Publications

Rainwater harvesting and systems thinking for a better world – release of YouTube Channel

Rainwater harvesting and systems thinking for a better world – release of YouTube Channel

The Essential Rainwater Harvesting Course was created by Peter Coombes of Urban Water Cycle Solutions (https://urbanwatercyclesolutions.com) and Michelle Avis of Verge Permaculture (https://vergepermaculture.ca). First recorded in 2020, a large majority of the course is now being released, for free, on YouTube as part of our shared mission to educate and spread information on rainwater harvesting as widely as possible.

Water Regulation, Legislation, Monopoly and Preference for Utility Infrastructure

Water Regulation, Legislation, Monopoly and Preference for Utility Infrastructure

New Journal paper from Peter J Coombes explores the influence of regulation, legislation and monopoly processes on preference for utility supply side infrastructure. The effects of price regulation and preference for utility supply infrastructure on Australian urban water utilities and urban water markets are considered by examination of historical data and models of the future of a case study of the Greater Sydney and Melbourne regions. Interesting read in the context of requests to double water bills and limit user pays pricing

SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE ON CHARACTERISING RESILIENCE IN URBAN WATER MARKETS

SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE ON CHARACTERISING RESILIENCE IN URBAN WATER MARKETS

Results from two decades of accumulated big data and systems analysis of Greater Melbourne and Sydney was investigated to develop insights into the resilience of each city. The key resilience parameters are distributed water sources and conservation in an urban water market, household welfare, government policy and regulation, pricing strategies, total dam storage and supply of desalinated water. These parameters have different levels of impact and significance across the two cities. Further studies are needed to better define the attributes and benefits of these parameters.

Is zero afflux the question or answer to better flooding outcomes?

Is zero afflux the question or answer to better flooding outcomes?

Presentation by Peter J Coombes and Andrew Allan at HWRS 2022: Is zero afflux the real challenge or solution for better flood management? It is vitally important to establish science and legally based rules for fair administration of the objectives and exploration of options that respond to flood risks. Otherwise, there will be a substantial administrative burden for marginal benefit. Our professionals and agencies need to be prepared for a different and challenging future, and our methods need to be fit for purpose from a whole of society perspective.

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