Water sensitive design Print

Design Outcome


​​​​​​​​​Design Checklist​

  1. Potable water is used in an efficient and conservative manner
  2. Water Sensitive Design is used to reduce the quantity and increase the quality of stormwater runoff
  3. Wastewater and stormwater are reused on site where practicable


Overview


Water is a limited resource. Integrating water sensitive design mechanisms into a development contributes to environmental sustainability by improved the efficiency of water use and reducing the volumes, and increasing the quality, of stormwater runoff. ​​

Water can be conserved by reducing water demand from the mains and by re-using water, which would otherwise be lost as stormwater runoff or wastewater.​

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Better Design Practice

Integrate Water Sensitive Design into the building and wider site.​

Water Sensitive Design is an effective method for reducing the flow of stormwater and increasing its quality. This is vital for improving the water quality of our streams, rivers and harbours. Consult the Water Sensitive Design Guide​ for further information.​

​Reduce consumption of potable water.​

This can be achieved by:
  • installing water-efficient appliances;
  • installing water meters or check meters for individual units to encourage reduced water consumption;
  • installing rainwater tanks for collecting non-potable stormwater for use in toilet flushing, laundry and garden irrigation. (Ensure that inspection and maintenance plans are in place for any stormwater collection systems).

Consider greywater recycling.​
  • Greywater systems capture and process water from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines, to be reused for irrigation and toilet flushing. 
  • All greywater and blackwater systems that are installed in Auckland must meet Auckland Council's on-site wastewater systems guideline TP58.

Avoid in-sink waste disposals and provide composting facilities at a central waste disposal area.​​​

Disposing of waste through our black water system degrades water quality and requires expensive offsite waste water treatment. Use a centralised composting system to dispose of food scraps, converting waste into a valued resource.​

Rules of Thumb

Toilet flushing, laundry and garden irrigation make up 65% of total household water use.​

Rainwater should not to be collected from roofs coated with lead or bitumen-based paints, or from asbestos-cement roofs. Normal guttering is sufficient for water collection provided that it is kept clear of leaves and debris. First flush water diverters should be used to divert the first part of each rainfall away from the collection system.​

In Auckland, please refer to Watercare for the current water and wastewater charges.​
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