Australian Local Government Association

22 August 2005

Chapter 4: The water cycle

The supply of water, the removal of sewerage and the provision of storm water infrastructure are all included in the water cycle. The water cycle impacts significantly on the ability of councils to supply good quality potable water.

Contents of this page

• 4.1 A lack of water
  • 4.1.1 Improving water supply and sewerage infrastructure
  • 4.1.2 Harvesting storm water
  • 4.1.3 Improved design, reuse and recycling
• 4.2 Poor water quality
  • 4.2.1 Acid sulphate soils

4.1 A lack of water

The ALGA survey of coastal councils revealed the biggest environmental issue facing coastal councils is the adequate provision of good quality water to the community. A number of coastal towns were not planned as high growth communities. Some coastal towns do not have reticulated water or sewerage and often in those towns that do, the systems were never designed for use by such large populations. As a result, communities are often on water restrictions. When town water is supplied without a corresponding upgrade to reticulated sewerage systems, bigger problems with water quality can result. Having these towns and villages linked into appropriate high quality water supplies and treatment facilities is extremely expensive and beyond the scope of councils to address their on their own.

A number of councils have responded by requiring changes to water management in new residential areas, including recycling of grey water and the use of appliances to reduce water use in new buildings. Some councils are offering incentives to install rainwater tanks and water efficient appliances. Other councils have developed an integrated water cycle policy. As such, Gold Coast City Council has undertaken a project looking at the options of future water sources.

Water quality is also a big environmental concern for councils. Pollution of water ways is caused by a variety of factors, not least of all through deficiencies in infrastructure throughout the water cycle. In addition, increased development around water courses and inappropriate development can increase erosion, runoff and sedimentation of water ways.

4.1.1 Improving water supply and sewerage infrastructure

Appropriate planning is required to ensure water supply, sewerage and stormwater infrastructure is adequate and well planned. State and Commonwealth assistance is required to ensure adequate infrastructure provision is available. There are state funding programs as well as funding under the Australian Government's Australian Water Fund to assist in the provision of efficient infrastructure, however coordination between all spheres of government must be improved to get maximum benefit from these funding sources.

Issue

Lack of water infrastructure

Pressure

Increased populations and tourism

Current situation

Towns grown beyond the capacity of current water infrastructure and infrastructure in need of maintenance

Outcome

Sufficient infrastructure to supply good quality water and efficiently deal with effluent for both current and future populations

Action

What are the water infrastructure needs and options for improving current infrastructure within towns? What are the options to source external funding to upgrade the infrastructure?

4.1.2 Harvesting storm water

Councils would be encouraged to develop storm water harvesting plans if they could access funding to implement these plans. A number of water authorities and the Australian Government have undertaken research on stormwater management. Using stormwater can reduce the demand to build new dams. Capturing storm water may assist in reducing the amount of storm water run-off, and thus reducing sedimentation of water ways and the build up of nutrient levels. This water can be used to water council parks, fields and reserves, thus protecting valuable community assets from degradation due to a lack of water.

The first step for any council is to develop effective storm water plans. Some councils are preparing such plans, with funding from the state government. Assistance, data provision and expertise from relevant water authorities are required in the preparation of such plans. Encouraging councils to develop these plans in-house builds up the capacity of councils, which is less likely to occur when these activities are outsourced to consultants.

4.1.3 Improved design, reuse and recycling

Improved reuse and recycling of water can reduce the need to both access water and dispose of waste water. For instance, some councils have to pipe water quite some distance to the town and at the same time have installed ocean outfalls to remove the waste water. This water may be better utilised through recycling and reuse, reducing the need for big infrastructure projects, such as new dams, piping systems and ocean outfalls. Councils are able to access funding through the Australian Government's Community Water Grants project to undertake small projects and the Water Smart Australia Program for larger projects. Council regulations can require new dwellings to meet certain water efficiency standards, which can reduce demand for water.

Councils could be encouraged to develop Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) policies and incorporate those into planning requirements for new developments. This process needs to be undertaken in consultation with developers and local residents. A rating system can be developed allowing new buildings to undertake a number of measures to reach an adequate standard. Strong planning regulations requiring developers to meet a certain standard, but in a form flexible enough to promote innovation within the industry would be required. By creating demand for such products more innovation by companies is likely, increasing the options available to developers.

Any initiative aimed at reducing water use in the community is welcomed. Some local governments are already providing incentives for such products. It is hoped the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) will successfully educate the community to buy water efficient appliances. Other schemes to assist with the education of the community and to encourage them to change their behaviour are welcomed. State agencies are also developing sustainable development programs, which contain a water efficiency element, such as the Queensland Government's joint project with the development industry on the Sustainable Urban Development Program.

Issue

Lack of potable water

Pressure

Reduced catchment runoff, increasing demands, inadequate infrastructure

Current situation

Stormwater generally not harvested, limited use of recycling/reuse schemes, limited use of WSUD in new developments

Outcome

Improved use of water already available and reduced need for ocean outfalls

Action

Is a water audit necessary? Can council use their statutory responsibilities to improve water use efficiency? Are stormwater harvesting and reuse/recycling schemes viable alternatives? Can partnerships with regional NRM organisations help to meet council objectives?

4.2 Poor water quality

Water supply infrastructure can influence water quality, as can planning regulations, activities undertaken upstream and practices of industry and households within the shire. These activities can impact on erosion, runoff, sedimentation and eutrophication of waterways. In addition, water quality is impacted on by the implementation of recycling and reuse schemes. There are a number of water quality guidelines available to assist councils.

4.2.1 Acid sulphate soils

Acid sulphate soils (ASS) occur in about 40 000 square kilometres of Australia's coastal zone, including parts of every state and the Northern Territory. Activities such as development, dredging and construction works can oxidise these soils with dramatic effects on water quality as the water becomes acid and contains toxic levels of dissolved iron and aluminium. This has significant impacts on the environment and infrastructure. Some mapping has been undertaken by the states and Northern Territory however more is required. As the rate of development increases, so does the likelihood of acid sulphate soil disturbance.

Options

All areas need to be effectively mapped so councils, farmers and developers know where acid sulphate soils exist and avoid their disturbance - hence avoiding the release of toxic quantities of acid, iron and aluminium. Being able to recognise such soils and the effects of acidification is important in being able to reduce further damage. Having an understanding of vulnerable areas allows council to incorporate such areas into strategic and statutory plans. Councils require a series of planning and management tools to assist with this process.

Issue

Acid sulphate soils (ASS)

Pressure

Increased development is resulting in more ASS soils being exposed

Current situation

Councils are dealing with the issue of ASS in a variety of ways. Mapping still needs improvement

Outcome

Good quality mapping of acid sulphate soils and effective management plans in place minimising the effects of ASS

Action

Does your council have good quality maps of the incidence of ASS? Is you management plan effective?