Incidental treatment trains in urban rainwater harvesting systems

Written by peter@uwcs.com.au

February 9, 2015

IMG_0937This PhD thesis by Dr Anthony Spinks examined the water quality, incidental treatment train mechanisms and health risks of urban rainwater harvesting systems. It was an honour to be one of Anthony’s supervisors. In essence, this thesis argues that a series of incidentally occurring treatment trains contribute to the production of high quality freshwater from rainwater harvesting systems. Importantly, this thesis confirms and identifies the key behaviour of rainwater storages in recommending an appropriate guideline framework for greater utilisation of rainwater in urban areas.

Rainwater harvesting systems in urban areas have made a substantial contribution to water supply and stormwater management. Monitoring of rainwater systems has revealed significant spatial and temporal variation in rainwater quality, including stratification in storages. Rainwater quality declines immediately after rainfall and improves thereafter. The hypothesis that biofilms form on walls and at the bottom (as sludge) of storages to improve the quality of stored water is shown to be true. Domestic hot water services are demonstrated to also improve rainwater quality and a framework of guidelines is recommended for greater use of rainwater in urban areas.

Click here to download the publication

About
Dr Peter Coombes

Dr Coombes has spent more than 30 years dedicated to the development of systems understanding of the urban, rural and natural water cycles with a view to finding optimum solutions for the sustainable use of ecosystem services, provision of infrastructure and urban planning.

Connect with Peter

Related Articles

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.

Available Storage in Rainwater Tanks – Stormwater Benefits

Available Storage in Rainwater Tanks – Stormwater Benefits

Impact of rainwater tanks on stormwater infrastructure. What is the available storage in rainwater tanks prior to a rain event that is significant to stormwater infrastructure? The use of design storms is current Australian practice for design of stormwater management...

c