Sustainable Water Use Plan - City of Knox · Knox 2001/2010 - Sustainable City Plan, and endorsement of joint funding with Melbourne Water, in 2004, Council committed to reducing

Sustainable Water Use Plan l Knox City Counci
5
2006 - 201

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In response to the recent drought conditions experienced in Melbourne, Knox City Council committed to developing a Sustainable Water Use Plan (SWUP) to address water use within Council’s operations. The SWUPs are administered by Melbourne’s Water Retail Authorities with partial funding from Melbourne Water. Councils are one of the biggest users of water in the community, with the majority of its water use being for the irrigation of playing fields and open space. The Sustainable Water Use Plan identifies some of the water conservation strategies to be implemented to achieve a 25% reduction in corporate water use from base year (2000-2002) consumption by 2015. Council’s water use from June 2000 to July 2005 for all Council facilities including all ovals, parks, community centres and child care centres was obtained from South East Water. In addition, rainfall data for the same period from the Bureau of Meteorology for the Knox region (Scoresby weather monitoring station) provided context to the water used by Council. The data shows that Council’s water use has been steadily declining since June 2000 when it was at its peak of 317,395 Kilolitres. Higher than average rainfall in 2001 (902 mm), followed by the introduction of water restrictions in November 2002 along with measures implemented by Council to reduce water use, particularly in playing fields, helped reduce Council’s water consumption to 220,556 Kilolitres in 2004-05. Baseline water consumption for the Council has been adopted as the average annual consumption prior to the introduction of water restrictions in Melbourne of 273,322 Kilolitres. The reduction goal of 25% below the baseline consumption by 2015, would require Council to further reduce its water use by about 1,700 kilolitres each year to reach the target by 2015. As the vast majority of water is used in the irrigation of Council’s playing fields and open spaces, the biggest savings are also possible from this group. In addition, the water used for the irrigation of playing fields does not need to be treated to the same quality as that of drinking water. Consequently, other sources of water such as Stormwater and Wastewater can be adequately treated and safely used for this purpose to save significant quantities of fresh water. An annual report outlining the progress towards the reduction goal through an assessment of Council’s water consumption along with measures implemented by Council to reduce water use, will form a crucial part of implementation of the Sustainable Water Use Plan.

DEFINITIONS, ABBREVIATIONS AND UNITS USED Administration Buildings Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes the Civic Centre.

Base Year Year(s) for which baseline water consumption data is available from which a reduction target can be set

Child Care Centres Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Child Care Centres, Preschools and Maternal Child Health Centres.

Community Centres Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Community Centres, neighbourhood houses, Pavilions, Club Rooms and Scout Halls.

Cultural Buildings Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Libraries, Homesteads and Placemakers.

Depots Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Operations Centre.

DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment

ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development is defined as using, conserving and enhancing the community's resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.

Gardens & Planter Boxes Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Community Garden.

Greywater Greywater is wastewater from bathrooms, hand wash basins and laundry. Does not include Kitchen or toilet water.

Kilolitres & Megalitres One Kilolitre (Kl) equals 1000 litres and One Megalitre (Ml) equals One Million litres.

Miscellaneous Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes drinking fountains.

MSS Municipal Strategic Statement provides the overarching strategic directions for land use and development in the City of Knox. It is an integral part of the Knox Planning Scheme and helps achieve the Knox Vision 2020 and the key drivers in the Community and Council Plan

Open Space Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes reserves, medial strips, Arboretum and Cemetery.

Playing Fields Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Cricket and Football Ovals, Soccer Pitches, Tennis Courts and Bowling Greens.

Potable Water Drinking Water

Recreation Centres Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Basketball and Netball facilities and other indoor sporting venues.

Residences Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes Amaroo hostel.

SEWL South East Water Limited, Knox City Council’s Water retail authority

Stormwater Rainwater that runs off roofs, roads and pavements into gutters and ultimately into the bay.

SWUP Sustainable Water Use Plan

Toilets & Facilities Land use type used in the assessment of water use. Includes all public toilets.

Wastewater All water that is disposed of through the Sewer system and includes trade wastewater from industries.

Water Trucks Estimated water used for street sweeping and dust suppression works.

WSUD Water Sensitive Urban Design is a component of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) that aims to design urban environments to closely match the original water cycle prior to development occurring and minimise the traditional engineering approach to stormwater conveyance, such as pits and pipes.

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 MELBOURNE’S WATER SUPPLIES ..................................................................................................................... 5

1.2 POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK....................................................................................... 6

1.2.1 Federal Government’s Response to Water Management............................................................................ 6

1.2.2 State Government’s Response to Water Management ................................................................................ 6

1.2.3 Local Government’s Response to Water Management ............................................................................... 6

1.3 DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE WATER USE PLAN FOR KNOX ............................................................... 8

2. ASSESSMENT OF BASELINE WATER CONSUMPTION.............................................................................. 9

2.1 PROJECTED WATER CONSUMPTION TRENDS ................................................................................................... 10

3. WATER CONSUMPTION OBJECTIVES AND REDUCTION GOALS ...................................................... 11

3.1 WATER REDUCTION TARGET .......................................................................................................................... 12

4. EXISTING WATER REDUCTION INITIATIVES.......................................................................................... 14

5. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN............................................................................................................................... 15

6. IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, REVIEW AND REPORTING ........................................................ 18

Sustainable Water Use Plan

1. INTRODUCTION Knox City Council, with a population of over 150,000, serves the suburbs of Wantirna, Bayswater, Boronia, The Basin, Scoresby, Knoxfield, Ferntree Gully and Rowville in Melbourne’s East – covering approximately 114 square kilometers. In response to the Knox 2001/2010 - Sustainable City Plan, and endorsement of joint funding with Melbourne Water, in 2004, Council committed to reducing its consumption of water by initiating the Sustainable Water Use Plan.

Victorian State Government appointed an independent committee in 2001 to develop a long-term water resources strategy for metropolitan Melbourne. As a result of the committee’s findings, the State Government directed Melbourne Water and the water retail companies to develop initiatives to reduce water consumption by 15% per person in the greater Melbourne area by 2010. The committee identified the need for Local Governments to develop water management plans for the area under their governance. The framework for the Sustainable Water Use Plan (SWUP) was developed by Melbourne Water and piloted by the City of Melbourne. Melbourne’s three water retailers are now jointly delivering the program in metropolitan Melbourne to improve water conservation in an integrated manner. Over twenty metropolitan councils have committed to developing SWUPs and to work in partnership with the water authorities and other agencies. The project aims to provide a structure that will facilitate a reduction in Council’s water use. This plan will outline the actions that Council will implement in order to achieve the water reduction target which is set against Council’s water consumption from the base year 2000 to 2002. The SWUP will focus on reducing Council’s water consumption through water efficiency, water reuse and water recycling. Once the plan has been completed and actions to reduce water consumption commenced, Council can then take on a leadership role to encourage a reduction in water use throughout the municipality. Council’s role in community education can be integrated with South East Water and the Department of Sustainability and Environment, to ensure effective and efficient use of resources. 1.1 Melbourne’s Water Supplies It has been a widely publicised fact that the present rate at which water is consumed by Melbournians will not sufficiently meet the demand for water that an extra one million residents (expected in Melbourne by 2030) will place on the existing water supplies. Global warming is also expected to result in less rain falling in already established catchments that serve Melbourne’s population, adding additional pressure on existing water supplies. Meeting this demand with the construction of more dams is not a sustainable solution as it not only costly to build, but the environmental damage caused by flooding a valley and dramatically reducing flows downstream are catastrophic. The solution lies in addressing the demand and reducing the amount of potable water currently used. Exploring ways in which more can be done with less water through recycling and reusing for other fit for purpose uses.

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1.2 Policy, legislative and Strategic Framework All three tiers of governments in Australia are addressing water demand reduction through a mix of strategies including incentives (e.g. grants and rebates), policy (e.g. National Water Initiative), education (e.g. Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) and enforcement (e.g. Permanent Water Saving Rules). 1.2.1 Federal Government’s Response to Water Management In 2004, the Federal Government and all the States and Territories (except Western Australia) became signatories of the National Water Initiative to provide “greater certainty for investment and the environment, and underpin the capacity of Australia’s water management regimes to deal with change responsively and fairly”. The National Water Initiative (NWI) addresses initiatives to improve environmental flows, water minimisation in the urban environment, water recycling, stormwater management and the Water Efficiency Labelling amongst many other strategies. The National Water Commission has been set up to implement the NWI and to provide advice to the government on national water issues. 1.2.2 State Government’s Response to Water Management Following extensive consultation with the Victorian community, the State Government launched Our Water Our Future: Securing Our Water Future Together in 2004. The strategy provides a framework for smarter use of water and contains over 100 initiatives to be implemented across Victoria including measures to:

• improve and increase environmental flows in key rivers, • bring into effect permanent low-level water restrictions for

households, • review and adjust price of water to better reflect the full cost to

the environment, • fund water saving measures including recycling and

stormwater reuse schemes, • assess third pipe schemes in new developments, • fund the development of water management plans by local

governments. 1.2.3 Local Government’s Response to Water Management Councils play a significant role in water conservation, as not only one of the largest users of water (in particular for the irrigation of playing fields and open space) but also have the opportunity to use its close links with local residents, businesses and industries to influence water conservation. This document is Knox City Council’s strategic approach to water management and will address all aspects of water use with the view to identifying areas where water is being used inefficiently as well as explore where recycled or reused water can be substituted for potable water without compromising the health and safety of the users. UCommunity and Council Plan 2004 - 2008 Under the Vibrant and Connected Communities Key Result Area, the vision for Knox in the year 2020 identifies water as a highly valued resource. The following statement establishes the goal of sustainable water use in this vision: “Knox is renowned for water


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being a highly valued resource and asset to lifestyle and the community is actively working to rehabilitate waterways, limiting the impact on streams and wetlands, minimizing water use and run-off. Water Sensitive Urban Design is incorporated in all developments and drainage infrastructure is effective”. UKnox 2001 / 2010 - Sustainable City Strategy The Sustainable City Strategy provides a strategic framework to link the principles of sustainability to all aspects of the Knox community. One of the main themes of the strategy is Water Conservation and Quality. The Sustainable Water Use Plan provides the opportunity to integrate a number of water conservation actions identified in the Sustainable City Strategy, into one integrated framework. These include:

• Establish a policy for the reduction of Council’s water use and the recycling of water.

• Establish a measurement of Council’s water consumption across the municipality.

• Introduce appropriate water saving practices and initiatives for council and establish targets for conservation of water across the municipality.

• Promote water wise practices to all Council departments. UKnox Water Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines 2002 Council endorsed the Water Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines (WSUD) for the City of Knox, in 2002. The drive for WSUD is a proactive move for environmental sustainability and an integrated approach to urban water management including stormwater, wastewater and water supply. The Guidelines recognise that a substantial proportion of fresh water is used for non-potable uses in Australian cities and subsequently, opportunities exist to reduce the demand on water supplies. Generally, stormwater harvesting is identified as a valuable means to reduce demand and therefore conserve potable water. The dependency on the reticulated water supply system can be reduced by the use of rainwater as a resource, stormwater use for non-potable activities and treating and reusing grey water. UMunicipal Strategic Statement The current Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) for the City of Knox does not make a specific reference to water resources apart from environmental and recreational values of creeks and associated linear open space. The MSS identifies that the municipality’s population is forecasted to increase from 136,799 in 1996 to 144,606 by 2011, and then begin to decline to 141,894 in 2021 with a maturing population. This growth and decline will influence the municipality’s water use and is reflected in the growth estimates of this plan.

Figure 1.1: Features of Water Sensitive Urban Design


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UState Planning Policy Framework – Clause 11 Under the State Planning Policy Framework of the Planning Scheme, Clause 11.03-2 Environment includes a provision for planning to contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, Clause 11.03-3 Management of resources states planning is to assist in the conservation and wise use of natural resources including water, to support both environmental quality and sustainable development over the long term. UKnox Central Urban Design Framework The aim of Knox Central Urban Design Framework is to establish a planning and design ‘vision and strategy to create a cohesive physically, economically, socially and culturally vibrant city centre that will become a pre-eminent centre and focal point of regional activity’. Knox Central covers the core area of commercial and industrial land located along Burwood Highway between Stud and Scoresby Roads, areas south of Blind Creek and also includes Lewis Park, the adjacent retarding basin and the Swinburne University of Technology. The City of Knox has established Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) as one of the key objectives for the Knox Central precinct. One of the key environmental objectives of the framework is to maximise water conservation. The following strategies to be considered for water conservation include:

• Demand Management: reduce the inherent demand through general use of AAA or better water efficient fixtures / fittings and selection of equipment / appliances based on their water efficiency.

• Rainwater / Stormwater Harvesting: on-site collection of rainwater for re-use within the development.

• Grey Water Recycling: collection and treatment of grey water for re-use. • Waste Water Re-use: on-site collection and treatment of wastewater or process

water for re-use. • Landscaping: use permeable surfaces, maximize use of drought resistant plants

and integration of stormwater run-off wetland features. 1.3 Development of the Sustainable Water Use Plan for Knox The SWUP was developed in consultation with key stakeholders including South East Water and various Council departments. A project steering committee consisting of officers from Melbourne Water, South East Water and Council’s Sustainability, Parks, Recreation Planning, Facilities and Finance units have been consulted during different stages in the development of the plan. Extensive work has been carried out to ensure that water use data provided by South East Water is accurate and up to date with existing Council assets.


2. Assessment of Baseline water consumption

South East Water provided Council with water use for all Council facilities since July 2000. This data was used to establish the baseline water consumption for the Council, from which a reduction goal could be set. Stage one water restrictions were introduced in Melbourne in November 2002 followed by Stage two restrictions in August 2003. The introduction of Stage 2 resulted in a 20% reduction in Council’s water consumption mainly due to controls placed on the irrigation of sports ovals and open space. Table 2.1 summarises the water consumed in Council’s facilities since June 2000. Land Use Type 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

Administration Buildings 7,124 6,308 7,621 5,563 5,546

Child Care Centres 9,700 8,710 7,984 7,486 7,408

Community Centres 27,325 22,013 25,397 20,994 21,150

Cultural Buildings 6,683 4,301 5,000 2,723 2,479

Depots 2,729 930 1,993 813 1,688

Gardens & Planter Boxes 2,717 6,819 2,282 1,705 1,689

Miscellaneous 128 14 19 137 42

Open Space 14,834 10,423 9,805 6,029 5,981

Recreation Centres 4,020 10,456 2,626 3,685 3,498

Residences 5,804 9,251 10,743 11,139 11,823

Toilets & Facilities 6,197 10,182 8,586 5,244 3,620

Water Trucks 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800

Playing Fields 225,335 135,042 209,867 154,740 150,842

Total (Kilolitres) 317,395 229,249 296,723 225,058 220,566

Annual Rainfall (in mm) 712 902 536 793 866

Table 2.1: Water use (in Kilolitres) in Council facilities since June 2000. As the above table (and Figure 2.1 & Figure 2.2) shows, over 70% of the water used by Council is used in the irrigation of playing fields and a further 5% on open spaces such as the Arboretum and other parks. Community Centres which account for about 10% of the water use includes mixed-use facilities such as Scout Halls, pavilions and club rooms. Council’s overall water use has been steadily declining since the introduction of stage 2 water restrictions on the 1st of August 2003. Council’s average annual water consumption prior to the introduction of stage 1 water restrictions is 273,322 kilolitres.

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2.1 Projected Water Consumption trends State Government projections of population growth show that while the population in Knox is expected to increase at a lower rate than in the past, the number of households in Knox will increase, resulting in more single and dual occupant houses. This will have a significant impact on the water demand. However, for Council facilities, the water demand is expected to be stable.

Water Consumption for Knox Facilities: 2000-01 to 2004-05

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Figure 2.1: Water Consumption in Council facilities from July 2000 to June 2005.

The impact on local weather patterns as a result of Global Warming will play a key role in water availability. As over 70% of Council’s water consumption is for the irrigation of playing fields, weather conditions, in particular rainfall, will play a significant role in future water use. The long-term average annual rainfall for the Knox region is 899 mm, however, the average rainfall over the past five years (2000-05) has been approximately 15% below

the long term average. Research conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) suggests that impacts of climate change in the Melbourne region would include a reduction in annual rainfall of up to 10% with increased evaporation rates, drier soils and decreased runoff in local streams by 2030.

Water Consumption in Knox Playing Fields: 2000-01 to 2004-05

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Figure 2.2: Water Consumption in Council’s playing fields and annual rainfall from July 2000 to June 2005.

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3. Water Consumption objectives and reduction goals The Knox 2001/2010 - Sustainable City Plan has set three broad objectives to minimise water consumption and improve water quality in the local rivers and creeks. These objectives being:

• Reduce water consumption in all sectors of the community, particularly, clean potable water

• Increase water quality (including a reduction in pollution levels) and the associated environmental values in local waterways through a range of initiatives

• Increase the use of stormwater as a naturally occurring resource on the local scale. Council has identified the following six objectives incorporating the broad objectives above, as critical to achieving a reduction in water consumption across all sectors of Council’s operations.

Objective 1 To reduce potable water consumption in all playing fields, parks and open space

Playing fields, parks and open space account for over 75% of the total water consumed by Council. Hence strategies to reduce water consumption in this sector are critical and will result in the greatest savings in water use. Reductions can be achieved by improving irrigation efficiencies, turf species selection, demand assessment (watering only when necessary) and the use of wetting agents.

Objective 2 To design new Council buildings with water use efficiency and water harvesting capabilities

The most cost effective stage to introduce water efficiency measures and water harvesting capabilities into buildings is during the design stage. This allows for appropriate plumbing works to complement the water efficiency features of the building. Significant savings could be achieved with the installation of rainwater tanks for toilet flushing, waterless urinals, water efficient shower roses and taps, insulating hot water pipes, installing flow control valves as well as incorporating WSUD features into the building design.

Objective 3 To reduce water consumption in all existing Council buildings

Water use could be cut by around 10% to 15% in existing buildings by installing flow control valves and other water efficient fittings. Rainwater tanks can be added to provide landscape watering. Further reductions are possible through the use of water efficient appliances.

Objective 4 To demonstrate leadership and increase awareness of water conservation to Council employees, facility users and the wider community.

Council as a key stakeholder in the local community can lead water conservation measures by increasing awareness of water conservation issues and providing incentives – both financial and non financial. Promoting innovative water saving projects


implemented by other members of the community and recognition through existing programs such as Knox Pride.

Objective 5 To utilise alternative sources of water when it can be safely substituted for potable water

The Knox region receives on average about 900 mm of rain annually, this is much higher than other parts of Melbourne (e.g. Laverton 550mm, Moorabbin 740mm) and presents many opportunities for Council to harvest stormwater for toilet flushing, vehicle washing, street sweeping and landscape watering. In addition to Stormwater, emerging techniques such as sewer mining presents an opportunity to re-use wastewater. Greywater and Swimming Pool backwash water are other viable options that can be safely substituted for potable water in certain circumstances.

Objective 6 To establish and strengthen links with key stakeholders to deliver water conservation measures in a coordinated manner

All tiers of governments and their respective agencies play a vital role in water conservation and management. South East Water, Melbourne Water, Sustainability Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment are all key stakeholders in delivering water conservation through incentives (e.g. Water Smart Homes and Gardens Scheme), enforcement (e.g. Water Restrictions) and education (e.g. Water Saver Campaign). Council’s efforts to reduce water needs to be linked in with these agencies to ensure efficient use of resources.

3.1 Water Reduction Target As discussed earlier, the baseline water consumption for Knox Council is taken as the cumulative average water use over the two years prior to the introduction of water restrictions in Melbourne. This approach is taken to ensure that Council’s normal baseline water use is an accurate reflection of the actual water used annually rather than be influenced by recent efforts across all sectors of the community to actively reduce water consumption. From the average baseline consumption of 273,322 kilolitres, Council aims to reduce its consumption by 25% by 2015. To reach this goal, Council would need to reduce on average about 1,700 kilolitres each year – this is equivalent to the water contained in about five 25m swimming pools. Achieving the reduction target by 2015 will mean that Council would be consuming about Figure 3.1: Rowville Community Centre

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70 megalitres less than prior to the introduction of water restrictions (in 2001) – an approximate annual saving of $75,000 in water use and sewage disposal charges. Figure 3.2 below, illustrates the actual and cumulative average water consumption over the past five years. The graph also illustrates the impact of water restrictions, in particular Stage 2 restrictions, combined with rainfall has had on Council’s water consumption.

Knox City Council's Water Consumption Target

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Figure 3.2: Impact on Council’s overall water consumption due to the introduction of water restrictions.

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4. Existing water reduction initiatives Prior to identifying actions to reduce water consumption, it’s important to recognise the efforts already taken by Knox City Council to minimise water use. Council has been pro-actively looking at ways to reduce, reuse and seek alternate sources of water. Table 4.1 outlines these actions. Action Key Outcomes

Objective 1 - Reduce potable water consumption in all playing fields, parks and open space

• Installed Micromet, an automated irrigation control system, at all sports ovals. These units take into account the soil texture and root depth as well as rainfall and soil moisture to irrigate ovals only when needed. This system of irrigation replaced the previous practice of regular watering regardless of soil moisture & weather conditions

Installed Micromet in 42 reserves along with a weather monitoring station to get local data

• Changes to irrigation methods, including two 15 minute sessions of sprinkler operation rather than one 30-minute operation to allow for water to better infiltrate into the ground and switching from Fan driven sprinkler heads to Gear driven sprinkler heads.

Increase watering efficiency by more than 20%.

• Ceased automatic watering of all garden beds in 2002. 75% reduction by ‘05

• Use of TerraCottem, a soil conditioner that includes trace amounts of root growth activator which encourages extensive root growth, soluble and slow release mineral and organic fertilisers, hydro-absorbent polymers to retain and provide water and nutrients, resulting in reduced open space watering demand.

Expected water savings of around 50%.

Objective 2 – Design new Council buildings with water use efficiency and water harvesting capabilities

• Redeveloped Rowville Community Centre with WSUD features including filter trenches, porous pavements, water efficient shower roses, flow restrictors and two rainwater tanks to reduce water consumption

2 x 45,000 litre rainwater tanks connected to flush toilets and urinals

Objective 3 - Reduce water consumption in all existing Council buildings

• Installed Rainwater Tanks in nine Child Care Centres complete with interpretive signs for water play activities

9 x 1000 litre tanks installed

• Installed a rainwater tank at Placemakers for landscape watering and general cleaning. 1000 litre tank installed

• Installation of flow control valves to taps in all public toilets Expected to save a minimum of 10%

• Water audits conducted at Civic Centre and Knox Leisureworks. Flow Control Valves installed into all taps and showers at Leisureworks

Objective 4 - Demonstrate leadership and increase awareness of water conservation

• Matched dollar for dollar the Water Smart Gardens + Homes Rebate Scheme for Knox residents installing Rainwater Tank ($150), Connecting Rainwater Tank to toilet flushing ($150) and replacing a single flush with dual flush toilets ($50). Fifty Knox residents received rebates of $50 to $350 each.

36 Rainwater Tanks, 6 Tanks to Toilets & 21 Dual Flush Toilets installed

• Developed “Using Rainwater Tanks” brochure to encourage Knox residents to install Rainwater tanks.

Brochures distributed at Stringybark Festival

• Installed dual flush toilets and water saving shower roses to 57 Knox Home and Community Care clients.

40 dual flush toilets and 17 shower roses installed

Objective 5 – Utilise alternative sources of water when it can be safely substituted for potable water

• Developed the WSUD Guidelines which helped promote stormwater as a valuable source of water to the Community.

SaveWater Awards Winner, 2001

Objective 6 - Strengthen links with key stakeholders to deliver water conservation measures in a coordinated manner

• With Melbourne Water, developed a Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Guidelines brochure to highlight and promote WSUD features to key stakeholders.

• Worked with South East Water to identify appropriate locations where road-side signage could be erected to remind the community that water restrictions were in force.

Table 4.1: Water saving initiatives carried out by Knox City Council since 2000.


5. Implementation Plan

The Implementation plan details the specific actions that can be carried out by Council to reduce water consumption within its own facilities and operations. The estimated costs to Council for implementing the actions are quantified whenever possible, along with an indication of expected timeframe for the project. Projects classed as being ‘Short Term’ are relatively easy to implement, with little or no financial outlay and can be implemented within the first two years of the SWUP (i.e. by 2008). ‘Medium term’ projects require moderate level of funding, possibly with state or federal government assistance and can be implemented by 2012. ‘Long term’ projects require significant level of funding with additional funds from State or Federal government programs to be implemented by 2015.

Action Responsibility Timeframe Estimated Cost Expected Water Saving

Objective 1 - Reduce potable water consumption in all playing fields, parks and open space

1.1 Trial drought tolerant turf species such as Kikuyu or Couch on ovals Knox Parks Service

Medium Term $15,000 per hectare Up to 50% per hectare

1.2 Install Micromet (or similar) system to all new sports ovals as well as any new ovals that will be irrigated in the future to ensure efficient irrigation of ovals

Knox Parks Service

On-going $5,0000 perinstallation & monitoring per site

Up to 50% per oval

1.3 Install and connect rainwater tanks for toilet flushing in sports clubs and pavilions Facilities Medium Term $3,000 per tank Approx. 10% per pavilion

1.4 Investigate and incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design elements when designing new ovals or playing fields including underground water storage tanks for irrigation

Engineering / Sustainability

Long Term Additional costs could be up to $100,000

Up to 75% of the water required per oval.

1.5 Continue to utilise mulch and soil conditioners (e.g. TerraCottem) in all gardens and other appropriate landscape works

Knox Parks Service / Sustainability

On-going $2000 per hectare Water savings claimed to be up to 50%

1.6 Select native, drought tolerant plants for all landscape works Sustainability On-going No additional cost Up to 25% per plant

Objective 2 – Design new Council buildings with water use efficiency and water harvesting capabilities

2.1 All new Council facilities to be designed with Rainwater Tanks, Flow Control Valves, Dual Flush toilets, water efficient shower heads, insulated hot water pipes and waterless urinals as a minimum

Facilities / Sustainability / Engineering

Short Term Additional cost of $5,000 per building.

Savings of around 40% to 50% per building.

2.2 Investigate and incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design aspects such as filter trenches and swales into landscape designs for new Council facilities

Sustainability / Engineering

Short Term Additional costs of up to $5,000

Approx. 10%. Improves water quality.

2.3 Purchase and fit-out water efficient and energy efficient (4 stars minimum) appliances

Facilities Short Term Up to $200 per appliance

Generally about 15% to 20% more water efficient.

2.4 Incorporate water and energy efficiency as key objectives for building design briefs Facilities / Sustainability

Short Term No additional cost

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Objective 3 - Reduce water consumption in all existing Council buildings

3.1 For all buildings undergoing major refurbishment, connect a rainwater tank for toilet flushing

Facilities / Sustainability

On-going Up to $5000 per building

Up to 10% saving

3.2 Progressively replace all existing single flush toilets with dual flush systems Facilities On-going Up to $500 per toilet 6 litres per toilet per flush

3.3 Investigate the use of waterless urinals in key Council buildings including the Civic Centre and Rowville Community Centre

Sustainability Short Term Up to $500 per urinal Up to 1000 litres per day per urinal

3.4 Progressively install flow control valves for taps and showers in all buildings Facilities / Sustainability

On-going Up to $1000 per building

Reduces water use by up to 6 litres per minute

3.5 Replace whitegoods with water and energy efficient (4 stars minimum) appliances Facilities On-going Up to an additional $200 per appliance

Up to 20% per appliance.

3.6 Continue to mulch and drought tolerant native plants in all landscape works Knox Parks Service

On-going No additional cost Requires up to 50% less watering.

3.7 Continue to conduct water audits to identify opportunities for water saving in key facilities

Sustainability Short Term $2000 per audit

Objective 4 - Demonstrate leadership and increase awareness of water conservation

4.1 Through signage and posters educate facility users and staff when water conservation measures are implemented in a particular building to ensure maximum effectiveness

Sustainability On-going $100 per building Education and awareness of water conservation.

4.2 Establish an exhibition waterless garden that requires minimal watering and uses indigenous plants from the Knox region at a key Knox facility (e.g. Stamford Park)

Sustainability / Knox Parks Services

Medium Term $7000 Up to 80% less watering compared to conventional gardens.

4.3 Provide information to Gardens for Wildlife participants about water efficient gardening

Sustainability Short Term No additional cost Education and awareness of water conservation.

4.4 Continue to implement the Eco-buy program in particular to the purchase of water efficient appliances and promote the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme

Sustainability On-going No additional cost Education and awareness or water conservation.

4.5 Promote the Knox Water Sensitive Urban Design Guidelines to the Community, in particular, to developers and engineers as well as to key Council staff

Sustainability / Engineers

On-going $2000 per annum Significant savings in water use expected.

4.6 Promote the Green Plumbers program to the Community Sustainability Short Term No additional cost Education and Awareness

4.7 Develop greywater reuse guidelines for Knox residents to provide information about permits required and measures to minimise health risks

Sustainability / Health Services

Short Term $5,000 Up to 30% of household’s water requirement.

4.8 Promote businesses and schools that have implemented water reduction measures through existing channels such as Knox Pride Awards, Council’s website and Media releases

Sustainability On-going No additional cost

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Objective 5 - Utilise alternative sources of water when it can be safely substituted for potable water

5.1 Assess the environmental, social and economic costs and benefits of utilising sewer mining technology to provide the irrigation requirements of a suitable sports oval

Sustainability Short Term Staff time Potentially provide up to 100% of the water needed

5.2 Investigate the suitability of swimming pool backwash water for irrigation of sports ovals or for garden / lawn watering

Sustainability Medium Term $10,000 Potentially provide up to 100% of the water needed

5.3 Investigate and implement a stormwater reuse scheme for use in street sweeping and dust suppression works

Sustainability / Knox Works Service

Medium Term $75,000 Up to 25% on current practices

5.4 Investigate the suitability of greywater for uses such as toilet flushing and sub-surface irrigation in public facilities

Sustainability / Facilities

Short Term Staff time

Objective 6 - Strengthen links with key stakeholders to deliver water conservation measures in a coordinated manner

6.1 Monitor water consumption data and accounts annually and identify and repair faulty meters, incorrect billing or accounts that could be disconnected

Knox / South East Water

On-going Staff time

6.2 Install check meters at key facilities for more accurate water consumption data Knox / South East Water

Short Term $300 per unit installed

6.3 Promote South East Water’s Leak Detection Service to Council’s drainage maintenance crew to readily identify potential leaks in the water supply network

Knox / South East Water

Short Term Staff time

6.4 Continue to promote Water Sensitive Urban Design to the wider community Knox / Melbourne Water

On-going Staff time

6.5 Promote existing water rebates to Knox Residents and Businesses Knox / DSE / SEWL

On-going Staff time

6.6 Explore available State and Federal funding for water conservation projects Sustainability On-going Staff time

6.7 Promote annual water consumption data for the Knox municipality including a comparison of trends from previous years and average water consumption in neighbouring municipalities

Knox / SEWL On-going Staff time


6. Implementation, Monitoring, Review and Reporting The implementation of the Sustainable Water Use Plan will be led by Council’s Sustainability Department with crucial support from a number of other departments as identified in the previous Section. It is proposed that an annual review of the SWUP take place to monitor Council’s water use over the previous year and progress towards the target set in the Plan. A regular review of the Plan assists Council’s annual budgeting process to identify projects tcan be implemented and allows Council to betterespond to available funding programs. Following the review, a report outlining the progress towards meeting the objectives and targets set in the SWUP, the water conservation actions taken and the estimated water savings from those actions will be provided to Council.

hat r

Annual reporting will provide an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in water conservation to the Knox community and raise awareness about the need to conserve potable water.

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Documents

Sustainable Water Use Plan - City of Knox · Knox 2001/2010 - Sustainable City Plan, and endorsement of joint funding with Melbourne Water, in 2004, Council committed to reducing