Water use
Residents of Canberra use 174 to 192 kL of mains water per person per year. More than half this water is used in detached homes and nearly half of that (43% or approximately 23% of the total) is used outdoors, mostly on gardens. A small amount of greywater and tank water is also used. Some 29 000 ML of effluent is treated each year. ActewAGL also re-uses some greywater in their plant (~2000 ML/y).
Rural and some commercial properties use non-reticulated supplies of water – rainwater collected in tanks and dams, and groundwater from bores. The amount of rainwater collected in tanks and dams is not monitored or recorded. Bore water is extracted only under licence and is limited to not more than 10% of the recharge rate.
This target is taken from the ACT plan Think water, act water. It aims to increase per capita water use efficiency of the ACT. Overall increasing demand for water means that active involvement from all sectors of the community in innovative and educated approaches is required.
Water-sensitive urban design is a way to counter the massive changes (e.g. loss of clean water, altered run-off patterns and volumes, and polluted stormwater) that urban development imposes on the natural water cycle. It includes:
- using water-efficient techniques and technology (e.g. triple A-rated water devices, rainwater tanks and greywater recycling)
- managing stormwater quality and quantity through ponds and wetlands, filter strips, and maximising permeable surfaces and
- re-using waste water through larger-scale sewage treatment schemes and recycled domestic greywater.
All new developments and redevelopments in the ACT must adhere to water-sensitive urban design principles. Where feasible (economic, social and physical), retro-fitting of existing properties also follows these guidelines.