WGV: Quantifying Mains Water Savings in a Medium Density Infill Residential Development

Joshua Byrne, Mark Taylor, Tom Wheeler and Jessica K. Breadsell
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Joshua Byrne: Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Perth, 6102 Western Australia, Australia
Tom Wheeler: Josh Byrne & Associates, Fremantle, 6160 Western Australia, Australia
Jessica K. Breadsell: Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Perth, 6102 Western Australia, Australia

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 16, 1-19

Abstract: The development called the ‘WGV precinct’ is a 2.2 ha medium density residential urban infill development in the Fremantle suburb of White Gum Valley, Western Australia. It was delivered by DevelopmentWA, the State Government development agency. DevelopmentWA and the project’s consultant team designed the WGV precinct to be an exemplar of urban water management in this type of development. Working within commercial constraints, the team established strategies to achieve ambitious reductions in mains water consumption compared to a business-as-usual approach. This paper discusses the process of establishing the precinct’s water related technologies and design features, a valuable case study in demonstrating water innovations in residential developments. Monitoring and transparently reporting on the real-world performance of the project is a key element. A comprehensive metering and data gathering system was put in place, which continues collecting data as the WGV precinct becomes increasingly established. Based on the design water strategies and early stage modelling, a target of 60–70% mains water reduction against the suburban average was set. The measured performance shows that a 65% reduction has been achieved. Barriers and constraints were observed that, if resolved, indicate that more ambitious targets can be considered for future projects. The paper includes discussion of opportunities for further work and compares some basic project qualities and outcomes to two other Australian residential development projects that had reduction in mains water consumption as an explicit objective.

Keywords: groundwater use; rainwater harvesting; residential development; urban infill; water efficiency; water sensitive urban design (WSUD) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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