Reusing Stormwater at Homebush Bay

Upon completion of the planning and establishment of water cycle infrastructure facilities at the Olympic site at Homebush Bay, the Olympic Coordination Authority (OCA) identified a need to refine the hture management and operations of water cycle infrastructure. This included the operation of irrigation reticulation systems and stormwater treatment facilities including the Hill Road Corridor ponds and wetlands, the Northern Water Feature and the Eastern WQCP and the proposed balance stormwater storage located within the Brickpit. Two of the issues of concern were the water resources available for irrigation and the need to establish the feasibility or otherwise of the direct reuse of stormwater, inter-storage transfers of stormwater and the demands for reclaimed water for irrigation purposes. Reclaimed water is sourced primarily from sewage effluent (70%) and is supplemented by stormwater (30%). The investigation of these issues of concern is outlined including the analyses of the various stormwater catchments, storages, transfers and interactions with the Water Reclamation and Management Scheme (WRAMS). It is concluded that stormwater is a key element of the water cycle at Homebush Bay and that stormwater runoff is a valuable resource for both irrigation and reclamation. Based on reviews of the mandatory requirements, operational constraints, functional priorities and modelling of a range of alternative scenarios, protocols have been recommended for all stormwater facilities in the Core District and the Hill Road corridor.