) and groundwater (12%) in the 19060s to being sourced from seawater desalination (48%), groundwater (40%), dams (10%), and groundwater replenishment technology providing the final 2% [3,4]
The case study outlined in this paper focuses on the design stage of a residential development, outlining the ambitious design targets set, the modelling undertaken to test if these targets are realistic, and discussing the governance and technology implications of such an approach
DESIGN Design guidelines mandate lawn areas are less than 50% of garden areas All residents that take up the sustainability package by DevelopmentWA are required to use native/waterwise plants on verges
Summary
In Australia, water reserves support ecosystems of international significance but are under pressure from a drying climate and increasing urban water demand [2]. In Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, urban water sources have changed from being supplied from dams (88%) and groundwater (12%) in the 19060s to being sourced from seawater desalination (48%), groundwater (40%), dams (10%), and groundwater replenishment technology providing the final 2% [3,4]. Along with changes in the sources of water, the energy intensity of urban water has increased, with desalination more energy intensive than conventional freshwater sources, along with the associated infrastructure costs [5,6]. A reduction in urban water use is ideal to reduce pressure on existing supplies, energy demand, and resultant greenhouse gas emissions
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