Water and Sanitation

Central Highlands sustainable water strategy

Independent review of coal mine risks

Integrated Resource Planning for Urban Water

Kinglake West sustainable sewerage project: Mutual learning for social change

Water park precinct

Central Highlands sustainable water strategy
Client: Central Highlands Regional Water Authority
The Institute was asked to review the demand management (DM) strategy that it had developed for Central Highlands Water (CHW) in 2006. Many elements of the strategy have successfully been implemented and a review was needed to take into account the many changes in the region since 2006. These included supply augmentation, customer behaviour change and the success of the DM program so far. Suggestions for short term and long term DM options were made as part of the review. These options were rated on a semi-quantitative scale comprising, total unit cost ($/ML), water saving potential, degree of community reach, greenhouse and energy savings and health risks. The Review enabled CHW to implement a Garden Smart outdoor water saving program and also provided input to the next water plan that takes into account a changed supply-demand context and the need to adapt to step climate change. This will ensure community and corporate sustainability expectations can be met through supporting water conservation as restrictions are eased.

Independent review of coal mine risks
Client: Total Environment Centre

The Total Environment Centre (TEC) engaged ISF researchers to provide an independent review of the Environmental Risk Assessment methodology that had been employed as part of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed Wallarah 2 Coal Project. Referring to potential environmental risks, the NSW Planning Minister rejected the proposal that would have seen the development of an underground longwall coal mine beneath the Dooralong and Yarramolong Valleys in the Wyong Shire on the NSW Central Coast. The Institute’s review drew upon the Australian and New Zealand Standards for risk assessment to specifically examine the rigour of the methodology employed in identifying, assessing and evaluating the risks associated with the proposed mine. The results of the review informed a submission by the TEC to the NSW Planning Assessment Commission which found merit in a number of ISF’s key arguments.

Integrated Resource Planning for Urban Water
Client: National Water Commission

Two years of research into integrated resource planning for urban water led to the development of resources and tools to assist practitioners in the urban water sector dealing with emerging issues in supply-demand planning. These resources will help urban water providers and government agencies determine more accurately how much water is used in their region, how much water is available (while protecting environmental and social values) and how they can best provide water services in the future. Knowledge transfer and capacity building were an important part of the project and a series of workshops were held Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville and Perth to showcase the research to stakeholders. The research led to an update and expansion of the Guide to Demand Management and Integrated Resource Planning previously developed for the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA). A series of resource papers dealing with issues such as climate change, demand forecasting, monitoring and evaluation and sustainability assessment have also been written. Two case studies demonstrate the application of Integrated Resource Planning. The project was a collaboration between the National Water Commission, the Institute for Sustainable Futures, CSIRO, Brisbane City Council, Wagga Wagga City Council, Riverina Water and the Water Services Association of Australia.

The Integrated Supply- Demand (iSDP) model is an urban water supply-demand planning tool. The tool allows the development of detailed water demand forecasts based on either disaggregated end uses, (e.g. showering, toilet flushing) or sectors (e.g. residential commercial, industrial) and also the modelling and assessment of both demand and supply options. It provides a means for analysing and presenting portfolios of options to support supply-demand decision making.
The iSDP model was originally developed by Sydney Water Corporation and then up-dated by CSIRO and the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) under the auspices of WSAA. As part of the Integrated Resource Planning for Urban Water project, which was funded by the National Water Commission, the iSDP model was significantly updated. The new version has additional features and is now much more user friendly with an intuitive interface. This makes it more useable for mid size and smaller utilities as well as current users in major metropolitan centres. To access the model contact Louise.Boronyak@uts.edu.au or 02 9514 4974

Resources:

Integrated resource planning for urban water. Fact sheet prepared for the National Water Commission's Raising National Water Standards Program, March 2011

Turner, A.J., Willetts, J.R., Fane, S.A., Giurco, D., Chong, J., Kazaglis, A. & White, S. 2010, 'Guide to Demand Management and Integrated Resource Planning (update on original 2008 Guide)', Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Sydney,

Fane et al, University of Technology Sydney, 2011. Integrated resource planning for urban water—resource papers, Waterlines report, National Water Commission, Canberra

Case study: Integrated resource planning for urban water - Wagga Wagga, Intitute for Sustainable Futures, Waterlines Report Series No. 41, Section 7, March 2011.

Case study: Integrated resource planning for urban water - Cabbage Tree Creek, Brisbane City Council & Marsden Jacobs, Waterline Report Series No. 41, Section 6, March 2011.

Kinglake West sustainable sewerage project: Mutual learning for social change
Yarra Valley Water
The Kinglake sustainable sewerage project is a trial of alternative sewerage services for Kinglake West households (Victoria). Recruited residents have installed urine diverting toilets (UDTs), onsite treatment of greywater for non potable reuse, and STEP/STEG systems for blackwater management. The project aims to identify the experiences, practices and attitudes of householders to using UDTs. The research has involved developing a suite of engagement tools for households to ensure appropriate use and maintenance of UDT systems. A user manual and signage for residents will therefore encourage easy operation and maintenance of UDTs and the associated systems. The methodology for the research included a literature review of user manuals for UDTs; pre- and post-installation interviews with householders adopting UD systems; the use of diaries for householders to track their experiences over a two month period; workshops for residents and other key stakeholders and a wrap-up focus group. The Institute and Yarra Valley Water have developed a collaborative relationship in piloting UDTs with Yarra Valley Water sponsoring a UDT pilot project at UTS. Both the Kinglake and UTS trial contributes to the limited literature on whole of system design of UD systems, while documenting the experience of users in both an institutional and residential setting in Australia.

Water park precinct
Client: Western Sydney Parklands Trust

The Institute’s expertise in the latest and best sustainability practices in water, energy and waste management was called upon to develop Environmental Management Guidelines for a water theme park proposed for western Sydney. The Guidelines recommend actions that could be taken by the water park’s owners and operators to enhance the park’s environmental performance. Many of the actions could, if implemented, provide net financial benefits to the park’s operators in addition to achieving positive environmental outcomes. The challenge in creating a sustainable water theme park lies in using water as efficiently as possible and using alternative water supplies while maintaining the recreational value of the park. In conjunction with water efficiency measures, there are also opportunities to integrate water management at the park with energy and waste systems to maximise efficiency and minimise waste products across water, energy and waste. Incorporating energy management from the early planning stages of the project was recommended to enable integration of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) management practices into all phases of the proposed development, in order to minimise energy use and the overall impact of energy used at the park.

An independent review of the need for the Tillegra Dam and assessment of likely impacts

Expert Review: Strata and community title governance of decentralised wastewater systems

Identification of industrial ecology opportunities in Melbourne

Knowledge networks in the water sanitation and hygiene sector

Review of South East Queensland end use study

Sustainability advice to Frasers Property Australia for development of Broadway site

The water-energy nexus: literature review and field investigation into the energy implications of household rainwater systems

An independent review of the need for the Tillegra Dam and assessment of likely impacts
Funded by: The Wilderness Society, Newcastle and philanthropic donations

The Institute was commissioned to conduct an independent review of water supply-demand planning in the lower Hunter Valley region and Central Coast of New South Wales. This was in response to concerns about a plan by Hunter Water Corporation to build the Tillegra dam on the Williams River. In this review, Institute researchers reassessed Hunter Water’s demand calculations and critiqued the assumptions used in the supply calculations. Following the release of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Tillegra Dam in late August 2009, the Institute prepared a second report regarding the treatment of greenhouse gas emissions in the EA. This second report presented a calculation of the potential emissions based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recommended methodology for reservoir surface emissions. The Institute also set out its concerns regarding the EA for the proposed dam in a submission to the New South Wales Department of Planning. Hunter Water subsequently prepared a response to all submissions to the EA with specific reference to the Institute’s submission. The Institute answered the key concerns raised by the Corporation in this document. The Institute’s research found water demand could be met without building the dam and there are easier and less expensive solutions to meeting a growing demand for water. On 28 November 2010, the Premier Kristina Keneally announced that no further plans for a dam in the Hunter would be considered after receiving an assessment of the proposal from the Department of Planning.

Reports associated with this project:

Fane, S.A., Retamal, M.L. & White, S. 2009, An independent review of the need for Tillegra Dam, [prepared for The Wilderness Society Newcastle], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download

Fane, S.A. 2009, An assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed Tillegra Dam, [prepared for The Wilderness Society], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download

Fane, S.A., Retamal, M.L. & White, S. 2009, Submission to the Department of Planning regarding Tillegra Dam proposal environmental assessment report, Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download

Fane, S.A., White, S. & Retamal, M.L. 2010, Response to Hunter Water 's submission to the Department of Planning regarding its application to build a dam at Tillegra on the Williams River, [prepared for The Wilderness Society Newcastle], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download

Expert Review: Strata and community title governance of decentralised wastewater systems
Griffith University
The National Water Commission is interested in the role of decentralised wastewater systems. These systems hold great promise as an integral part of our urban water systems. In order for such systems to meet public health and environmental outcomes, good governance is key. Griffith University undertook a project for the National Water Commission to consider the regulatory framework, in theory and practice, for such systems from a strata and community title perspective across Australia. This perspective is critical because many new systems are being, or are likely to be, installed under these conditions, and the regulatory frameworks are currently inadequate. Professor Cynthia Mitchell was invited to act as an expert reviewer for the final report from the project. Her review concluded that this complex area requires significantly more work to provide clear, prudent paths that will allow the successful installation and operation of small scale wastewater systems capable of providing improved sustainability outcomes for all stakeholders.

Identification of industrial ecology opportunities in Melbourne
Research was undertaken to identify industrial ecology opportunities in Melbourne seeking to increase resource use efficiency. A literature review was undertaken to inform the development of a structured methodology and tool to map the potential of industry sectors and confirmed through stakeholder workshops. A case study of the most promising industrial ecology opportunity was developed which brought together the costs, opportunities and barriers in the context of possible options that could be implemented. This case study focused primarily on water recycling opportunities between a group of co-located companies in Port Melbourne, also identifying possible energy synergies and emphasising water-energy linkages. The results of this case study were presented at a workshop involving a range of stakeholders including the companies at the site, water utilities, and the Smart Water Fund. A significant outcome of the project is that further work will be undertaken by the utility and the companies involved to explore implementation pathways and future opportunities. This project was undertaken in collaboration with Curtin University, Melbourne University and RMIT.

Knowledge networks in the water sanitation and hygiene sector
Funded by: AusAID

Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships Mr Iftikhar Hussain from Pakistan took up a five month research fellowship with the Institute supported by an AusAID Australian Leadership Award. During his Fellowship, Iftikhar’s research focussed on the critical issue of capacity development in the water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector and more specifically, the role of effective knowledge networks in the sector. He worked with ISF researchers on a program designed to improve WASH capacity development in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The research team undertook an analysis of the effectiveness of different types of knowledge networks in the Asia-Pacific region. They developed criteria for “effectiveness”, and then assessed how existing networks perform against the criteria relevant to them as well as analysing critical enabling and constraining factors. While participating in this research, Iftikhar collaborated closely with the Australian Water and Sanitation Reference group – a community of practice of non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and the Australian Water industry.

Hussain, H., Willetts, J.R. & Carrard, N.R. 2009, ’Knowledge networks in the water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in south east Asia and the Pacific’, Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia.
View/Download

Review of South East Queensland end use study
Client: Griffith University
An independent review of the methodology used in a Residential End Use Study for South East Queensland (SEQ) was conducted by Institute researchers for the the Urban Water Security Research Alliance. The study collected and analysed water usage data from a sample of 400 residents in order to gain an understanding of how and why Australians use water in their homes and provide a foundation for future water policy. Recommendations, based on the Institute’s knowledge of residential end use modelling and monitoring, were made in relation to the smart metering and logging technologies used in the study. Recommendations on study design and sample sizes, and the best ways to maximise benefits and minimise risks were also made. Links to other relevant projects were identified and issues to be clarified were highlighted. As part of the review process, the Institute hosted a workshop in which key stakeholders and specialists were brought together to assess the program and discuss synergies with other research.

Sustainability advice to Frasers Property Australia for development of Broadway site
Elton Consulting
The Institute and Elton Consulting were commissioned by Frasers Property Australia to provide advice on improving the sustainability of the Frasers Broadway development. The former site of the Carlton and United Brewery is being developed to provide a mix of residential, commercial, retail and public spaces. The developer, Frasers Property, is committed to delivering a landmark green precinct on the western edge of Sydney's CBD. ISF worked in partnership with Elton Consulting and other consultants to identify sustainability opportunities for the site, focusing particularly on reductions in energy use, water use, solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Our work included detailed modelling of site energy and water use and options for reducing energy and water use, participation in stakeholder consultation processes, liaison with regulatory authorities, research on innovative sustainability options for the site and provision of high-level advice on sustainability strategies for the site. For further information on the Frasers Broadway development, see http://www.frasersbroadway.com.au/broadway/ (opens an external site)

The water-energy nexus: literature review and field investigation into the energy implications of household rainwater systems
The first part of this project was to explore the links between water and energy in water infrastructure. ISF's literature review identified two scales of water energy nexus studies: macro level, or city scale interaction between water and energy systems and micro level, with focus on water-energy interactions within a system component. The review also noted different perspectives, such as from the energy generation, water production or systems perspectives. This literature review revealed a paucity of information regarding the energy consumption of emerging water infrastructure, which led to the next phase of primary data gathering.The second part of this project involved field monitoring of a spectrum of household rainwater systems in terms of water produced and energy consumed. This investigation produced a range of results for the energy intensities of different types of rainwater system configurations. The energy intensity of a typical household rainwater system was found to be 1.5 kWh/kL on average. Preliminary indications on the characteristics of systems with either low or high energy intensities were also identified. This study and subsequent research is aimed at providing useful guidance to inform policy regarding the the implementation of emerging water systems.

Retamal, M.L., Abeysuriya, K.R., Turner, A.J., White, S. 2009, Water energy nexus literature review, [prepared for CSIRO], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download paper (PDF 346.54KB)

Retamal, M.L., Glassmire, J., Abeysuriya, K.R., Turner, A.J. & White, S. 2009, The Water-Energy Nexus: investigation into the energy implications of household rainwater systems, [prepared for CSIRO], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, Australia. View/Download paper (PDF 1.61MB)

ACT program evaluation: residential water savings

Barangaroo Development sustainability framework

Development of an integrated water supply-demand planning model for Adelaide

Development of an integrated supply/demand model for the Australian Capital Territory

Demand management training in Alexandria, Egypt

Estimating the marginal cost of water supply

EU SWITCH - demand management training in Alexandria, Egypt

Evaluation of energy and water savings from WaterFix retrofits

Evaluation of the One to One Program

The full spectrum: estimating real costs of urban water

Guide to Demand Management

Impact of urban water conservation strategies on end use water consumption in residential households

National rainwater and greywater initiative - input into design of rebates for households and Surf Life Saving Clubs

North Eveleigh water management plan

Showerhead exchange

Smart Water Fund: innovative end use measurement

ACT program evaluation: residential water savings
Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS)
A water provider in the ACT, the Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) commissioned ISF to conduct an evaluation into the water savings achieved by various water tune-up programs and rebates. The project aimed to determine the effectiveness of the TAMS water savings programs in meeting its demand management objectives.

Barangaroo Development sustainability framework
Client: Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA)

The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) invited Institute researchers to develop a sustainability framework and conduct energy and water infrastructure modelling for the Barangaroo renewal project being managed by SHFA at the site formerly known as East Darling Harbour. A concept plan for the mix of commercial, residential, tourist, retail and community uses for this 22-hectare land parcel on Sydney Harbour was endorsed by the Minister in February 2007. This plan makes a commitment to pursuing the highest environmental return possible in terms of water, power and waste technology, as well as environmental building and design excellence processes. The Institute developed a framework featuring six overarching principles to guide future development of the site. This framework was used by the ISF researchers as they developed detailed models for energy and water infrastructure for the site that looked at ways of absolutely minimising demand through high level efficiency, such as water- free cooling and vacuum toilets, as well as interesting ways of meeting that demand, for example, site-wide co-generation of heat and electricity, on site energy storage, water recycling and use of roof water for showering. The report on water options included models for precinct wide flows (demands, potable, greywater, stormwater, rainwater) These details were then used to provide a quantity surveyor with the information required to cost different options. A workshop was held to further discuss targets and options, and develop options to a level of detail that would enable creation of a conceptual design for the Barangaroo site. Following the development of a conceptual design by an engineering firm, a joint preliminary costing exercise was conducted by the engineering firm and ISF. The preliminary costing provided a sense of whether the market could cope with the proposed targets and options. More information on the development of the Barangaroo site can be found at http://www.barangaroo.com/

Development of an integrated water supply-demand planning model for Adelaide
SA Water Corporation
This project was undertaken for the South Australian Water Corporation. The project involved the development of a detailed end use based demand forecasting and options model based on the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) integrated supply demand planning (iSDP) model. The project included the development of the iSDP model, a climate correction model and indicative suite of supply and demand-side options. It also included training of staff in the principles of Integrated Resource Planning and how to use the iSDP model as a future water planning tool.

Development of an integrated supply/demand model for the Australian Capital Territory
ACTEW Corporation Limited
The ACT Integrated Supply Demand Planning Model (ISDP) Study involved the development of a detailed water demand forecasting and options model. The options reflect the suite of responses to supply/ demand imbalances as forecast by the model, and include both supply-side and demand management options. The project was commissioned by Actew Corporation, and was co-funded by ActewAGL and the ACT Government's Office of Sustainability.
The objectives were: 1) To build a detailed water demand forecasting model based on an end-use approach; an associated options model, building on ISF's previous work for ACTEW; and a user friendly tool (ISDP model) to aid in water planning decision making; 2) To develop a wide range of options (e.g. water efficiency, source substitution, reuse and supply) developed and assessed using integrated resource planning); 3) To assess options in terms of costs, benefits and sustainability to aid both short and long- term decision-making; 4) To deliver a tool that can be integrated with other ACT tools (e.g. climate correction and yield models), and helps the water efficiency team to track demand management options and identify future budget requirements. The project used the existing Water Services of Australia (WSAA) software for end-use modelling, the" ISDP model". A unique feature of the study was the active engagement of ACT staff in the development of the model, with a view of building in-house capacity and end-use modelling expertise. The final model, consisting of an end-use forecasting module and an options module (including levelised cost estimates and estimates of greenhouse gas emisisons and energy use for each option) was delivered to the client in July 2007. With the capacity and expertise gathered in this collaborative project, ACT staff is well-placed to further populate and develop the ISDP model to address future water planning needs of the ACT

Demand management training in Alexandria, Egypt
Loughborough University
This EU-SWITCH funded project aims to build critically needed knowledge in urban demand management internationally. The project will provide training in demand management in Alexandria, Egypt, a demonstration city of the larger EU-SWITCH project. The training will be carried out by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) in collaboration with the Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC), Loughborough University, UK, who are leading the demand management theme of the EU-SWITCH project. The training aims to promote the use of demand management as essential cost-effective alternatives to supply-side planning. Increasing water scarcity means that over the coming years the capacity to undertake appropriate economic analysis and deliver successful demand management programs that conserve water will be essential to securing urban water supply. The training materials developed for Alexandria will be adapted for other demonstration cities and used more widely through other EU-funded training activities and also for planned on-going actions of the International Water Association (IWA) International Demand Management Framework (IDMF) project.

Estimating the marginal cost of water supply
Rous Water
The aim of this project was to obtain an updated estimate of the marginal cost of water supply in the Rous region, based on the existing plans for water supply augmentation in the region, which include the Wilsons River source (pumping from the Wilsons River, local treatment including microfiltration and supply to the system) as well as a future off-stream storage at Dunoon. The research involved analysis of the existing estimates of demand provided by a recent study undertaken by GeoLink Pty Ltd, as well as data on the capital and operating costs of the Wilsons River source and Dunoon Dam. The research concluded that the marginal cost of water had increased significantly since it was last estimated in 1997, and that this was mainly due to the high capital cost and proposed timeline for Dunoon Dam, and that the marginal cost was very sensitive to assumptions regarding the demand forecasts as well as Dunoon Dam timing.

EU SWITCH - demand management training in Alexandria, Egypt
Loughborough University
This EU-SWITCH funded project aims to build critically needed knowledge in urban demand management internationally. The project will provide training in demand management in Alexandria, Egypt, a demonstration city of the larger EU-SWITCH project. The training will be carried out by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) in collaboration with   the Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC), Loughborough University, UK, who are leading the demand management theme of the EU-SWITCH project. The training aims to promote the use of demand management as essential cost-effective alternatives to supply-side planning. Increasing water scarcity means that over the coming years the capacity to undertake appropriate economic analysis and deliver successful demand management programs that conserve water will be essential to securing urban water supply. The training materials developed for Alexandria will be adapted for other demonstration cities and used more widely through other EU-funded training activities and also for planned on-going actions of the International Water Association (IWA) International Demand Management Framework (IDMF) project.

Evaluation of energy and water savings from WaterFix retrofits
Sydney Water Corporation
This collaborative project involved original applied research to develop an estimate of the energy and water savings resulting from Sydney Waters WaterFix and DIY retrofit programs. Under the WaterFix program a plumber visits a household to install water saving equipment. The DIY program provides householders with a kit they can install themselves. Rather than using an estimated saving per retrofit, the project used actual water and energy billing data to evaluate the savings achieved in practice by retrofits. This required cooperation between the Institute, EnergyAustralia and Sydney Water to integrate energy and water usage data from different customer databases. The methodological approach involved matching each retrofit participant with a non-participating control, using geographic information and data on usage patterns. The consumption differences between the matched pairs were then evaluated. The results of the analysis remain confidential at this time.

Evaluation of the One to One Program
Local Government Infrastructure Services
In April/May 2007 the Institute assisted the Queensland Government in the One to One Program by developing a survey about water using practices in the home. The survey form was sent to nearly 80,000 households in South East Queensland that use over 800 litres/household/day. The aim of the form was to find out how people use water and how the Government can help people save water during the current drought crisis gripping the region. Every household that filled out the form was sent a personalised response providing advice on how to save water around the home.
In October 2007 the Institute was asked by the Queensland Government to analyse the 70,000 responses received as part of the One to One Program to inform water policy and demand management in the region in the future.

The full spectrum: estimating real costs of urban water
Funded by: Victorian Smart Water Fund

Research was undertaken to develop tools and processes that enable the water industry to estimate the cost of externalities associated with Melbourne’s urban water services provided by Melbourne Water and the three Metropolitan retailers, Yarra Valley Water, Central West Water and South East Water. Externalities are those impacts of economic activity that are not paid for because they are not reflected in the price of the service or product that causes the impact. Research was undertaken to identify the sources of externalities (both positive and negative) associated with the present supply arrangements within Melbourne. The project conducted two pilot studies to identify the most suitable processes and tools at different spatial scales (local/suburb vs. regional/metropolitan) as well as different social perspectives (consumer vs. citizen). Drawing from the extensive literature on non-market valuation, the two pilot studies trialled three prominent non-market valuation methods: benefit transfer, contingent valuation and deliberative valuation. The ISF researchers developed an Externalities Toolbox that summarises results from the two pilot studies and provides the Victorian Water Industry with a Toolbox for applying non-market valuation of water-related externalities in a number of different practical settings, including pricing and project planning.

Guide to Demand Management
Water Services Association of Australia
The Institute developed a framework and guide to aid members of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) in assessing the water supply-demand balance in their area and determine how demand management can assist in filling the gap. The framework, which is based on the principles of Least Cost Planning/Integrated Resource Planning (LCP/IRP), was developed through a comprehensive review of Australian and international literature, a synthesis of expertise in this field and a review of case studies already implemented in Australia using these principles.  The framework includes a structured approach to demand forecasting using sector and end-use based approaches, options assessment and implementation and evaluation of demand management programs. The outcome of the project is a step-by-step guide which complements other tools and training material developed for WSAA that will assist water service providers across Australia to use best practice approaches to urban water planning. The Guide is a successor to the 1998 WSAA publication "Wise water management: a demand management manual for water utilities" edited by Institute Director, Stuart White, and now out of print.

Turner, A., Willetts, J., Fane, S., Giurco, D., Kazaglis, A., & White, S. 2008 Guide to Demand Management, Water Services Association of Australia. Download/view (PDF 7.18MB)

Impact of urban water conservation strategies on end use water consumption in residential households
Australian Research Council
In 2006, Dr Rodney Stewart of Griffith University with the Institute Director, Prof. Stuart White, were awarded an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, in collaboration with Wide Bay Water Corporation, Gold Coast Water and the Queensland Water Directorate. The aim of the project is to investigate the impact of urban water conservation strategies on end-use water consumption in residential households. The research will be undertaken in collaboration with the water utility partners and will use smart water meters and data loggers to gauge the degree of water savings attributable to savings programs.

National rainwater and greywater initiative - input into design of rebates for households and Surf Life Saving Clubs
Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
The Institute provided technical advice to the federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) to support the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative (NRGI). The NRGI represents a $300 million investment by the federal government in rebates for households and surf life saving clubs wishing to install rainwater and greywater systems. ISF undertook analyses of potential water savings and costs for rainwater and greywater systems installed in households around Australia. The results of these analyses were used to inform the design of rebate criteria. ISF also provided advice on eligibility criteria and program design to maximise water savings resulting from the rebate program.

North Eveleigh water management plan
Redfern Waterloo Authority
The Institute for Sustainable Futures were engaged by the Redfern Waterloo Authority in late 2007 to investigate sustainable water management options for the North Eveleigh carriageworks site. The 11 hectare site is located in inner city Sydney and is scheduled for redevelopment as a mixed use precinct. ISF modelled options for water efficiency, integrated water cycle management and water sensitive urban design on the site within a sustainability framework that set clear targets and actions for achieving a 'sustainable' or 'restorative' development. These options were presented as a Water Management Plan, which provided input for the site's environmental assessment and overall masterplan.

Showerhead exchange
South East Water Limited
South East Water (SEW), a water provider in Victoria, commissioned ISF to conduct an evaluation into the water savings achieved by its Showerhead Exchange program whereby households bring in their old showerhead in exchange for a water efficient showerhead. The water savings achieved translates into carbon credits for SEW and can be used for future carbon trading opportunities. The objective of this project was therefore to estimate the water savings achieved through the Showerhead Exchange, in order to calculate the appropriate carbon credit SEW can accrue for its program.

Smart Water Fund: innovative end use measurement
Smart Water Fund
A team from ISF and the CSIRO were engaged by the Victorian Smart Water Fund to investigate and develop innovative solutions for residential end-use measurement and metering. The team reviewed end use studies and technologies and identified current best practice for data capture and analysis. The project investigated opportunities to improve the accuracy of collected data, reduce the costs of hardware and minimise the time required at the customer's property for installation and calibration. Previous pilot and full-scale end-use metering studies have shown there is significant potential to enhance the value of the data collected from such research. Novel technological solutions were investigated with new technologies tested in a laboratory mini water house and in residential dwellings in Melbourne. Based on best practice end use measurement and a review of technologies, the team developed a Guidebook for Residential End Use Measurement which offers valuable support for future studies in the areas of study design, sampling and technology selection.

Giurco, D., Carrard, N.R., McFallan, S., Nalbantoglu, M., Inman, M., Thornton, N. & White, S. 2008, Residential End Use Measurement Guidebook: a guide to study design, sampling and technology, [prepared for Smart Water Fund, Victoria], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS and CSIRO, Sydney.
View/Download paper (PDF 705.64KB)

Alice Springs water efficiency stage 3 - implementation feasibility study

Analysis of long term savings in the Greater Geelong supply region

Automated water metering costs and benefits

Barwon Water Strategy

Barwon Water End Use Model Training

Estimation of savings for Smart Approved Watermark

Getting the Basics Right: water and sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific

High end water users program survey

Integrated resource planning framework and guide

International demand management framework

Lifting the bar on water and energy infrastructure in Canberra greenfield developments

North Eveleigh carriageworks sustainable water and energy management options

Opportunities for urban water conservation and recycling in coastal NSW

Review of water supply-demand options for South East Queensland

Sydney Water end use model review

Urban planning impacts - UTS Challenge Grant

UTS Challenge Grant: trans-disciplinary catchment management

Water end use model training

Alice Springs water efficiency stage 3 - implementation feasibility study
Power & Water Authority
Stage 3 of the Alice Springs Water Efficiency Study builds on the significant demand forecasting and options work undertaken in 2003 (Stages 1 & 2). This stage of the Study completed in 2007 has essentially been a feasibility study into the implementation of a demand management program. The work included: review of the demand forecasts developed in 2003; assessment of previously designed (stage 2) water efficiency options; expansion of options including rainwater tanks, greywater systems and reuse; assessment of options including greenhouse gas costs and benefits; development of an implementation work plan; financial and avoided cost analysis and assessment of pricing.

White, S., Turner, A.J., Edgerton, N. 2007, Alice Springs water efficiency study stage 3: implementation feasiblity study, [prepared for Northern Territory Government], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney. View/Download paper

Analysis of long term savings in the Greater Geelong supply region
Barwon Region Water Authority
The Institute for Sustainable Futures   worked with Barwon Water to undertake research into what future water demand projections may follow an extended period of drought restrictions that have been in place in Geelong and surrounds. In short, will consumption return to pre-drought levels or will the drought lead to more efficient practices and technologies being adopted and what will be their long term influence on demand? Projected rises in water prices in the region were   also assessed for their likely effect on demand using price elasticity data.

Automated water metering costs and benefits
Wide Bay Water Corporation
The Institute worked with WBWC to identify the costs and benefits associated with a proposed new metering system which would allow remote reading of meters and provide time of use data on residential water use. ISF calculated the likely magnitude of costs and benefits, based on assumptions about how the system will be used, and comparing them - for both the 'pioneer' scenario (WBWC) with its escalated research and communications project costs and also a 'routine' scenario, where another utility might draw on the experiences of Wide Bay and hence reduce their total direct project costs. The Scoping Paper identified opportunities for WBWC to maximise benefit (including water savings) through the project.

Barwon Water Strategy
Barwon Region Water Authority
This project developed a sector-based water demand forecasting model for Barwon Water using the Integrated Supply Demand Planning tool used by many utilities around Australia. Additionally an options model was developed to determine the costs and potential water savings from future options to meet supply-demand balance at the least cost society. A supply-demand balance decision making framework that utilises the internationally recognised best practice approach of integrated resource planning (IRP) was developed to assist Barwon Water in the short term to meet short and longer term planning needs as part of an adaptive management process. An addition to the project involved statistically analysing the water savings associated with mains water pressure reductions in the Grovedale region of Geelong.

Barwon Water End Use Model Training (also in 2006 on FMP)
Barwon Region Water Authority
ISF trained Barwon Water water planners in the use of the WSSA End Use Model to facilitate improve water planning.

Estimation of savings for Smart Approved Watermark
Smart Approved Watermark
In mid 2007, ISF was engaged by Smart Approved Watermark (SAWM) to undertake research into the likely savings to be achieved by products certified under the SAWM certification. The SAWM is a certification process aimed at achieving profile for effective water efficient products. The focus of SAWM is on outdoor products, such as pool covers and soil moisture sensors. This certification complements the WELS scheme that applies nationally to efficient appliances for indoor water efficiency. ISF will undertake an investigation of the full range of products endorsed by the SAWM program and the potential for water savings that would be associated with installing each product, in an average household. The results of this research will feed into an online "pledge tool" which encourages consumer to agree to install water efficient products via education about the volume of water savings that can be achieved. The pledge tool will be accessible on-line after the national launch during Water Week in October 2007.

Getting the Basics Right: water and sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific
World Vision
As Australia's overseas development aid assistance is set to double over the next four years, the Institute was commissioned by World Vision Australia and Water Aid Australia to provide research evidence to contribute to the debate on how best to direct investments. Their research report on the role of domestic water and sanitation in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development in our region Getting the Basics Right, Water and Sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific makes a number of recommendations on how AusAID, the Australian government aid agency, can improve its investment in water and sanitation to promote development, economic growth and productivity in the region.

Willetts, J.R., Mitchell, C.A., Carrard, N.R. 2007, Getting the Basics Right: Water and Sanitation in South East Asia and the Pacific, World Vision Australia and WaterAid Australia, Melbourne, pp. 1-20. View/Download paper (PDF 672.67KB)

High end water users program survey
Local Government Infrastructure Services
The Institute was commissioned to assist the Qld Government to develop a web based survey/questionnaire to assist high residential water users in the South East Queensland region to save water. The questionnaire was developed to help individual households think through how they use water and therefore how they might be able to save water during the drought. The survey was designed in such a way as to develop personalised action plans for each household which helped individuals save water by changing both technology and the way they use water around the home, taking advantage of current water efficiency initiatives where available.  

Integrated Resource Planning Framework and Guide
Water Services Association of Australia
The project has involved the development of a framework and associated guide to aid members of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) in assessing the water supply-demand balance in their area and determining how demand management can assist in filling the gap. The framework which is based on the principles of Least Cost Planning/Integrated Resource Planning (LCP/IRP) has been developed through a comprehensive review of Australian and international literature, synthesis of expertise in this field and review of case studies already implemented in Australia using these principles.   The framework includes a structured approach to demand forecasting using sector and end use based approaches, options assessment and implementation and evaluation of demand management programs. The outcome of the project is a step-by-step guide which compliments other tools and training material developed for WSAA that will assist water service providers across Australia to use best practice approaches to urban water planning. The Guide is a successor to the 1998 WSAA publication "Wise water management: a demand management manual for water utilities" edited by Institute Director, Stuart White, and now out of print.

The International Demand Management Framework
Canal de Isabel II
The International Demand Management Framework (IDMF) is being co-ordinated by the International Water Association (IWA) Specialist Group - Efficient Operation & Management under Task Force No. 7. The Task Force Leaders are Francisco Cubillo from Canal de Isabel II (the Madrid water utility) and Professor Stuart White of the Institute for Sustainable Futures.  The staged IDMF study will ultimately form a step-by-step guide to demand management in the context of urban water planning for developed, emerging and developing countries alike. Stage 1 of the IDMF has focused on: a preliminary literature review, development of an urban water planning framework and setting criteria for best practice aspects of the framework and demand management. It has also tested the framework and criteria developed by using Canal de Isabel II as a benchmarking case study.  Additional stages of the IDMF are currently in progress.

Turner, A.J., Willetts, J.R. & White, S. 2006, The International Demand Management Framework Stage 1, [prepared for Canal de Isabel II], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney.
View/Download paper (PDF 3.91MB)

Lifting the bar on water and energy infrastructure in Canberra greenfield developments
Land Development Agency
The Institute was commissioned by the ACT's Land Development Agency to assist in creating guidelines for potential joint venture participants for the latest greenfield development at the northern ACT suburb of Crace. Like other State Government land developers, LDA's role encompasses industry leadership. LDA's vision for Crace is that it should set a new standard in sustainability initiatives in the ACT, so LDA has high expectations for water and energy demand and supply. ISF reviewed the opportunities for Crace, and specified targets that align with LDA's intentions, and are qualitatively different from current thinking what is best practice. The notional targets set significant water and energy use reductions for the residential land release. They are strong targets, relative to current best practice, with a focus on efficiency first (e.g. efficient appliances for water, high level passive solar design for energy, then source substitution for water (e.g. raintanks, greywater reuse, sewer mining) and low emission and/or renewables for energy (e.g. solar hot water and efficient gas heating provisions).

North Eveleigh carriageworks sustainable water and energy management options
Client: Redfern Waterloo Authority
Sustainable water management options were developed for the North Eveleigh carriageworks site, an eleven hectare site in inner city Sydney scheduled for redevelopment by the Redfern Waterloo Authority as a mixed use precinct. ISF researchers modelled options for water efficiency, integrated water cycle management and water sensitive urban design on the site within a sustainability framework that set clear targets and actions for achieving a 'sustainable' or 'restorative' development. These options were presented as a Water Management Plan, which provided input for the site's environmental assessment and overall masterplan. An Energy Management Plan (EMP) was also developed for the site. The aim of the EMP was to determine options for sustainable energy management, examine the technical and economic feasibility of those options and provide recommendations for energy management on the site when it is redeveloped for residential and commercial uses. The report outlined sustainable and restorative energy targets for the site and modelled options that could achieve these targets.

Opportunities for urban water conservation & recycling in coastal NSW
Natural Resources Advisory Council
The Natural Resources Advisory Council of NSW (NRAC) commissioned the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) to investigate the barriers and opportunities to increase water recycling and conservation in the coastal region of NSW then to prepare a discussion paper that synthesises the key learnings and conclusions that can be draw from the study. The overarching question for consideration in the project was ‘What are the opportunities or barriers for urban water conservation and recycling in coastal NSW?’ The context for this research was to inform and prompt discussion in the community, Local government, Utilities and Government sectors about how to maximize opportunities for conserving and recycling water in urban areas. This was important for coastal regions in NSW which face increased population pressure and hence water demand and were significant water conservation and recycling opportunities existed.

Review of Water Supply-Demand Options for South East Queensland
Noosa Shire Council
This project was commissioned by the Mary River Council of Mayors representing a community of half a million people to the north of the South East Queensland (SEQ) Region. The project was conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) and Cardno in 2006/07 and aimed to provide an independent review of both the supply-demand balance and range of drought management and long term water supply strategies being proposed by the Qld Government. The work consisted primarily of a review of existing and proposed activities associated with the SEQ drought management and longer term water supply strategy and expansion of options considered where appropriate. The aim of the project being to ensure that a broad spectrum of options are considered that optimise economic, environmental and social outcomes for the SEQ communities both in the current drought and over the longer term. The review found the Traveston Crossing dam scheme is neither necessary nor desirable as part of the strategy to secure water for the region.Download executive summary of the report (PDF 320KB) Download full report (PDF 5.7 MB). The ISF review was submitted to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport (RRAT) Committee Inquiry into Additional Water Supplies for South East Queensland. Institute Director Professor Stuart White was invited to give evidence at the Inquiry. The transcript is available at http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/commttee/S10140.pdf (PDF 650.41KB). On the final day of Inquiry hearings, the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) tabled a critique of the ISF review of water options for South East Queensland. The critique was commissioned by the QWC and written by Marsden Jacob Associates and MWH Consulting Engineers. You can read the critique at http://www.qwc.qld.gov.au/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=86 (opens an external site). ISF has written a detailed response to the QWC report which clarifies key concepts and methods brought into question in the QWC report and reinforces the key finding of the original ISF Review that Traveston Dam is not necessary to ensure water security for South East Queensland. Download ISF's response to the QWC report (PDF 992.16KB). Prior to the Senate Inquiry, ISF prepared a response to a criticism of the report in a media release issues by the Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Ms Anna Bligh. Download the response (PDF 180KB). ISF's involvement in South East Queensland Water debates was also the subject of a presentation by Stuart White to a Public Meeting on behalf of the Mary River Council of Mayors at West End on 30 March 2007. Download PDF (PDF 964KB) An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the Queensland Water Commission on the impacts of the Dam at Traveston Crossing was released for public comment in October 2007. A submission from the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) on this EIS was submitted to the Department of Instructure and Planing on 11 January 2008. This submission outlines significant flaws in the Traveston Crossing Dam EIS relating to the transparency and rigour of analysis and conclusions. Of particular concern is the failure of the EIS to address several cost effective practical alternatives to Traveston Crossing Dam, the failure to report basic assumptions behind assessment of water security needs and the absence of an adequate assessment of the greenhouse gas impacts of Traveston Crossing Dam in comparison to other alternatives. Download/view this submission (PDF 615.62KB). The Institute also contributed to a submission prepared for Hervey Bay Council by Natural Solutions Environmental Consultants which focused on impacts to the Fraser Coast Region. In particular, the water security implications and downstream socio-economic impacts. Download/view this submisison (PDF 728.77KB). These submissions were included in the over 10,000 submissions tabled in early January 2008. These submissions are being evaluated to determine whether the EIS is an adequate basis for decision making regarding the dam.

Sydney Water end use model review
Sydney Water Corporation
Sydney Water engaged ISF to review and recalibrate their end use model. The end use model uses assumptions about the stock of water-using appliances and equipment to estimate the amount of water used in various ways in the residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors. The objective of the review was to improve the accuracy of the model, include new data identified since the model was developed and align the model with reporting structures. The review analysed factors contributing to trends in single and multi-residential dwelling demand, updated stock models and undertook investigations into non-residential demand to support the recalibration process. The project also developed a Research Plan to guide future development of the model. The project identified a need for additional primary research to achieve further improvements in the model structure.

Urban Planning Impacts - UTS Challenge Grant
University of Technology, Sydney
We aim to foster innovative, sustainable approaches to city planning through an interdisciplinary collaboration, that addresses the current disconnect between urban planning and environmental impacts. This project will review existing planning models for transport, population and land use, and develop a modelling framework that links these components. This integrated framework will enable environmental impacts (e.g. greenhouse emissions, energy and water consumption) of future city planning configurations to be assessed. A Sydney based case-study will demonstrate the approach, inform policy and assist in facilitating applications for external funding. This project has the potential to significantly improve decision-making for urban planning.

UTS Challenge Grant: trans-disciplinary catchment management
University of Technology, Sydney
Sustainable resource management is a challenge that cannot be met by disciplines working alone or in simple aggregation; a transdisciplinary approach is crucial. During 2006, a a transdisciplinary team of UTS researchers with interests in sustainable resource management received funding from the UTS Challenge Grant program to derive a new approach to integrated catchment management. The collaboration involved UTS researchers from ISF, the Institute for Water and Environmental Resource Management (IWERM) and the School of Design. Through a series of fortnightly workshops over the course of a year, the researchers developed a theoretical and methodological framework for approaching problems like catchment management in a trans-disciplinary way. The framework was tested with the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority. It has proven to be a valuable framework for approaching trans-disciplinary research and is the subject of ongoing research at ISF.

Water end use model training
Sydney Water Corporation
This project trained new staff from Sydney Water, the Sydney Catchment Authority, Metropolitan Water Directorate in the use of the End Use Model for long term water resources planning.

An emergency drought response for Sydney: options analysis

Ballarat demand management implementation program

Barwon Water - end use and demand management training workshop (also in 2007)

Blue Mountains least cost planning study on reducing wastewater

Costing for sustainable outcomes in urban water systems: A Guidebook

Demand management in context

Demonstration of innovative community based water cycle management system

Identification of suitable products for the Smart Approved WaterMark (SAWM)

Integrated Supply Demand Planning (iSDP) model advice

Leadership workshop on long term sewerage options

Mary River Workshop

NABERS Office Water Technical Advisory Group

Review of Sydney's Metropolitan Water Plan

Rous Regional Demand Management Strategy Evaluation

Water conservation potential of an Australia wide single flush toilet retrofit

Water resource use efficiency study - Western Australia

Yarra Valley Water: 2005/06 preliminary Environmental Cost Statement

An emergency drought response for Sydney: options analysis
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (NSW)
The project involved developing an analysis framework and assessing options (to reduce demand and/or increase supply) available for Sydney as an emergency response during an on going drought. The project involved the Institute working closely with DIPNR (now the Metropolitan water directorate), Sydney Water and the Sydney Catchment Authority. The Institute's role included developing demand side options as well as analysis of all supply and demand options. All options where tailored specifically to a short term emergency drought response for Sydney in the face of deceasing dam levels. A supply/demand model with a monthly basis was specifically developed for the project. With Sydney's drought deepening, the analysis framework focused on how potential options would impact   projected dam draw down levels. Social, environmental and other risk criteria where also considered. The potential to delay the construction for emergency desalination works and level five water restrictions where key aspects address via the analysis.

Ballarat demand management implementation program
Central Highlands Regional Water Authority
The City of Ballarat in Victoria was facing severe water shortages in 2006 and wished to develop an implementation plan for demand management initiatives that would reduce the demand for water. This project identified and reviewed demand management options for Central Highlands Water in terms of unit cost, demonstrated savings in other areas and relative ease to implement.   ISF calculated the conservation potential (total water that could be saved) and unit costs ($/kL saved or supplied) of the options proposed through preliminary modelling of participation rates, water savings and program costs (e.g. administration, project management, marketing and advertising, specialist labour, efficient appliances, ongoing operational costs) which lead to an implementation plan for Central Highlands Water to use in setting targets and meeting future supply-demand balance. Following this project, Central Highlands Water received support from its Board to actively implement a range of demand management programs.
Central Highlands Water http://www.chw.net.au/ (opens an external site) Department of Sustainability and Environment http://www.dse.vic.gov.au (opens an external site)

Barwon Water - end use and demand management training workshop
Barwon Region Water Authority
In early 2006 the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) provided a one day training session for both Barwon Water (BW) and Central Highlands Water (CHW) in Victoria. The one day training session was based on the training material developed by ISF for the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA). The workshop provided training on the internationally recognised best practice approach of Integrated Resources Planning for urban water planning dealing with issues around detailed water demand forecasting, options assessment and evaluation. The training session provided both BW and CHW with the foundation knowledge to progress their strategic water management plans and implementation of demand management programs.  

Blue Mountains least cost planning study on reducing wastewater
Sydney Water Corporation
Potential benefits of a program include a reduction in community consumption of water, delaying the need for augmentation of the water supply and making more water available for environmental flows. The study revealed that demand management initiatives such as installation of water efficient equipment in new and existing houses, regulating for minimum levels of water efficiency in new and renovated buildings and providing financial incentives at point of sale for purchase of front loading washing machines, may provide benefits for the Upper Blue Mountains community.

Costing for sustainable outcomes in urban water systems: A Guidebook
CRC for Water Quality & Treatment
New costing approaches are needed to deal with the changes inherent in   sustainable urban water systems.   Sustainable urban water systems encompass new technologies, new outputs and services, new scales of infrastructure, new management approaches, new risks, new business models, new regulatory arrangements, and new operating and institutional arrangements.   Without costing processes that can take account of these changes, there is a risk of investing in inadequate solutions.   Moreover, exploring least cost outcomes promotes both economic efficiency and resource efficiency.   The guidebook brings together emerging theory and practice from economics, risk, and systems thinking to present nine core costing principles:
1. use appropriate cost perspectives
2. provide water service outcomes
3. think in terms of systems
4. include life cycle costs
5. assess on the basis of incremental costs
6. account for externalities
7. account for the time value of money
8. acknowledge and manage precision and uncertainty
9. report transparently

The guidebook explains what each principle is, why it is important, and what would happen if it were used.   To maximise its effectiveness, most of the guidebook is a case study, designed to meet adult learning preferences, that shows how to apply the principles by stepping through four stages:
1. framing the study
2. characterising the study
3. identifying and specifying costs and avoided costs
4. analysing and reporting incremental costs

The project partners include CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, Qld Environmental Protection Agency, Hunter Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Sydney Water, and Yarra Valley Water.

Demand management in context
Sydney Water Corporation
ISF researched the potential to maximise water use efficiency in Sydney (i.e. to maximise water conservation potential) and clarified appropriate measurement techniques to compare water use in cities and towns across Australia and internationally. The research was undertaken to assist Sydney Water Corporation in responding to a variety of policy developments and issues raised by various stakeholders concerned with water efficiency. Comparing the demand for water between cities and towns, for the purpose of determining the relative efficiency of water use requires an analysis of context. It is not sufficient to merely compare the per capita demand.

Demonstration of innovative community based water cycle management system
Sydney Water Corporation
Developed and applied a sustainability screening and evaluation tool for community-based wastewater systems for Sydney Water Corporation. Aim of the tool is to recommend a sustainable and appropriate technology option for specific sites in the SWC Priority Sewage Program (PSP). The sustainability screening and evaluation tool was developed to address key sustainability objectives. A star rating system was developed, by which technologies (and technology options) for a specific site could be ranked and compared to determine the most sustainable and appropriate for a site.

Identification of suitable products for the Smart Approved WaterMark (SAWM)
Water Services Association of Australia
The Smart Approved WaterMark is an outdoor water conservation scheme which promotes water conserving products and services to consumers. This project researched the potential market for applicants to the scheme. It identified products and services that could potentially meet the criteria needed to qualify for the WaterMark label. The methodology involved desktop research and interviews to identify both the potential market for the scheme and also gaps in the types of products and groups of services already registered. It also identified individual products and categories of services (along with the number of organisations working within those categories) available in Australia. SAWM's objectives are to reduce per capita water consumption, recognise products and services that will help do that, and provide a simple label to allow consumers to make more informed choices about the water-saving credentials of the products they buy.

Integrated Supply Demand Planning (iSDP) model advice
ISF and CSIRO worked together to assist the Water Corporation of WA to develop a demand forecasting and options model based on the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Integrated Supply Demand Planning (iSDP) model. The majority of the work was undertaken by Water Corporation staff in the development of the model. ISF and CSIRO provided advice and a review role on the end use demand forecasting model and potential options through the use of a series of workshops.

Leadership workshop on long term sewerage options
Client: Melbourne Water
A workshop to seek visionary, strategic and leadership input from across the sector into the long-term future of sewage management was run by Institute researchers as part of the process to develop the 2050 Melbourne Metropolitan Sewerage Strategy. The intention was to create a coordinated and integrated strategy for sewage management in metropolitan Melbourne which reached beyond the administrative boundaries of each individual water company, and beyond the usual planning timeframes, by engaging with a strongly articulated view of the future. The workshop invited participants to articulate a vision, its drivers and actions to be achieved by 2055. The STEEP framework (social, technical, economic, environmental, and political) was used to sort the 'drivers' for the future (pushes, pulls and weights) followed by visioning to articulate a preferred future. Backcasting then identified the actions needed to achieve this future. The workshop revealed that leaders and stakeholders in the water industry were ready for change. This included a need for greater resource efficiency, a more holistic approach to decision-making and sewage management, more meaningful public engagement, choice and flexibility in services, and contribution to ecological resilience.

Mary River Workshop
Noosa Shire Council
The workshop involved case studies of IRP from around the country, and how it has been used to plan for water security and compare demand and supply options. Additionally, the use of whole of society costing and the levelised cost metric allows a fair and even comparison of supply and demand options, a point that is commonly overlooked in water resource planning. A key focus of the workshop was the controversial decision by the Queensland government to process with constructing the Mary River Dam at Traveston Crossing. This project, with an estimated cost of 1.7 billion and a yield of approximately 150 GL/a, was expected to be unable to service the current drought even though it had be released as part of the governments drought response strategy. The cause of concern was that it may be a high risk option that is in fact not needed. Locally, there is much opposition to the dam for social and environmental reasons.

NABERS Office Water Technical Advisory Group
Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (NSW)
NABERS (the National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings. NABERS is intended to assist building owners, managers, and occupants to measure, manage and reduce their building's operational impact on the environment. The NABERS Office suite includes energy and water, and will extend to indoor environment quality, solid waste, and other impacts. The NSW Department of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability developed NABERS, and approached ISF's Cynthia Mitchell to be a member of the Office Water Technical Advisory Group. Cynthia's role was to review and provide expert critique of the information and analysis underpinning the development of the rating tool. Together with other Technical Advisory Group members, Cynthia was successful in arguing for water efficiency as the foundation principle for   rating performance: that is, that the primary goal should always be to use less water, regardless of whether that water is sourced from the reticulated potable network, rainwater, or recycled water.

Review of Sydney's Metropolitan Water Plan
The Cabinet Office New South Wales
In mid 2006, ISF was engaged by the NSW Premier's Department to undertake research and make recommendations for the future of Sydney's water supply. This was at a time of dwindling supply in the dams, little prospect of rain in the catchement areas and in the context of the announcement by former Premier Bob Carr that a desalination plant would be built at Kurnell. ISF together with ACIL Tasman undertook a Review of the Metropolitan water plan to research the supply-demand balance and develop future planning strategies for securing the future of Sydney's water supply for the next 25 years. An adaptive management approach for future planning was proposed using desalination and groundwater to secure supply only in extreme drought. This was adopted in the 2006 Metropolitan Water Plan released by the NSW Government.

White, S., Campbell, D., Giurco, D., Snelling, C., Kazaglis, A. & Fane, S.A. 2006, Review of the Metropolitan Water Plan: Final Report, [prepared for NSW Cabinet Office], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Australia, pp. 1-94. View/Download paper (PDF 935.82KB)

The review prompted media debate on the best way to secure Sydney's water supply and the proposed desalination plant (see the News & Events section of our web site relating to our IRP projects for examples). A Sydney Morning Herald opinion piece by Mark Coultan on Friday, January 25, 2008 titled 'Iemma too stupid or too proud', clearly explains the issues involved. This article and a letter to the editor by Nathan Rees, Minister for Water Utilities on the following day in response to the article are available from http://newsstore.smh.com.au (opens an external site) for $2.20 each.

Rous Regional Demand Management Strategy Evaluation
Rous County Council (trading as Rous Water) engaged ISF to evaluate the water and energy savings and other aspects of four of the major programs that are part of the Rous Regional Demand Management Strategy: the Rous House Tune-Up Program, the Washing Machine Rebate Program, theWater Efficient Showerhead Program and the Demonstration Garden.

Water conservation potential of an Australia wide single flush toilet retrofit
Caroma Industries Limited
The Institute developed a model to estimate the volume of water used for toilet flushing in Australia in order to investigate both the volume of possible water saved since the introduction of dual flush toilets in Australia and the water conservation potential of an Australia wide single flush toilet retrofit. For this demand analysis, ISF developed a stock model to predict the percentage of each toilet type in stock in Australia over a 30 year period beginning in 2001. In addition to this, ISF extended its current method for modelling stock to incorporate a more accurate approach to predict the 'time to replacement' of a toilet.

Water resource use efficiency study - Western Australia
Water and Rivers Commission
Third of three case studies of water resource use efficiency in Western Australia, conducted for the Water and Rivers Commission (WRC). The first two case study areas were the Jindong-Broadwater groundwater area, near Busselton and the groundwater area of the town of Exmouth. The objective of the study was to identify options for managing the water resources of the region, particularly in a sustainable manner, and in ways that allow the continuation and expansion of water dependent activities into the future. A range of strategies to alleviate current and future pressures on groundwater resources in the region were examined. These were based upon either improving the efficiency with which water resources are used in the township or the use of alternative water resources, such as reclaimed effluent and desalinated water. Strategies were compared economically to a proposed expansion of the borefield. Options were assessed in terms of effectiveness and least cost to the community. Modelling was carried out using demographic, water demand and supply data from Esperance and WA-wide end-use data.

Yarra Valley Water: 2005/06 preliminary Environmental Cost Statement
Yarra Valley Water Ltd
We prepared a preliminary environmental cost statement for Yarra Valley Water.   We examined available costings for initiatives to achieve Yarra Valley Water's four aspirational goals, identified gaps in the data, and where possible estimated future costs.   The project identified gaps in data and difficulty in attributing costs to achievement of targets.   The environmental cost statement provides a preliminary snapshot of the cost of Yarra Valley Water achieving their definition of sustainability.   The project helped to engage sections of Yarra Valley Water's business that would not normally be engaged with sustainability.

Agility Management Pty Ltd: research, advice and review

Alice Springs water efficiency study (ASWES) stage 2.5

Consultancy for a review of water efficiency programs in Western Australia: towards a strategy for best practice

Development of a user friendly long run marginal cost of water estimation model for Sydney

Development of a research framework for a study into water efficiency in buildings

Evaluation of costs and water savings from the Every Drop Counts Business program

Handbook for managers of decentralised wastewater systems

Integrated water quality planning

Innovation in management resource for local government wastewater management

NSW water pricing guidelines and country town communities

Raintank model for BASIX

Sustainable water management: emerging principles and implications for Nelson's Ridge

Sustainability training for building professionals

Training package - end use and demand management training materials & workshops

Water resource management and planning study for the Salalah Region in the Sultanate of Oman

Water re-use analysis for the Fish River

Weighing the Balance: a sustainability assessment framework

Agility Management Pty Ltd: research, advice and review
Research undertaken for Agility regarding assumptions for water savings calculations as input to a final submission to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. Issues covered included: Water Efficiency in Existing Housing Stock - Sydney, Housing Stock Sales - Sydney, Hot water savings from water efficient devices.

Alice Springs water efficiency study (ASWES) stage 2.5
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment (NT)
ISF assisted the NT government in 2003 by researching a suite of water efficiency options that could potentially be taken forward for implementation as part of a water efficiency program.   At the beginning of 2005 ISF extended this work by assisting in the development of a Cabinet Submission to determine and recommend next steps for the water efficiency program.   This assistance led to ISF conducting 'ASWES Stage III - Feasibility into the Implementation of a Water Efficiency Program' in 2005/06 which has broaden the options developed, considered pricing issues and drafted an action plan for next steps.

Consultancy for a review of water efficiency programs in Western Australia: towards a strategy for best practice
Water Corporation
This report provides the findings of a review of the water efficiency programs being undertaken by the Water Corporation of Western Australia (WA).   It has been undertaken to determine what might be improved to assist the Water Corporation to meet corporate and WA Government objectives, and to determine what other strategies might contribute to meeting those objectives.   In addition the review has considered what would be required to implement best practice water efficiency programs, and to test the possibility that Perth could become one of Australia's most water efficient cities by tapping into greater water conservation potential.   The review has considered the large range of programs that the Water Corporation has in place to save water, including the WA Government funded Waterwise Rebate Program providing rebates on residential water efficient equipment.   It has also investigated: the regulatory environment in which the Water Corporation operates; the framework for economic assessment of water efficiency programs; the monitoring and evaluation of programs; and the internal support for development of water efficiency strategies.   A model has been developed to estimate and summarise the relative unit costs and savings of the existing programs, and to estimate the potential for new extension programs to generate greater savings.   These programs have then been compared with a range of reuse and supply augmentation options being considered by the Water Corporation.

Development of a user friendly long run marginal cost of water estimation model for Sydney  
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal
The Institute was commissioned by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to develop a computer model that would estimate the long run marginal cost (LRMC) of water supply for Sydney. The model was designed to allow trained users to explore the   implications of various planning options including water conservation and supply augmentation. The models intent was to provide LRMC estimates which could then inform water pricing for Sydney. The model extended a previously developed water demand and supply options and scenario model for Sydney. This previous model was designed for in house analysts only. As well as adding the LRMC functionality,   a user   interface was developed to allow distribution across water agencies.   The model   allowed users to test various water demand and supply options and scenarios. The model also provided for allocation of capacity and costs to different water agencies and retained its total resource cost, societal cost and total utility cost calculation functions.    A training seminar and manual on the model was provided to IPART and water agency staff.  

Development of a research framework for a study into water efficiency in buildings
Department of Environment and Heritage
An historic inter-governmental agreement to enshrine sustainability as a core objective in the Building Code of Australia was imminent in late 2005, and provided the impetus for two major studies into water and materials use in buildings.   The Federal Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) recognised that new research frameworks were necessary to guide the work, and approached ISF's Cynthia Mitchell to provide expert advice for water use in buildings.   We proposed a systematic structure to address issues associated with existing overlaps, gaps, inconsistencies, and conflation of concepts.   The proposed structure was ordered according to water efficiency options (technologies, behaviours, water qualities, and alternative supply scales), implementation instruments (regulatory, economic incentives, and communicative/socio/cultural development) and assessments (institutional arrangements, economic, environmental, and social).   Further, we noted three key issues that are central to the progression of new ways of delivering water services to buildings, and are not well understood or researched currently.   These are all aspects of the issue of scale of servicing: the scale of infrastructure; methods which allow fair assessment and comparison of different scales, and therefore defensible determination of which scale is most appropriate; and the nature of institutions and the institutional arrangements for different scales of water service provision and use in buildings.

Evaluation of costs and water savings from the Every Drop Counts Business program
Sydney Water Corporation
ISF has undertaken an evaluation of Sydney Water Corporation Every Drop Counts Business program, which has been implemented with nearly 300 customers on approximately 1500 sites. The program offers a formalised water savings process for business customers who have a commitment to saving water at their site. The program aims to achieve on average a 15% reduction in water demand, which will assist in achieving the overall demand management target for Sydney (a 35% reduction in per capita demand by 2011 based on 1991 levels) .There were several elements to this study including a quantitative analysis of the metered data to measure the savings that were achieved from the program and a series of interviews with EC customer representatives and program staff providing the program on behalf of SWC. Involving a range of stakeholders in this evaluation process has allowed the analysis to be broadened , ultimately enabling program improvement recommendations to cover a wide range of issues analysis on costs and savings achieved has allowed the unit costs of the program (from multiple cost perspectives) to be obtained. The results of the evaluation will assist SWC to both improve the program in the future and determine how to best collate information in the future to facilitate ongoing evaluation.

Handbook for managers of decentralised wastewater systems
Stone Environmental Inc
With Stone Environmental Inc. and the Rocky Mountains Institute in the USA, ISF developed a comprehensive handbook for managers of decentralised wastewater systems. Decentralised systems are increasingly accepted as viable (and more sustainable) long-term alternatives to centralised systems and this was the first attempt to develop the tools needed to manage decentralised systems for the long-term. Two workshops were held in 2004, in Washington and in Seattle to gain input from stakeholders from across the United States. The handbook was launched in 2005.

Integrated water quality planning
Sydney Catchment Authority
This project was a research collaborative between the Institute for Sustainable Futures and the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA). The project has developed a framework and methodology for evaluating catchment remediation actions in terms of their certainty and cost effectiveness. The framework and method draw on the principles and techniques of integrated resource planning and least cost planning, in particular the use of marginal abatement curves to direct investment schedules. These principles and techniques have been to the question of water quality protection in catchments. As a pilot, the project developed a least cost planning model for one of SCAs sub-catchment to try to identify cost-effective strategies to improve water quality. The out puts from the project included a literature review, draft framework and simplified model   illustrating least cost planning in relation to water quality in a catchment. A more general application of this approach to catchment management would however require a significant improvements in the data quality available on the effectiveness of   catchment remediation actions.  

Innovation in management resource for local government wastewater management
Municipal Association of Victoria
This project is a significant component of the Municipal Association of Victoria's Smart Septics program, a program aimed at providing a number of management tools and resources for local government. The program will lead to improved local government management practices through assisting councils to better manage stormwater impacts associated with domestic wastewater systems. The project resulted in a resource that provides a range of practical management solutions for local government to access and consider adopting in the performance of their statutory domestic wastewater management duties. The project built upon existing innovative management practices within Victorian local government and incorporated innovative /current best practice solutions in other Australian States and internationally.

NSW water pricing guidelines and Country Town Communities
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
The Utility Consumers' Advocacy Program (UCAP) within the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) commissioned ISF to conduct research on the impact of NSW water pricing guidelines on country town communities. The objectives of the research were to:
* Examine the use of price as a major mechanism to achieve water conservation by rural residential water users, including equity implications and the impacts on the community more broadly
* Better understand the potential contribution of price and non-price measures to achieve appropriate water conservation
* Gauge attitudes and acceptance of price and non-price measures to achieve appropriate water conservation.
Of particular interest was the impact of the Best Practice Management guidelines, released by the NSW Government in 2004, on rural consumers.  
The project involved a literature review on the impacts of rural water pricing and primary research with representatives from local government and welfare agencies in three rural communities. The report made a series of recommendations for improved water pricing practices and greater use of non-price measures to encourage water conservation.

Riedy, C.J. & Partridge, E.Y. 2005, NSW Water Pricing Guidelines and Country Town Communities, [prepared for The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney. View/Download paper (PDF 2.91MB)

Raintank Model for BASIX
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (NSW)
The NSW BASIX tool (Building Sustainability Index) is used as a regulatory measure to increase the efficiency of water and energy use of new buildings. Part of this on-line performance based tool, is a rain tank model, used to estimate the reduction in demand through the installation and use of rain tanks. This research was designed to come up with a synthetic one year (365 day) data set that could represent the behaviour of a rain tank as closely as possible to that of a 100 year record.

Sustainable Water Management: Emerging Principles and Implications for Nelson's Ridge
Delfin Lend Lease Limited
Delfin Lend Lease (DLL) are a leading land developer.   The Precinct Plan for DLL's Nelson's Ridge development has a strong commitment to ecologically sustainable development.   DLL approached ISF's Cynthia Mitchell to review the existing Stormwater Management Plan, and provide expert advice on emerging concepts in total water cycle management in urban development and link these concepts to opportunities at Nelson's Ridge and other new releases. The three principles that best characterise the emerging era are reduce water demand; match source with use; and minimise impacts.   Careful attention to these principles holds the possibility of tunnelling through the increases in cost and environmental imposts associated with early attempts at total water cycle management. The report explains how the principles apply in practice. In particular, the report outlines the revolution that is underway in our understanding of the drivers of urban stormwater impacts.   A concomitant revolution in our stormwater management approaches is required, moving away from pollutant reduction, one-size-fits-all approach to a focus on context driven responses,   based on retaining all small-moderate storms on site.   The report notes the opportunities and implications for Nelson's Ridge in particular.

Sustainability training for building professionals
Sydney Building Information Centre
In 2005, Institute staff provided expert advice and technical training in aspects of applied sustainability for building professionals on behalf of the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors at the Sydney Building Information Centre.   Stuart White delivered the 'water' module and Cynthia Mitchell delivered the 'wastewater' module in collaboration with Joe Whitehead of Joe Whitehead and Associates, Newcastle.

Training Package - End use & demand management training materials & workshops
Water Services Association of Australia
At the end of 2003 WSAA released the WSAA End Use Model/Options Model (EUM/OM) software package. The package aims to assist water service providers to forecast water demand more accurately using end use analysis (EUA) and develop and assess water service options (water efficiency, source substitution, reuse and supply) using the best practice economic analysis method embedded in the Least Cost Planning/Integrated Resource Plannning (LCP/IRP) approach. ISF have been instrumental in the development of the EUM/OM released by WSAA and the development of the LCP/IRP approach in Australia and internationally. In 2005 ISF developed the WSAA Training Package to compliment the WSAA software package released in 2003 and assist water service providers across the country to understand the overarching principles of LCP/IRP and aid them in developing their own region specifiic EUM/OM using the WSAA software.

Water Resource Management and Planning Study for the Salalah Region in the Sultanate of Oman
Aquaterra International Ltd
ISF undertook the water demand forecasting, water efficiency options development, economic analysis and policy/strategy development aspects of this study, which was carried out for the MRMEWR in the Sultanate of Oman. The study considered not only the urban, sector but also industrial and agricultural sectors in the region.   The aim of the study was to determine a suite of options that could be implemented in the region that could be used to provide water services to the rapidly growing population but also reduce the saline intrusion on the groundwater resource currently being impacted by over abstraction.   The study found that the suite of water efficiency options developed provided a water services solution that was low cost and highly socially and environmentally beneficial and should be implemented in preference to major supply options such as desalination.

Water Re-Use Analysis for the Fish River
Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (NSW)
In June 2005, the Institute's Director, Professor Stuart White, was invited by the NSW Minister for Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, Frank Sartor to join an independent expert panel with engineering, environmental and economic expertise to provide advice to   on the relative merits of several different water re-use schemes proposed for the Fish River Valley. The research undertaken by the expert panel included consideration of the costs and benefits of the different reuse schemes, and also considered the merits of alternative proposals for mine de-watering. The advice was provided to the Minister in a report which outlined the relative costs and benefits of several alternative schemes.

Weighing the Balance: a sustainability assessment framework
ACTEW Corporation Limited
This project developed a methodology for triple bottom line or "sustainability assessment" of water options being considered by ACTEW as part of the ongoing ACT Water Resources Strategy.   The methodology provides a 2 part process to assess supply options available to ACTEW and the ACT region. Firstly, the project looked at sustainability criteria and development of a procedure for appropriate measurement and weighting of criteria associated with economic, social, environmental and feasibility/risk factors. Then workshops were undertaken with various ACTEW staff involved in the development of supply options to go through the criteria, weighting and assessment process for each option.  

Australian Water Industry Roadmap

Biofilms in Wetlands

Demand management in context

Government buildings: feasibility study for a policy on water in government operations

Independent review of waterless urinals in Australia

Kogarah: total water cycle management framework

Meeting the challenges- Securing Sydney's water future

Sydney Catchment Authority indicators review

Australian Water Industry Roadmap
GHD Pty Ltd
The Institute was invited to provide input to the draft Discussion Paper that identifies the key issues confronting the water industry, together with demonstrated best practice solutions to the issues. This is part of the Australian Water Industry Roadmapping Project, an initiative of the Barton Group to establish an industry vision, and to prepare an action plan with strategies to address technological, institutional, supply and social challenges, with clearly identified tasks, time frames, and recommended responsibilities.

Biofilms in Wetlands
Australian Research Council
Constructed wetlands embody the principles of sustainable development and have significant potential advantages over conventional   wastewater treatment processes. Current design and operational strategies are largely empirical. Wetlands performance is ultimately determined by water movement and biological activity. Our previous research in wetlands focused on their hydraulic performance. In this grant, we focus on biological activity. To date, we have developed several novel means of characteriszing biofilm activity which will enable better design and operation, and more accurate performance prediction. This is a joint project with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Sydney.

Demand management in context
Client: Sydney Water Corporation

An analysis of the context in which comparisons of demand for water in different cities are made was conducted by Institute researchers. This research examined a number of Australian and international cities and towns and found that when determining the relative efficiency of water use, demand must be separated into sector (e.g. residential, commercial) and end use (e.g. shower, toilet, outdoor) demand in order to understand the relative efficiency levels for comparison purposes. The use of disaggregation to an end use level is also essential for determining the potential for reducing demand. Unless the demand for water by end use is known it is not possible to determine effective strategies for reducing the demand. The Sydney Water End Use Model was used to obtain a preliminary estimate of the potential reduction in water demand that could be derived from a set of options that were aimed at best practice efficiency in each sector and end use. Every sector and end use was considered, including system losses, all residential end uses and the non-residential sector.

Government buildings: feasibility study for a policy on water in government operations
Department of Environment and Heritage
ISF was engaged by the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) to undertake an assessment of the total water use in all Australian Government Operations. The Institute also calculated the potential for water savings and the financial costs and benefits associated with achieving them. Site assessments of seven different Government sites, including offices, laboratories, a university and a Defence base were made. An analysis of the applicability of a water use policy and recommendations on the required administration, accountability, reporting, water use targets, guidelines, and the potential mixture of voluntary and mandatory requirements in such a policy were provided to the Department. This was the only government wide assessment on resource use to date.

Kogarah: total water cycle management framework
Kogarah Municipal Council
This project was a pilot for a new way of thinking about, investing in, and managing water. The project was informed from the perspective of Total Water Cycle Management (TWCM), which considers water management from rain-drop through to tap, integrating an understanding of all the processes in between.   The key to the approach is that it has the potential to meet multiple objectives held by different key stakeholders, with an implied environmental, social and economic cost sharing benefit for all. Kogarah Council in partnership with Sydney Water Corporation are developing a water reclamation project which was identified in the Total Water Cycle Management project. The process of water reclamation, will see sewage pumped to a small treatment station at Beverley Park so that safe irrigation water can be piped or trucked to various parks in the Kogarah LGA.

Meeting the challenges- Securing Sydney's water future
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (NSW)
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) commissioned the Institute to evaluate both demand and supply-side options to meet Sydney's growing water demand as well as various scenarios that would balance demand and supply over the period to 2029. This research contributed to the 25-year water demand and supply plan, entitled "Meeting the challenges - Securing Sydney's water future" developed by the New South Wales (NSW) Government. The Plan outlines a $1.4 billion strategy to ensure Sydney's water future through optimising water supplies from the existing system, as well as ensuring that Government, industry and households reduce their water use to sustainable levels.

Sydney Catchment Authority indicators review
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal
As part of the Sydney Catchment Authority's (SCA's) Operating Licence review, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales (IPART) engaged the Institute to review the SCA's environmental and ecologically sustainable development (ESD) indicators. The Institute's review provided recommendations on a suite of indicators for incorporation in the new Operating Licence which took effect from1 January 2005 as well as an indicator evaluation framework. The Institute's review was based on literature about best practice in other jurisdictions, industry standards for environmental and ESD indicators, the findings of the three independent audits of Sydney's drinking water catchments and public reports released by the SCA as well as stakeholder submissions to IPART.

ACT Water Strategy: Preliminary demand management and least cost planning assessment

Assessment of the Use of Rainwater Tanks to Supplement Rous Water's Supply

Gold Coast Least Cost Planning Study

Training module for householders with septic tank and absorption trench systems

ACT Water Strategy: Preliminary demand management and least cost planning assessment
ACTEW Corporation Ltd commissioned the Institute to examine the demand management and source substitution options available to achieve the ACT's per capita water use targets. The Institute's report also examines the whole-of-society costs of the different options and compares these options with other reuse and supply options being evaluated by ACTEW.

Turner, A.J. & White, S. 2003, ACT Water Strategy: Preliminary Demand Management and Least Cost Planning Assessment, [prepared for ACTEW Corporation Ltd], Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney. Download/view

Assessment of the Use of Rainwater Tanks to Supplement Rous Water's Supply
Rous Water
The Institute for Sustainable Futures was commissioned by Rous Water to analyse and evaluate the potential for large scale adoption of rain tanks to act as a reliable water supply source supplementing the supply storages from the Rocky Creek and Emigrant Creek dams that service the Rous region.   This study builds on a previous study of rain tanks that was undertaken as part of the Rous Demand Management Strategy (White, 1997), which investigated the potential for rain tanks as a supplementary supply source and also as a sole supply for new buildings and included an economic evaluation of large scale rainwater tank installation from a whole of society, water utility and customer perspective as well as investigation into public health and regulatory issues.

Gold Coast Least Cost Planning Study
Gold Coast Water
Research into the demand and potential savings in the GCW region of operations enabled ISF to make recommendations to Gold Coast Water (GCW) on how to build on its demand management program in order to meet the region's future water needs. The Institute is acknowledged as a leader in Least Cost Planning not only as a method which helps define suitable and effective demand management programs, but also as an integrated resource planning method for planning and managing both supply and demand.

Training module for householders with septic tank and absorption trench systems
Mulwaree Shire Council
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), in cooperation with Mulwaree Shire Council and the Sydney Catchment Authority, has recently developed an On-Site System Management Accreditation Course for householders with septic tank and absorption trench systems.   The aim of this course is to provide residents with an understanding of how their on-site system works, and how to maintain it, thus enabling them to effectively undertake their own annual system inspections.   Several courses have already been run with over 500 residents of Mulwaree Shire, with extremely positive feedback. The accreditation course has recently received endorsement from the Department of Local Government SepticSafe program, and it is currently being offered to other councils in NSW.

Burnett Region Least Cost Planning Study

Development of the State Water Conservation Strategy for Western Australia

End Use and Water Consumption Influences Study

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Efficiency Program Evaluation

Options Analysis - Demonstration of an Innovative Community Based Watercycle Management System

Projects completed in 2002

Burnett Region Least Cost Planning Study
Environmental Protection Agency (QLD)
The Burnett region of Queensland is mostly agricultural and the water demand for the region is estimated to increase, prompting the State Government to look at available options to meeting this demand. The proposal aims at developing a plan to meet the future water supply needs of the region using a least cost framework.

Development of the State Water Conservation Strategy for Western Australia
Water and Rivers Commission
The Western Australian Water Conservation Strategy made recommendations to the Water and Rivers Commission on matters associated with water efficiency and water resource allocation. The objective of the Strategy is to determine ways to reduce the barriers to investment in water efficiency in Western Australia.   The strategy focuses on the need for a framework in which the total costs and benefits of water efficiency options can be compared to the costs and benefits of supplying water and developing new sources. The Strategy also makes recommendations addressing regulatory measures, economic instruments, research and development and methods of engaging with the community.

End Use and Water Consumption Influences Study
Yarra Valley Water Ltd engaged ISF to undertake a study into how water is used within the community and the factors influencing water consumption. Stage 1 is to provide a summary of current knowledge of end uses of water within Melbourne and the major influences on end uses of water. The findings will be used by retail water companies for use in conjunction with the Water Resources Strategy for the Melbourne area.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Efficiency Program Evaluation
Water Corporation
The evaluation of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Water Efficiency Program undertook a quantitative evaluation of savings and qualititative evaluation of the longer term program   effects. The program had both indoor and outdoor water efficiency components, both of which were evaluated. ISF has carried out a number of evaluations of indoor water efficiency programs.   However, this was the first ever quantitative evaluation of an outdoor water efficiency program undertaken in Australia. It has provided ISF with an understanding of problems faced by the outdoor water efficiency program, and therefore better understanding of how such programs can be carried out in the future. The evaluation has also highlighted the need for Water Corporation to monitor the water use of the non-residential sector, showing how use in this sector has masked savings achieved in the residential sector.

Options Analysis - Demonstration of an Innovative Community Based Watercycle Management System
Sydney Water Corporation
The study will demonstrate and monitor a proven advanced decentralised treatment technology that us in use in the USA, Europe and/or NZ, to establish its technical and economic potential for use in unsewered communities and greenfield sites.   For this phase of the project, sustainability criteria will be developed to screen and evaluate various systems to determine the most 'sustainable' and 'appropriate' technology option for the specified site.

Developing a Manual for Doing Greenfield Developments Differently, With Edmondson Park as a Case Study

Hornsby Septic Safe: Evaluation of on-site options

Hotels Water Audit

North Shore City Council water use modelling

Perth's Private Groundwater Demand to 2020

Septic Safe - Lismore

Sustainable Urban Water Futures

Sydney Catchment Authority ESD Indicators

Developing a Manual for Doing Greenfield Developments Differently, With Edmondson Park as a Case Study
Sydney Water Corporation
Edmondson Park is a proposed urban development in the south west of Sydney (approx. 11,000 lots).   LandCom is the developer, and the land is partly owned by the Departtment of Defence. The project will involve the development of conceptual options available for water, wastewater and stormwater   using Edmondson Park as a case study, evaluating these options against sustainability criteria, and refining these options in stakeholder workshops.   The deliverables of the project are a greenfield workbook or manual.

Hornsby Septic Safe: Evaluation of on-site options
CRESTA
ISF and the Centre for Risk, Environment and Systems Technology Analysis (CRESTA) have recently been awarded a grant under the NSW Department of Local Government Septic Safe program to evaluate a range of on-site sanitation options in Hornsby Shire. Least Cost Planning (LCP) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodologies will be used to evaluate the options, ranging from septic systems to composting toilets and sand filters. A full comparison will be made between these household level sanitation technologies and provision of centralised sewage treatment in Hornsby Shire.

Hotels Water Audit
Sydney Water Corporation
The project was a part of $25 million Non-Residential Demand Management Program of Sydney Water Corporation. ISF was contracted to undertake a water efficiency audit of a group of four 4 and 5-star hotels in the Sydney CBD. The audit comprised an extensive survey of all water using activities and fixtures. The objective was to assess the current efficiency of water usage and identify cost-effective measures that, if implemented, would reduce the demand for water, and at the same time reduce sewer discharge and hot water costs. Hotels audited: All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel, ANA Hotel, Millennium Hotel, Hilton Hotel and the Capital Centre

North Shore City Council water use modelling
Monash University
Modelling water use through the technical aspects of applicance ownership, usage rates and flow rates and the issue of relationships between water use, income and household characteristics.

Perth's Private Groundwater Demand to 2020
Aquaterra International Ltd
ISF was engaged by the Water and Rivers Commission to determine Perth's Private Groundwater Demand to 2020. The project was a joint venture with Aquaterra Consulting. The report concluded that groundwater abstraction rates would become unsustainable by 2020 and that water demand management strategies in conjunction with alternative water supplies were needed to prevent environmental degradation and severe water restrictions, which would have significant social implications and impose constraints on economic development. ISF modelled private bore growth and provided a cost-benefit analysis on alternative domestic water sources.

Septic Safe - Lismore
Lismore City Council
This project was funded by the Department of Local Government's Septic Safe Program and carried out jointly with Lismore City Council, Rous Water and Southern Cross University.   It aimed to determine the impact of low cost options: water efficiency upgrades; low phosphorus laundry detergents; septic tank pumpouts; and a combination of all three of the above treatments on septic system health.  
The main outcomes of the project were:

• While regular tank pumpouts are important in maintaining a well functioning septic system, preventative measures such as water efficiency upgrades and use of low phosphate detergents can significantly improve the quality of the effluent leaving the tank.
• Those households receiving all treatments (pumpout, low phosphate detergent, and water efficient devices) showed the greatest decrease in TP, BOD and TSS.  
• Tank pumpouts are expected to decrease TSS and BOD loads to the trench, and this result was noticed in this study.   However decreases in both TSS and BOD were also noticed for those households receiving water efficient devices only, indicating that water efficiency not only decreases hydraulic loading of the system but can also play a role in decreasing the suspended solids moving from the tank to the trench and thereby can decrease the likelihood of trench clogging.

Sustainable Urban Water Futures
SE Water engaged ISF to develop a preliminary and scoping work to provide a decision support framework. The framework outlines and provides an overview of issues that need to be investigated when developing a sustainable water management system for a new urban development (a green field development). The templates and guidelines developed as part of the decision support framework will be used when undertaking detailed analysis and investigation for any specific green field development.

Sydney Catchment Authority ESD Indicators
The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) engaged the ISF to compile a list of draft Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) indicators relevant to the SCA's activities. The implementation of ESD indicators is a condition of the SCA's Operating Licence.

Environmental Design Guide update - Building Design Professions

Gold Coast Least Cost Scoping Study

Kogarah Town Square: sustainable water consultancy

North Coast Rivers: NSW Healthy River Commission Inquiry

North Richmond Least Cost Planning Study

On site storage of water- market analysis

Review of water related aspects of the building sustainability index

Environmental Design Guide update - Building Design Professions
Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Sustainable urban water use produces direct tangible benefits for the water utility, the consumer and the environment. This paper is part of a special issue of the BDP Environment Design Guide illustrating the application of various design and technological improvements in and outside the building that improve the water cycle in urban and regional areas. The Special Issue seeks to consolidate that knowledge by examining the regulatory context and present advances in thinking with respect to the use and reuse of water on the world's driest inhabited continent.

Gold Coast Least Cost Scoping Study
Gold Coast Water (GCW) commissioned The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) to complete a scoping study taking a least cost planning approach to how GCW could better target its demand management initiatives and to outline the steps needed to develop a full Least Cost Planning (LCP) study. As such, this scoping study firstly provides a set of detailed recommendations for how the GCW should build on its current demand management program. Secondly, we make recommendations about the logical next steps that could be taken to complete an in depth LCP study that would combine supply and demand planning and help GCW meet the regions water needs into the future. Least Cost Planning is not only a method that helps define suitable and effective demand management programs, but is an integrated resource planning method for planning and managing both supply and demand.

North Coast Rivers: NSW Healthy River Commission Inquiry
Healthy Rivers Commission
A series of convergent interviews combined with a literature review and modelling of potential savings and costs helped the NSW Healthy Rivers Commission argue the benefits of increasing the integration of water service provision in their Inquiry into North Coast Rivers.  Twenty-nine LGAs are within the Inquiry Area and the ISF report found that escalating demand for water services is typically being managed in a fragmented manner with a supply-side focus.  The centralised infrastructure which has resulted is not delivering the most benefits to river health or the environment in terms of nutrients, greenhouse gases or costs to the community.  ISF described the benefits which would result from Integrated Water Resource Planning across the region.  The results would be reduction in demand for water by maximising efficiency of water use, increased integration of water cycle management and servicing of new developments in a more innovative manner.  Financial and environmental benefits were estimated for a number of approaches including minimum performance standards and development controls.  Discussion included ideas about establishing a more sustainable funding framework which provides economic incentives for integrated water cycle management and the need to properly resource the implementation of these changes as well as to evaluate steps taken progressively. The report has been published at NSW HRC Occassional Paper 1007.

North Richmond Least Cost Planning Study
Sydney Water Corporation
This report presents a least cost planning study for the North Richmond water delivery system (WDS). The prevalent issue in this system is the capacity of the water filtration plant to meet the demand for water on maximum demand days. The objective of this study is to determine the least cost means of meeting future maximum demands in the system. Specifically, the objectives of the analysis have been to determine the costs and benefits for reducing the demand for water relative to the costs of water infrastructure and increased supply

On site storage of water- market analysis
Sydney Water Corporation
Market analysis of on-site storages (mainly rainwater tanks) in Sydney Water's area of operations. Aim: to enable SWC to understand the current and future market potential of residential on-site storage devices and factors affecting this market profile. Includes a review of different products, materials, uses, costs, benefits, geographical spread and customer perceptions of rainwater storages in urban area.

Kogarah Town Square: sustainable water consultancy
Kogarah Municipal Council
This report is to present results of preliminary end-use demand modelling for the design phase of the Kogarah Town Square development. Some preliminary information on the water balance for the site is also provided although more detailed modelling can be undertaken when further details on the pervious-impervious surface area of the site and stormwater treatment capacity become available. The sustainable water system implemented in the Kogarah Town Square development will include rainwater and stormwater harvesting and reuse, in conjunction with water efficiency designed to minimise use of scheme water. ISF's contribution to this project takes the form of detailed end use modelling for alternative residential and non-residential demand scenarios. Scenarios modelled here include three levels of efficiency and five alternative supply configurations. Daily rainfall modelling provides some preliminary information on the proportion of total demand that can potentially be met by rainwater and scheme water supplies

Byron Shire Council water efficiency program

Byron Shire Council water efficiency program
Byron Shire Council
This scoping study was undertaken as the first phase of an investigation of the potential for water efficiency measures to provide benefits to Byron Shire Council and the community in terms of economic, environmental and social outcomes. The project involved modelling the potential reduction in the annual demand for water that would result from various levels of investment in water efficiency measures, for example, retrofitting residential houses with water efficient appliances. The findings of the study concluded that it would be more environmentally, economically and socially sound for Byron Shire Council to invest in water efficiency measures than to upgrade the two sewage treatment plants (STPs) that were serving the township.

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