Journal article
Decentralised water supplies: South-east queensland householders' experience and attitudes
Water, Vol.35(1), pp.53-58
2008
Abstract
The use of decentralised water sources, including rainwater tanks, onsite water treatment systems and dual reticulation systems are playing an increasing role in the management of urban water resources. The successful implementation of decentralised water supply options depends on the acceptability and safe management of new systems at the household level. We report on a study of nearly 500 tank owners in South East Queensland, and 102 residents of developments with dual reticulated recycled water, who were surveyed in June and July 2007. This study compares the maintenance practices, reuse behaviours and motivations of three distinct groups; urban 'retrofitters', 'peri-urban' residents with established tanks, and residents of 'greenfield' estates where rainwater tanks and/or a dual reticulated supply has been mandated. Distinct differences in the use of rainwater tanks are found between these three groups. Conclusions highlight the difficulty in promoting the connection of rainwater tanks for internal household purposes and the need for on-going communication in estates with dual reticulation of recycled water. New tank owners, especially where tanks are mandated through development conditions, have yet to learn how to maintain their systems or utilise their tank water effectively to reduce mains consumption.
Details
- Title
- Decentralised water supplies: South-east queensland householders' experience and attitudes
- Authors
- A Gardiner (Author) - Queensland Department of Natural Resources and WaterP Skoien (Author) - Queensland Department of Natural Resources and WaterTed Gardner (Author) - Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water
- Publication details
- Water, Vol.35(1), pp.53-58
- Publisher
- Australian Water Association
- ISSN
- 0310-0367
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451152902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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