Urban Water

Australia’s growing population is becoming increasingly urbanised. In South Australia, the urban population relies heavily on vegetated surface water catchments, but with a warming and drying climate water security in the future has become a major issue. Major investments on water infrastructure are ongoing or planned. The large investment in seawater desalination plants, the only relatively mature large scale technology implementable at the time of need, and independent of rainfall, is relatively expensive compared with traditional supplies and may increase energy use of water utilities. Other large scale options such as sewage recycling for indirect potable reuse still need to develop appropriate implementation strategies that adequately address public safety perceptions within a political environment. Other options are available that await further investigation.

The Urban Water Theme aims to deliver outcomes that will scientifically underpin government water strategies to ensure reliable, resilient and safe metropolitan and regional urban water supplies that meet future needs. It will develop knowledge necessary for the decision making process for water supply and savings options for the variety of water resources available in South Australia. It will address aspects of reliability, public health, planning and public acceptance.

Urban Water Roadmaps

U.1 Water Sensitive Urban Design

Objective: Water sensitive urban design as an integral part of urban design ROADMAP U1 (A3 Format) (PDF 99.14 KB)

U.2 Water Resources Mix for Adelaide

Objective: An integrated water plan for Greater Adelaide ROADMAP U2 (A3 Format) (PDF 106.21 KB)

The indicative outcomes of the Goyder Institute’s Urban Water Theme are as follows:

• Contribute to the achievement of key strategic outcomes for urban water management in South Australia.
• Secure, reliable, resilient and safe potable urban water supplies for projected population and industry growth.
• South Australia’s urban water supply and use are managed as fit for purpose.
• Improved economic and environmental outcomes from urban water use and management.
• Maximised sustainable reuse opportunities for urban centres.
• Significantly reduced impact of stormwater on coastal receiving waters.
• Clear ‘rights’ to surface water, including stormwater are established.
• Improved flood management and resilience to flood risk.
• Communities actively utilising alternative water sources and water savings options.

Photo: www.sxc.hu (Michael Howard – Just a little Dirty)