Water Security Action Plan

Transcription

1 Water Security Action Plan Approved on: 30 May 2011 Owner: Program Manager, Sustainable City Trim Reference: ACC2011/59983 Net Review Date:

2 1. Introduction Why Has Council Developed The Water Security Action Plan? Pressure on global water supplies has intensified with population growth and the associated growth in demand for food, water and other resources. The pressures on water supplies are being further eacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Australia is eperiencing the same pressures, with declining urban water supplies and deterioration of major river systems such as the Murray Darling Basin. Within this Australian contet, the Adelaide metropolitan area has proven to be particularly vulnerable regarding water security due to the heavy reliance on the Murray River for potable water supplies 1. The demands on the Murray River system from urban and agricultural uses, coupled with long term supply pressures resulting from climate change, salinity and other water pollution issues are key drivers in the development of sustainable water management responses at a Federal, State and local government level. 2. Legislative Requirements The following sections of the Local Government Act 1999 are linked to the sustainable management of water resources: Section 6 - Principal Role of Council 6 (c) to provide and co-ordinate various public services and facilities and to develop its community and resources in a socially just and ecologically sustainable manner Section 7 - Functions of Council 7(a) to plan at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of its area; (e) to manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment in an ecologically sustainable manner, and to improve amenity. Section 8 Objectives of Council 8 (b) to be responsive to the needs, interests and aspirations of individuals and groups within its community; (d) (f) give due weight, in all its plans, policies and activities, to regional, State and national objectives and strategies concerning the economic, social, physical and environmental development and management of the community; seek to facilitate sustainable development and the protection of the environment and to ensure a proper balance within its community between economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations. The Natural Resources Act 2004 also has implications for Council s management of water resources. The Act sets out provisions for the establishment of Natural Resource Boards responsible for the management and allocation of ground and surface water resources. 1 Water for Good on average 60% of Adelaide s water is supplied from the Murray 2

3 3. Strategic Contet Adelaide City Council Council has committed to the sustainable management of water resources. Creating Our Future, City of Adelaide Strategic Plan : Outcome 6 Environmentally Sustainable City Target: Reduce Council s mains water consumption by 60% by Strategies: Transform the environmental performance of Council s operations by reducing waste, energy and water use and pursuing carbon neutrality. Reduce the City s carbon emissions, water use and waste through projects with businesses, residents and organisations. Promote stormwater recycling and grey water reuse. Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) : Outcome 2 A Water Wise City Strategic Directions: Improve the efficiency of water use in the City. Reduce run-off, retain and re-use water in buildings, businesses and the public realm. Shift to sustainable alternative water supplies that reduce reliance on traditional supplies. Council has also committed to implement a number of sustainability initiatives under the Adelaide Green City Sector Agreement. The Agreement, between the Council and the Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change, details initiatives in the areas of waste, greenhouse emissions, energy, sustainable transport and green buildings and urban design. The focus for water within the Agreement is to support the efficient use of sustainable and/or alternative water supplies, for eample by incorporating water sensitive urban design (WSUD), including stormwater retention and re-use, in significant public realm projects to maimise the capacity of the City of Adelaide to be a net contributor to the water cycle, in line with the Water for Good plan. The Water Security Action Plan aims to epand on the strategies outlined in the ESS and the Adelaide Green City Sector Agreement, establishing a suite of actions to ensure the sustainable management of water resources within the City of Adelaide, both for Council s own use and that of the wider community. Federal Government The central platform of the Australian Government s water policy is the National Water Initiative (NWI). The NWI brings together the States and Australian Government to develop a more cohesive national approach to the way Australia manages, measures, plans for, prices, and trades water. 2 2 National Water Commission 3

4 State Government The South Australian State Government s response to the water management issues facing the State has included major supply augmentation initiatives such as a desalination plant and a number of recycled water schemes, including the Glenelg Adelaide Pipeline (GAP). These and other strategies are detailed in the State Government s Water for Good Strategy, which outlines the State Government s plan to ensure the State s water supplies are secure, safe, reliable and able to sustain continued growth for at least the net 40 years. The Water for Good strategy outlines the following targets: By 2025 Up to 35 GL per annum of stormwater to be harvested in urban South Australia for non-drinking purposes 50 GL per annum of recycled wastewater in urban South Australia to be used for non-drinking purpose By 2050 The capacity to recycle at least 60 GL per annum of stormwater for non-drinking purposes, with a target of up to 15 GL per annum in regional areas A minimum of 75 GL per annum of the wastewater generated in South Australian urbanised areas to be recycled for non-drinking purposes To be using 50 GL per annum less water in Greater Adelaide by 2050 than would have been the case without the implementation of the conservation measures in the Water for Good plan including water sensitive urban design (WSUD) Cities will be net contributors to the water cycle through improving water use and diversifying water supplies. Regional Stormwater Plans Council is currently involved in the development of the Eastern Region Urban Stormwater Plan and the Brownhill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Plan. Each of the plans is primarily focused on flood mitigation and water quality issues. However, the plans also have implications for water security and supplies in identifying opportunities for the re-use of stormwater, in particular through the development of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) schemes. 4. Principles The principles of integrated water management and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) underlie the actions and targets within the ESS and the Water Security Action Plan. This entails the management of water resources and environments that seek to ensure the whole water cycle is considered in decision making and incorporates the following water management strategies: Minimising water consumption. Reusing and recycling water. Reducing pollution and waste water generation. Reducing and retaining stormwater run-off. Utilising diverse and local supplies of water where appropriate. Consideration of energy consumption requirements of water sources and treatments. The Water Security Action Plan has been developed in line with Council s Biodiversity and Water Quality Plan to ensure that all aspects of the water cycle and sustainable water management are captured. 4

5 Broader environmental benefits and impacts have also been considered in determining actions and targets within the Water Security Action Plan. For eample, increasing the use of GAP water is a focus within the Water Security Action Plan as there are significant additional environmental benefits for coastal water systems through the use of recycled water from the GAP, in avoiding disposal of treated effluent to the marine environment. Additionally, links to Council s Energy Action Plan and energy efficiency outcomes have been considered and incorporated. 5. Water Use In The City Of Adelaide The Greater Adelaide region used approimately 163 GL 3 of mains water in This represented approimately 73 per cent of South Australia s total annual mains water consumption 4. The sections below outline the proportion of total water use contributed by Council operations and the broader community within the City of Adelaide. Community Water Use Water consumption in the City of Adelaide has been relatively consistent since 2006/07, averaging approimately 6.6 GL per year (Figure 1). This represents 4% of Greater Adelaide s total water consumption (163GL). Figure 1: Total Water Consumption City Of Adelaide 2006/ /10 5 The water consumption profile for the City of Adelaide demonstrates a much lower component of residential use and higher proportion of commercial and non-residential compared to the Greater Adelaide region (Figure 2). This has implications for Council in targeting programs to reduce mains water consumption within the City. 3 One GL (gigalitre) is one billion litres of water. One ML (megalitre) is one million litres of water 4 Water for Good 5 SA Water 5

6 Figure 2: Water Use Profiles: City Of Adelaide And Greater Adelaide Council Water Use Total mains water consumption by Adelaide City Council in the baseline year of 2006/07 was 1061ML. The subsequent introduction of water restrictions resulted in a moderate reduction in mains water consumption in 2007/08 and 2008/09 (Figure 3). In 2009/10 many Park Lands sites were converted to the eclusive use of recycled water through the GAP project. This resulted in a significant reduction in mains water consumption in 2009/10 (Figure 4). Figure 3: Total Water Consumption Adelaide City Council 2006/ /10 The combined impact of water restrictions and introduction of the GAP scheme has meant that in 2009/10 Council achieved its target of reducing mains water consumption by 60% from 2006/07 levels. Total mains water (non-recycled) consumption will remain significantly lower than the baseline year as a result of the shift to GAP water for significant areas of the Park Lands. 6

7 Overall, the majority of Council s water consumption occurs at a relatively small number of sites 90% of water is consumed at only 50 sites 6 (sites consuming over 2000KL in 09/10), with the majority for Park Lands use. The remaining 10% of water is consumed at the remaining 380 sites. A total of 340ML of mains water was consumed by Council In 2009/10. Remaining mains water consumption includes: Council buildings including Council operated and leased buildings. Remaining Park Lands use including irrigated areas not connected to GAP (for eample most of the City s squares) or unable to use GAP water due to the suitability of the water quality. Wingfield Waste and Recycling Centre in 2009/10 Wingfield Waste and Recycling Centre used 33.5ML, approimately 10% of Councils total mains water consumption. Council is currently in the process of divesting the Centre. Table 1 highlights the top 10 buildings based on total mains water consumption representing 37% of mains water consumption. Table 1: Top 10 Ranked Water Consuming Council Buildings And Facilities In 2009/10 Council Facility Mains Water Use (KL) 2009/10 % Total Mains Water Use Adelaide Aquatic Centre % Central Market % James Place public conveniences Rundle Road public conveniences % % Town Hall % Adelaide Central Bus Station % Rundle UPark % CLC office building % Topham UPark % Grenfell UPark % Total % Council also uses significant volumes of River Torrens water for irrigation. The main use of this water is for irrigation of Council s North Adelaide Golf Course. The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Natural Resources Board are currently preparing a Water Allocation Plan (WAP) for the Central and Northern Adelaide Plains, which incorporates the City of Adelaide. When complete this WAP will set the limits of future water use available from surface and ground water. If required, Council will review its River Torrens water consumption in line with provisions outlined in the WAP. 6 Individual sites as identified by SA Water accounts 7

8 6. Water Reduction Targets Adelaide City Council Due to the shift of much of Council s Park Lands water consumption to GAP recycled water, a central strategy of the Water Security Action Plan is on reducing remaining mains water consumption. There remain significant opportunities for additional Council mains water savings, including: Water efficiency measures in buildings and facilities Additional use of GAP water Rainwater and stormwater harvesting and reuse for buildings and public realm Based on these opportunities Council has developed the following mains water consumption target: Council will reduce mains water consumption by 30% from 2009/10 levels by Community Council has the capacity to support the community and influence the management of water resources in the city through a number of mechanisms, including: Community education programs Incentives Development of partnerships with government and private organisations Funding of projects on Council property that are leased to the community Council residential development projects Development approvals processes Advocacy of water resources is the responsibility of several government and nongovernment organisations, for eample, SA Water and the AMLNRMB. Fostering partnerships with these organisations is essential to the development and delivery of sustainable water management programs. The Water Security Action Plan contains actions to contribute to reducing water use in the community. To inform and direct these strategies and actions it is preferable to have an agreed target for the reduction of mains water use. Council will continue to work with the State Government and SA Water to investigate the development of a mains water reduction target for the City in 2011/12. 8

9 Increase Efficiency Run-off Reduction And Reuse Water Recycling 7. Action Plan Key actions for achieving the Action Plan s corporate targets are: Reducing water consumption in the highest consumption sites especially the Adelaide Aquatic Centre and Central Market Developing sustainability guidelines and standards for Council s asset management and renewal programs Identifying and delivering opportunities for stormwater and recycled water use in Council s buildings, facilities and public realm Specific actions are provided below. Description of Action Budget ($ 000s) Timeframe Priority Responsibility 1. Reduce Council s mains water use 1.1 Implement a prioritised retrofit program of water efficiency measures in Council buildings A sample audit of Council facilities has identified significant opportunities to reduce potable water consumption by retrofitting water efficient fittings, such as 4 star toilets, 5 star taps (and flow restrictors) and 3 star showerheads. 50 per year Ongoing High Strategic Assets and Property 1.2 Develop minimum sustainability standards, guidelines and an asset rating system for all major strategic projects and assets managed by Council Guidelines can be used as standard contract requirement for capital works projects and to set minimum standards for sustainability performance. Rating the sustainability performance of Council assets would enable this to be factored into the forward planning of capital works. (15) /12 High Sustainable City Strategic Assets and Property 1.3 Identify and implement opportunities for stormwater and rainwater harvesting and reuse in Council buildings and the public realm To reduce mains water consumption and demonstrate reuse applications to the community. Projects will include: Council buildings and facilities Park Lands and public realm not serviced by the GAP Dependa nt on scale of system Ongoing Med Sustainable City Strategic Assets and Property Budget figures in brackets are cost estimates and are not currently included in Council s Business Plan and Budget 1 Aligned with Action 1.2 of the Energy Action Plan 9

10 Increase Efficiency Run-off Reduction And Reuse Water Recycling Description of Action Budget ($ 000s) Timeframe Priority Responsibility 1.4 Implement water treatment and reuse component of the Victoria Square redevelopment The Victoria Square redevelopment contains plans for a stormwater treatment and harvesting system to be used for turf irrigation and toilet use. 2, / /14 High City Design and Character 1.5 Undertake a water and energy audit of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre and Central Market The Adelaide Aquatic Centre and Central Market account for approimately 25% of Council s mains water consumption. Detailed audits are essential for identifying actions to reduce water and energy use and to ensure future facility upgrades incorporate best practice sustainability principles. 1.6 Review metering of water accounts throughout the City and remove/install meters, where required Appropriate monitoring and metering of water consumption is necessary for making decisions about water use, encouraging efficiency and managing water costs. The meter review will: Improve monitoring and allocation of water use Assist in the completion of water audits and identification of water saving actions, particularly in larger consuming facilities Decommission disused meters Ensure appropriate use (75) /12 High Active City (20) per year Complete by 2016 High Sustainable City Strategic Assets and Property Sustainable City Strategic Assets and Property 1.7 Investigate opportunities to improve water efficiency and reuse stormwater at operational sites Operational sites such as the London Road Depot and Council Nursery have potential to use a greater percentage of alternative water supplies due to the ability to use non-mains water for a number of uses (eg street sweeping and irrigation). N/A 2012/ /14 Med Sustainable City 1 Aligned with Action 1.5 of the Energy Action Plan 10

11 Increase Efficiency Run-off Reduction And Reuse Water Recycling Description of Action Budget ($ 000s) Timeframe Priority Responsibility 1.8 Complete a feasibility study into connecting Council buildings into the GAP GAP water is approved to be used in buildings for cooling towers and toilets use. The feasibility study will eplore: Connection and infrastructure costs Technical considerations Opportunities for precinct scale connection/project delivery (50) 2012/13 Med Sustainable City 1.9 Develop policy, guidelines and implementation program for the integration of WSUD into Council capital works and Park Lands upgrades To outline the proposed aims, applications and locations for the integration of WSUD into the public realm. TBD 2011/ /13 High Sustainable City City Design and Character 1.10 Continue to maimise the efficiency of water use in the Park Lands This will be achieved through the following actions: Prioritise gardens and landscaping with low water use requirements Use of appropriate irrigation systems for location (eg drip) and minimum distribution uniformity of 75% for surface irrigation systems 1.11 Review golf course water consumption following completion of the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Natural Resources Board Water Allocation Plan (WAP) Golf course irrigation is primarily sourced from Torrens water. Long term supplies to the golf course will be reviewed following the development of the WAP. Incorpora ted into eisting programs N/A Ongoing Med Public Realm Following completion of WAP Med City Design and Character Capital Works and Infrastructure Sustainable City Active City 11

12 Increase Efficiency Run-off Reduction and Reuse Water Recycling Description of Action Budget ($ 000s) Timeframe Priority Responsibility 2. Reduce the Community s Mains Water Use 2.1 Establish a water reduction target for the City in conjunction with the State Government 2.2 Encourage and support Council lease holders to connect to the GAP Council can support remaining lease holders using mains or bore water in connecting to the GAP through assisting in the management of the regulatory and approvals process. 2.3 Provide incentives for the installation of water tanks at residential properties In 2011/12 residents will be eligible for a $500 rebate for installing rainwater tanks with a minimum capacity of 2000L. The incentive scheme will be reviewed in 2011/ Establish a community and business sustainable water education program in line with broader sustainable education initiatives In line with the Energy Action Plan recommendations, Council will review the key sectors of the community to focus future education and engagement initiatives. 2.5 Develop WSUD guidelines for new developments and advocate for the incorporation of WSUD principles and standards into the Development Plan To assist and encourage developers to incorporate rain and stormwater harvesting, water recycling, stormwater treatment and water efficiency measures into new developments. 2.6 Encourage new large scale developments to connect into the GAP Investigate strategies to encourage new developments to use GAP recycled water (eg incentives, Development Plan). N/A 2011/12 Med Sustainable City N/A Ongoing High Sustainable City Active City 50 1 Ongoing High Sustainable City N/A 2011/12 Med Sustainable City (20) 2012/13 Med Sustainable City N/A Ongoing Med City Design and Character Sustainable City Budget figures in brackets are cost estimates and are not currently included in Council s Business Plan and Budget 1 Aligned with Action 7.3 of the Energy Action Plan 12

13 Increase Efficiency Run-off Reduction and Reuse Water Recycling Description of Action Budget ($ 000s) Timeframe Priority Responsibility 2.7 Ensure best practice sustainability principles are incorporated into Council housing developments 2.8 Establish sustainability guidelines for events to reduce energy and water consumption and waste generation 2.9 Investigate opportunities for using GAP water for events The increasing number and popularity of events, which often require additional temporary amenities, will consume increasing volumes of water (eg temporary toilets at the Fringe and Garden of Unearthly Delights). This presents opportunities for water saving and public engagement. N/A 1 Ongoing High Sustainable City Residential Development (5) /12 Med Sustainable City Event N/A 2012/13 Med Sustainable City Event Capital Works and infrastructure Priority Rating Criteria The following Priority Criteria ratings were developed to assist with the Business Plan and Budget allocation process. High (H) Medium (M) Low (L) - has a specific timeframe or legally needs to occur by a certain time - as per High but with more fleibility regarding timeframe and resourcing - not timeframe specific - is critical for the delivery of the overall Strategy - not critical for the delivery of the overall Strategy - has a Council commitment for significant Council resources and/or budget - has a specific Business Plan Action and clear measurable Output 1 Aligned with Action 5.2 of the Energy Action Plan 2 Aligned with Action 6.3 of the Energy Action Plan 13

14 8. Key Performance Indicators 30% mains water reduction by 2016 from 2009/10 levels. Proportion of actions included in Business Plan & Budget (90% by June 2015). Proportion of Actions completed or in progress (90% by January 2016). Council water use reported annually (by October of the following financial year). 9. Monitoring and Implementation Primary responsibility for delivery of the Water Security Action Plan rests with the Program Manager Sustainable City. The responsibility of implementing projects within the Action Plan rests with several programs across Council as detailed in the Action Plan under responsibilities. The progress of implementation of the Plan will be determined by measuring annual water consumption and actions completed. Actions will be reviewed based on progress relative to the 30% reduction target. SA Water data has been used to establish the baseline and ongoing tracking of water consumption for Council and the Community. 10. Review The Sustainable City Program will report on the progress of the Plan annually and the plan will be reviewed after a period of 3 years. 11. Revision History Revision Summary Ver 0.1 Approval Date ELG Council or Committee Draft for City Development and Sustainability Committee 3 May 2011 Decision Number TRIM Reference ACC2011/59983 Related Policy Documents 14