On-site Stormwater Retention Devices - a Review of Footing Performance and Liability Issues

A national concern with the conservation and more rational domestic consumption of water resources has stimulated an interest in the harvesting of urban stormwater for reuse. On-site stormwater retention devices have been proposed as an alternative stormwater management regime in metropolitan areas such as Adelaide. This paper examines the potential impact of these devices upon footing performance and the conflict they present with the site management requirements of the Australian Standard, Residential Slabs and Footings. The issue of the potential liability of the local council or approving regulatory authority is examined with suggestions as to the scope of regulatory changes that will be required to give the appropriate protection.