The majority of parks and public sports grounds are managed by local governments and are mostly irrigated using groundwater, which provides a low cost option.
Where groundwater is unavailable, the alternative is usually mains scheme water. However, the use of treated wastewater or stormwater can provide a viable fit-for-purpose solution for irrigating public open space. This is particularly relevant for the Perth and Mandurah areas.
In regional Western Australia, irrigating public open space with treated wastewater is common practice and has provided a cost-effective irrigation and wastewater disposal option for many years, while maintaining outdoor lifestyle and amenity.
Potential non-drinking water sources to irrigate public open space
For more information on the sources click on the links in the table.
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Source:
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Groundwater
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Stormwater
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Treated wastewater
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Supply:
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Licensed groundwater bore
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From urban runoff or stormwater drain via storage tank or indirect via MAR (+ licensed bore)
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Direct piped from WWTP
or sewer mining, or indirect
via MAR + licensed bore
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Public open space
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identified as suitable option subject to availability, adequate treatment and suitability of location
WWTP = Wastewater treatment plant
MAR = Managed aquifer recharge |
When designing a non-drinking water source project to irrigate public open space, the following needs to be considered:
- water demand based on peak usage rates
- compatibility with existing irrigation infrastructure
- current water uses that could be replaced with an alternative source
- the source and volume of water likely to be available
- storage options (below or above ground)
- level of treatment and technologies required
- acceptable risk management (public health and environment)
- costs associated with treatment, storage, transfer and distribution
- costs associated with maintenance and monitoring
- community awareness and acceptance
- required approvals.