The non-potable water is sourced from a Groundwater Intercepting Drain (GID) located under Orsino Boulevard. The intercepted water is pumped to a large underground storage tank beneath Lucretia Park. This non-potable water supply is available to residential property owners connected to the scheme and is used to irrigate public open spaces and streetscapes. Any excess water sourced from the GID is reinjected into the aquifer north of the Port Coogee development through reinjection bores.
The scheme enables groundwater that would have otherwise flowed into the ocean, to be used to irrigate public open space, streetscapes and residential properties within the Port Coogee community. The captured groundwater has elevated levels of nutrient because of market garden operations to the east of the Port Coogee development. Capturing and using this water provides a number of environmental benefits including:
- Reducing high levels of nutrient flowing into the marina
- Reduced risk of algal blooms in the marina
- Reduced reliance on scheme water
- Offset fertiliser applications to public open space and streetscapes.
The non-potable water delivered to households through the scheme is untreated groundwater. It is not treated wastewater, and does not pose the same health concerns typically associated with recycled water. The groundwater does contain elevated concentrations of nutrients and other potential contaminants, so it is important that it is only used for approved purposes.
To ensure the continued health and safety of all customers connected to the scheme, the non-potable scheme supply is only to be used for the irrigation of landscapes including lawns and gardens. The non-potable water supply must not be used for:
- Washing clothes
- Water sources for pets
- Filling of rainwater tanks
- Washing vehicles
- Showering or bathing
- Cooking or kitchen use
- Swimming pools or spas.
The City implemented a series of safeguards when the non-potable water supply scheme was first constructed. These safeguards ensured that water quality did not fall below acceptable standards because of potential groundwater contaminants.
The scheme has operated well and the water quality has proven to be safe and stable. Because of this, the City has reduced the level of compliance associated with the scheme. Many of the safeguards are no longer necessary, and the reduced costs enable the City to continue to provide the service free of charge. Water quality continues to be sampled twice a year for a range of criteria to ensure that it remains safe to use.
The supply will be temporarily disconnected in the unlikely event that water is found to be contaminated.
Every lot in Port Coogee has access to the scheme’s infrastructure just inside the property boundary. To minimise the potential for cross-connection of potable and non-potable water supplies, a separate standpipe and water meter for the irrigation (non-potable) supply will be located on the opposite side of the property to the mains (potable) supply water meter.
Property owners wanting to connect to the system will need their building plans to show non-potable and potable supply infrastructure to ensure future access to the system. Any building or hard landscaping material obstructing the connection will need to be moved before connection. Property owners are responsible for all works and costs.
Connection to the non-potable water supply system will be facilitated by a licensed plumber and comply with Australian Standards AS 3500.
The City will install an approved water meter once we have received notice that the building is occupied, and domestic irrigation infrastructure is ready for connection. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the irrigation infrastructure and keeping it in good working order to receive the water supply. Property owners are responsible for informing and providing updates about the non-potable water supply scheme to existing and new tenants.