11. Stormwater Reuse for Sustainable Cities: The South Australian Experience

Australia has a high level of urbanisation by world standards and the state of South Australia has one of the most concentrated settlement patterns in Australia. Rapid population growth and a drought ending in 2010 have placed increased pressure on urban water resources. Addressing this issue requires that we consider a diverse portfolio of water supply options for non-potable uses. South Australia actually leads the nation in alternative non-potable water sources, with stormwater capture and reuse, wastewater recycling and rainwater tank ownership. However, past studies have identified public health concerns and a lack of public acceptance as major challenges in implementing water reuse strategies. This paper is based on an internet survey of the communities residing in the periphery of the city of Adelaide in South Australia and about their attitudes and intentions to use treated stormwater for various non-potable uses. We found that respondents’ emotions and perceptions of health risks regarding the use of treated stormwater were closely related to the proximity of the end use to human contact. In terms of the quality attributes, colour, odour and salt levels were all considered important, but odour was the most important for all potential uses, except washing cars. The quality preferences were also closely related to the proximity of the end use to human contact.