Managed Aquifer Recharge and Urban Stormwater Use Options: Summary of Research Findings

The Managed Aquifer Recharge and Stormwater Use Options (MARSUO) research project was a 3.5 year project that ran from November 2010 to May 2014. It evaluated in depth the quality of stormwater generated in the city of Salisbury, the treatment requirements and risk management measures necessary to assure safe water quality for public open space irrigation, third pipe reticulation to homes and for potential drinking water supplies. It also evaluated and compared the economics of these options for a case study at Parafield in Salisbury, South Australia, accounting for basic assessments of environmental and social impacts. Focus groups and two web surveys were conducted to evaluate public acceptance of the different potential uses of stormwater. An evaluation of biofilm in pipes of different materials was undertaken for mains water and stormwater to assess the likelihood of water quality changes and potential impacts on infrastructure maintenance. Studies of satellite sites in Australia and overseas were undertaken for comparative purposes, analysing stormwater quality and treatment requirements for drinking water use in relation to the Salisbury results. These research studies were initiated in order to support the South Australian Government water security plan “Water For Good” that was announced in 2009. One of the key aims was for up to 60GL/yr of stormwater to be harvested in Adelaide, and up to 15 GL/yr in regional South Australia, by 2050. Additionally, these studies also became an integral input into the National Water Reform Initiative to assess the suitability of all forms of water for water supply, and to determine the economic benefits and public acceptance of diversification of urban water supplies. The overall premise was to identify and increase the range of efficient water supply sources whilst also reducing the environmental impacts of stormwater as Australian cities grow and urban areas consolidate. All of the approaches and principles that were applied were compliant with the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling in the National Water Quality Management Strategy. Water quality was monitored at a number of sites to inform a risk assessment which then led to the development of a risk management plan.