Smart solutions for urban management of the 3 waters
Annual Conference
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This paper looks at the merits of managing the 3 waters on an individual house lot. Research shows this approach can halve potable water use, alleviate stormwater run-off, and reduce the wastewater by 45%. This can lead to existing infrastructure having the capability to support double the amount of housing. Having a decentralized water supply network also improves the community’s resilience to disasters.
Kapiti Coast District Council, through the introduction of plan change 75, mandating that any new homes install a raintank and/or a fresh greywater garden irrigation system, has led the development of innovative solutions to balance the water supply and demand equation. Technology has now evolved with the development of passive rain harvesting systems, quiet, efficient immersible pumping systems, discreet underground water tanks, and fresh greywater sub-surface garden irrigation systems.
An example of the results can be seen at the Waterstone subdivision. Here the water consumption has been monitored over the past year, and compared with districtwide averages to demonstrate the savings. The information gained from the experience on the Kapiti Coast has been applied to Christchurch to illustrate potential benefits. This approach is very much aligned with the objectives of National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2011.