Water Conservation

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Here in the Illawarra recent rains have been small relief after several years of very low dam storage levels. Water Restrictions have recently been eased, yet the reality is that we cannot afford to keep flushing high quality drinking water down the drain. As our city’s population grows, we need to think more carefully about how we use water in order to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh, clean water for the future.

What is Council doing about saving water?

Shellharbour City Council is committed to reducing water consumption and also to reducing negative impacts on water quality in local waterways.

In April 2003 Council joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Water Campaign to address the sustainable use of water. A Local Action Plan has been developed as a requirement of the ICLEI Water Campaign and describes the current status of water consumption and water quality protection as a result of both Council and community activities. The Plan aims to provide strategic direction for improved water management practices through the setting of water conservation and water quality goals, and the identification of specific measures required to achieve these goals.

In August 2004 Council’s commitment to water efficiency was strengthened by joining Sydney Water’s ‘Every Drop Counts’ Program. In joining the program, Council made a commitment to work towards reducing the organizations water consumption by 15%.

In February 2007, Council adopted its Water Saving Action Plan (WSAP) as a requirement under the Energy Administration Amendment (Water & Energy Savings) Act 2005. The WSAP focuses on opportunities to save water at Shellharbour City Council’s ten most water intensive facilities, which currently account for over 78% of the organisation’s use.

Additionally Council has already adopted the following initiatives to reduce water consumption throughout our operations:

Environmentally Sustainable Building Design Guidelines for Council Buildings
These Guidelines were adopted by Council in February 2004. All new Council buildings must be designed according to these guidelines using the principles of ecological sustainability. Water saving initiatives which must be considered include provision of rainwater tanks, effluent and/or grey water reuse, AAA water efficient fittings, dual flush toilets etc, and landscaping selected to minimise or negate the need for ongoing watering.

Rainwater tanks
In addition to requiring consideration of installing rainwater tanks on all new Council buildings Council has installed rainwater tanks at:

• Albion Park Rail Community Centre
• Albion Park Community Centre
• Shellharbour City Stadium
• Terry Reserve Soccer fields
• The Council Nursery
• The Council Depot Truck Wash

On site effluent reuse

• Amenities at Croom Regional sporting complex are connected to aerated waste treatment systems that treat effluent prior to use for irrigation.
• Composting toilets, which do not require a water flush, are installed at Bass Point reserve.

Dual flush toilets, AAA-showerheads and basin flow restrictors
Dual flush toilets have been installed in all Council buildings since 2000. This does not include public amenities buildings where there is a higher incidence of vandalism. Single flush toilets are being progressively retrofitted with water efficient dual flush toilets throughout facilities built prior to 2000.

AAA-rated showerheads and basin flow restrictors are also being progressively installed throughout Council facilities to achieve further water savings.

Water Conservation

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Here in the Illawarra recent rains have been small relief after several years of very low dam storage levels. Water Restrictions have recently been eased, yet the reality is that we cannot afford to keep flushing high quality drinking water down the drain. As our city’s population grows, we need to think more carefully about how we use water in order to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh, clean water for the future.

What is Council doing about saving water?

Shellharbour City Council is committed to reducing water consumption and also to reducing negative impacts on water quality in local waterways.

In April 2003 Council joined the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Water Campaign to address the sustainable use of water. A Local Action Plan has been developed as a requirement of the ICLEI Water Campaign and describes the current status of water consumption and water quality protection as a result of both Council and community activities. The Plan aims to provide strategic direction for improved water management practices through the setting of water conservation and water quality goals, and the identification of specific measures required to achieve these goals.

In August 2004 Council’s commitment to water efficiency was strengthened by joining Sydney Water’s ‘Every Drop Counts’ Program. In joining the program, Council made a commitment to work towards reducing the organizations water consumption by 15%.

In February 2007, Council adopted its Water Saving Action Plan (WSAP) as a requirement under the Energy Administration Amendment (Water & Energy Savings) Act 2005. The WSAP focuses on opportunities to save water at Shellharbour City Council’s ten most water intensive facilities, which currently account for over 78% of the organisation’s use.

Additionally Council has already adopted the following initiatives to reduce water consumption throughout our operations:

Environmentally Sustainable Building Design Guidelines for Council Buildings
These Guidelines were adopted by Council in February 2004. All new Council buildings must be designed according to these guidelines using the principles of ecological sustainability. Water saving initiatives which must be considered include provision of rainwater tanks, effluent and/or grey water reuse, AAA water efficient fittings, dual flush toilets etc, and landscaping selected to minimise or negate the need for ongoing watering.

Rainwater tanks
In addition to requiring consideration of installing rainwater tanks on all new Council buildings Council has installed rainwater tanks at:

• Albion Park Rail Community Centre
• Albion Park Community Centre
• Shellharbour City Stadium
• Terry Reserve Soccer fields
• The Council Nursery
• The Council Depot Truck Wash

On site effluent reuse

• Amenities at Croom Regional sporting complex are connected to aerated waste treatment systems that treat effluent prior to use for irrigation.
• Composting toilets, which do not require a water flush, are installed at Bass Point reserve.

Dual flush toilets, AAA-showerheads and basin flow restrictors
Dual flush toilets have been installed in all Council buildings since 2000. This does not include public amenities buildings where there is a higher incidence of vandalism. Single flush toilets are being progressively retrofitted with water efficient dual flush toilets throughout facilities built prior to 2000.

AAA-rated showerheads and basin flow restrictors are also being progressively installed throughout Council facilities to achieve further water savings.

Replacement of taps to outside showers

Early in 2004 Council began a program of replacing all outside shower taps in public reserves and beaches with taps that require continuous pressure to remain “on”. This will ensure showers only operate when required and cannot be left on.

Water Savings in Reserves and Parks

During the drought the following water saving initiatives have been adopted in Council reserves and parks:

• No annuals planted – since 2003 annual flowering plants have not been planted in City garden beds as these plants have a particularly high water demand.
• Tree planting restricted – In normal operating conditions March and April usually see a commencement of tree plantings in Council reserves etc. As a result of the drought, and to avoid non essential water demand, tree planting by Council has now been restricted to prioritised work only.
• Moisture sensors have been installed on the automated irrigation systems at Terry Reserve and John O'Dwyer Oval in the Croom Regional Sporting Complex. These sensors save water by disabling the irrigation system during wet weather.
  

Water conservation and you

Every year, on average 248 kilolitres of water is used per household in the Shellharbour Local Government Area. That equates to around 679 litres of water used daily per household (this is an average and may vary from household to household).

On average 27% of residential water consumption is used outdoors, 25% in the shower, 17% via the washing machine and 14% in the toilet. That's about 183 litres of water per day used outdoors, 170 litres per day used in the shower, 115 litres per day used in the washing machine and 95 litres per day in the toilet in every household in Shellharbour Council area.

There are many simple things that you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Take a look at our Environmental Resources page for more information on how you can reduce water consumption in your home and make a positive impact on the environment and your wallet.

For more information about water efficiency as well as up and coming Sustainable Illawarra activities and events visit the Sustainable Illawarra website.

Rainwater Tanks

Domestic water use accounts for 70% of all water consumed in the Sydney Water operating area. Interestingly, approximately 60% of all household water consumption occurs in the laundry, toilet and outdoors.

Rainwater can be used to replace mains water for a number of activities in these areas of the home. This means that installing a water tank and connecting it to your household plumbing system can make considerable water savings. However, it must be noted that rainwater is NOT suitable for human consumption, baths or showers in urban areas and areas affected by heavy traffic, incinerators, smelters or heavy industry, as airborne contaminants and other pollutants may find their way into the tank.

For information on protecting the quality of tank water download Guidance on the Use of Rainwater Tanks from the NSW Health website.

Many rainwater tanks do not require Council approval to install. These include tanks that:

• Are no larger than 10,000 litre capacity;
• Have a first flush device to keep out pollutants;
• Are a commercially available tank erected on a structurally sound stand with no excavation or fill more than 1 metre;
• Have an overall height no greater than 2.4 metre (including stand);
• Are at least 450 mm from any boundary and no closer to the street than your house;
• Have an overflow connected to the stormwater system;
• Have a sign affixed which clearly states it contains rainwater;
• Are enclosed to keep out foreign matter and creatures;
• are not used for human consumption.

Council approval MAY not be required in other circumstances but you will need to check Council’s Exempt DCP. For more information contact Council on 4221 6111.

Domestic Greywater Systems in the Shellharbour LGA

The reuse of greywater can be an important environmental initiative as it reduces the demand on mains water and also reduces sewage output, which in this area, discharges to the ocean outfall at Barrack Point after treatment by Sydney Water.

However, if greywater reuse systems are NOT managed correctly they may pose both an environmental and health risk. This is because greywater may contain pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria and other pollutants if left untreated.

If treated and managed correctly greywater can be viewed as a resource in sewered areas. However greywater irrigation must NOT be viewed as a disposal method. Please also note that under certain conditions greywater irrigation should not be carried out such as when it is raining, or when plants do not REQUIRE watering.

It is also important to recognise that many residential gardens are not large enough to dispose of all greywater collected from the property and problems will arise where areas are irrigated beyond their capacity for water and nutrient uptake.

Greywater reuse is not a matter of install and forget. Domestic greywater treatment systems and their land application systems are complex and require constant monitoring and maintenance.

Council may approve greywater reuse systems where the applicant can:

• Demonstrate active commitment to the principles of wastewater reuse in an environmentally safe manner.
• Demonstrate how they will ensure their use of the system, if approved, will not pose a threat to the environment.
• Demonstrate how their use of the system, if approved, will not pose a threat to public health or to the health of individuals.

Any person wishing to install a Greywater Reuse System should obtain a copy of the NSW Guidelines for Greywater re-use in sewered, single household residential premises located on our Environmental Resources page.

Is Council approval required to use greywater?

Washing Machine Greywater

If you wish to divert untreated greywater from your washing machine to your garden ONLY you do not require Council approval. However, please note that:

• Only wastewater from rinse cycles should be diverted for this use (water from wash cycles contain higher levels of pollutants).
• This operation should be carried out in the Shellharbour Local Government Area only in accordance with the Council’s guidelines for the Reuse of Washing Machine Water.
• A licensed plumber and drainer must carry out any variation or modification to the plumbing or fixtures.
• The installation of any greywater treatment device requires approval from Council.

Greywater from other fixtures

If you wish to reuse greywater from other fixtures (including wash hand basins, shower, bath, kitchen sink etc) you will be required to install a domestic greywater treatment system to collect, store and treat the greywater. You will also be required to obtain Council approval.

Where can I use treated greywater?

Greywater which has been treated by a domestic greywater treatment system may be used to irrigate the garden using either surface or subsurface irrigation. Treated greywater may also be used for toilet flushing and clothes washing (See Table 1). Remember:

• All plumbing for treated greywater must be separate from the mains water supply. Your plumber will be able to advise in this regard.
• You must be able to redirect all greywater to the sewer at any time. This is necessary as during rain periods, and at other times, irrigation of greywater may not be appropriate for prolonged periods.

When Can I irrigate the garden?

Although greywater may be treated with disinfectant it frequently still contains bacteria in addition to high nutrient levels and other pollutants. As a result, it must not enter adjoining properties, enter the stormwater system or enter any waterway either directly or indirectly. As overland flows caused by rainwater will collect irrigated water you must not irrigate during or following recent rain or when rain is expected.

TABLE 1 – Suitable greywater reuse application according to treatment

What approvals are required?

Before installing any wastewater treatment device, including a domestic greywater treatment system, you must obtain an approval under Section 68 – Approvals Table Part C5 of the Local Government Act and the Local Government (Approvals) Regulation.

Before operating any waste treatment device, (including a domestic greywater treatment system) you are required to obtain approval from Council under Section 68 – Approvals Table Part C6 of the Local Government Act and the Local Government (General) Regulation.

An application for both approvals should be lodged with Council simultaneously. Click here for a copy of the Sewage Management Facility – Application to Install & Operate Form for installing and operating a domestic greywater treatment system. Alternatively, you can also submit your application on-line via Shellharbour City Council’s Online Applications. First time users will be required to register.

What information should accompany my application?

• An Sewage Management Facility - Application to Install & Operate form, available from the Online Forms section of our website, with all sections completed (the section relating to site assessment does not need to be completed for greywater reuse systems).
• Two sets of specifications for the proposed system.
• A copy of the approval obtained from the Director General of the Department of Health for the proposed system (if appropriate – see next section).
• A copy of a report from an Environmental Engineer experienced in the field of wastewater management for one of systems (if appropriate – see next section).
• Two sets of site plans clearly showing the location of any irrigation area, the location of the domestic greywater treatment device and the schematic layout of all plumbing.
• Appropriate application fees.

What additional information is required to be submitted for a one off single design domestic greywater treatment system?

Prior to considering a proposal for a domestic greywater treatment system the applicant will need to submit to Council details of how the greywater will be treated to a standard suitable for the proposed reuse application. This may be done by specifying:

1. A manufactured commercially available domestic greywater treatment system accredited by NSW Health; or
2. A one off single design domestic greywater treatment system designed for that specific premise.

If a one off system is proposed you will be required to verify that the proposed design will treat the greywater to the standards specified in Table 1 for the proposed reuse. Verification may be by providing test results from systems using similar design principles under similar conditions and having similar loadings. The applicant is advised to engage an Environmental Engineer experienced in the field of Wastewater Management to assist in the design of any system. Council may request that a report from a suitably qualified Environmental Engineer is submitted with the application.

If you would like further information regarding greywater recycling please contact Council's Environmental Officers on 4221 6111.

Water Restrictions

Mandatory Water Restrictions

Level 3 mandatory water restrictions continue to apply across Sydney, Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. Restrictions apply to all Sydney Water customers including residents, business, local councils and government agencies.

A fine of $220 applies for all breaches of Level 3 restrictions by individuals. Sydney Water's Water Restrictions Patrol is carrying out random audits to ensure compliance with the exemption conditions. To further encourage compliance with restrictions, a corporation now faces a fine of $550 for each break. Fines for water theft are $2,200

Under Level 3 Restrictions:

• Hand-held hosing of lawns and gardens and drip irrigation is allowed only on Wednesdays and Sundays before 10 am and after 4 pm
• Hosing of vehicles at residential premises is permitted only with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure water cleaning equipment (to a maximum of 10L/minute)
• Hosing residential building structures including windows, walls and gutters is allowed using a hose with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure water cleaning equipment (to a maximum of 10L/minute)
• No hosing of hard surfaces such as paths or driveways at any time
• No other watering systems or sprinklers are to be used at any time
• A permit from Sydney Water is required to fill new or renovated pools bigger than 10,000 litres
• No hoses or taps to be left running unattended, except when filling pools or containers

The following are permitted at any time:

• Use of a hose with a trigger nozzle to clean cars, boats, boat engines, caravans and houses
• Use of a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle to water-in new plants. This applies on any day before 10am and after 4pm for a period of 28 days after purchase (providing a receipt can be shown on request)
• Watering your garden using a watering can or bucket at any time
• Topping up an existing a pool
• Filling a pool less than 10,000 litres capacity
• Using water from a rainwater tank, as long as it is not topped up from Sydney Water’s supply.

Recycled water, bore water and water used for testing fire systems, fire fighting and related activities are excluded from restrictions.
For further information visit the Sydney Water website.