The collection, accumulation, treatment or purification, and storage of stormwater for later reuse is known as stormwater harvesting or stormwater reuse. Stormwater harvesting with proper stormwater pumps collects runoff from creeks, gullies, ephemeral streams, and other ground conveyances. whereas rainwater harvesting collects precipitation largely from rooftops (pipes).
It can also comprise catchment regions from constructed surfaces like highways or parking lots. as well as other urban settings like parks, gardens, and sports grounds.
Surface runoff is water that comes into touch with impervious surfaces, or saturated surfaces that can’t absorb any more water. Surface runoff becomes contaminated and collects an increasing amount of contaminants as it travels a larger distance over impermeable surfaces. One of the most difficult aspects of stormwater collecting is removing pollutants so that the water may be reused.
Stages of stormwater harvesting
The characteristics of urban stormwater harvesting techniques vary, but there are certain common stages that are addressed below:
Harvest
Stormwater is collected from a source that belongs to either Melbourne Water or the local authority. which is frequently a drain.
Storage
To balance supply and demand, stormwater is temporarily stored in above- or below-ground storage facilities. This can limit a scheme since prices and space constraints can limit the amount of storage available.
Treatment
Water is subsequently treated to lower pathogen and pollution levels, either in mechanical water treatment plants or in natural systems like wetlands.
Treatment is dependent on how the water is utilised and the quality of the water. which changes depending on where the water comes from and how frequently it rains. The scheme manager is in charge of ensuring that the water quality is suitable for its intended use. That any dangers to human health and the environment are minimised.
Distribution
The treated stormwater is then discharged into the intended usage area, such as sports facilities, industrial complexes, or wetlands.
Make a plan for your stormwater collection system.
A successful stormwater harvesting project necessitates contributions from a variety of experts, including:
- management of stormwater
- management of the environment
- health of the general public
To evaluate the proper storage means and capacity for the scheme, hydrological modelling may be required. Environmental implications at the source and receiving streams downstream may necessitate a study at times.
Licence
If your stormwater comes from a Melbourne Water stormwater drain, you’ll require a stormwater harvesting licence. To capture stormwater anywhere within the Urban Growth Boundary, you’ll also need a licence.
Treatment and quality standards
Depending on how stormwater will be used, it may need to be treated. Natural systems, such as wetlands, or mechanical water treatment plants can be used for treatment.
There are no laws that specify what can be done with stormwater or what quality standards it must follow. Individuals and organisations in charge of stormwater systems, on the other hand. Have a responsibility to ensure that their plans do not endanger people or the environment. The quality of stormwater and the related management measures must be proportional to the level of risk. The higher the water quality and the more severe the management controls, the more likely stormwater will endanger people or the environment.
