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ArrayWSUD assets (water tanks) on private land
18 July 2024
Urban areas are highly space-constrained environments, therefore achieving the stormwater management objectives set out in the Healthy Waterways Strategy for Greater Melbourne is likely to require installation of stormwater control measures in both the public and private domain. Ensuring the effective, ongoing operation of stormwater control measures in the private domain is challenging because it relies on community participation and capacity. In this project, we reviewed four case studies where rainwater tanks have been widely installed on residential properties. Our aim was to explore factors that can support or hinder the effectiveness of stormwater control measures on private land. The four case studies differed in terms of whether tank installation was mandatory or voluntary, timing of tank installation (part of initial construction vs retrofit), maintenance responsibilities (owner vs third party), and tank mode of operation (passive vs real-time control). We found that there was variation in both the operational status of rainwater tanks and resident awareness of their tanks, as well as some apparent links between these conditions. We also identified a range of technical and non-technical factors that appeared to influence resident engagement and tank condition. Our findings can be used to inform incentive programs for landowner participation and improve the design, implementation and operation of stormwater control measures on private land.
This webinar is presented by Dr Belinda Hatt as part of Melbourne Water’s Waterways and Wetlands Research seminar series.
