Report 5 - Executive Summary
Guidelines for Best Practice Water Management
Guidelines for Best Practice - Water Management is a discussion document,
which requires feedback and input from its intended users, to further refine it.
It is divided into three sections:
- Part A- Issues and principles;
- Part B - Putting the framework in place; and
- Part C - Best practice tools for stormwater, water and wastewater
A compilation of a wide range of reference materials was sourced from both
local and international literature, which represents the current available body
of knowledge on the subject of best practice for the management of stormwater,
water and wastewater (the three waters).
It should be noted that the tools described therein, were not evaluated for use
in all conditions or for New Zealand conditions in particular. In some instances
the technologies suggested could still be at an experimental stage of
development.
The draft guidelines are prepared to assist developers, consultants,
planners, architects, engineers, councils, community people and other major
utility providers in implementation of an integrated water resource management
strategy by allowing them to consider alternative options in relation to
residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and other land use activities.
Some of the benefits of using the guidelines are described as:
- reducing the cost of new urban developments by saving substantial
amounts on infrastructure costs
- ensuring that new developments are more attractive and environmentally
friendly
- reducing the capital, maintenance and retrofit costs to the community of
remedying adverse environmental effects of urban development
Part A describes the concepts and philosophy of integrated water management
and how these guidelines can be helpful for different users to understand, adopt
and implement these concepts.
Part B explains how the integrated water management concepts and philosophy
can be put in a framework to be incorporated with our existing water management
system. This part of the guidelines outlines the strategic direction, and
community and organisational framework that local authorities need to put in
place before best practice water sensitive tools can be effectively utilised in
their districts/regions.
The draft guidelines are consistent with current knowledge and practices in
city, district and regional councils in New Zealand, especially with regard to:
- Strategic plans
- Asset management plans
- District plans/regional plans and consent processes
- Discharge permits
- Regional policy statements
- Coastal management plans and
- Other resource management principles
These draft guidelines aim to raise awareness of the users of the documents
and the general community on best practices for environmental management of
water, stormwater and wastewater through 'strategic options', such as,
educational programmes, skill development programmes for professional people and
other required assistance. Such programmes or strategic options encourage people
to participate in stormwater source control measures, water conservation
measures, wastewater/grey water recycling measures and to take other
precautionary measures for environmental management.
The draft guidelines encourage careful consideration being given to key
relationships with stakeholders, which will materially affect the water cycle
strategy. The concept of the guidelines promotes participation in a consultation
process with interest groups in order to involve them in the process of
developing and applying a sustainable approach to urban development and water
resource management.
Commitment to their overall relationship with iwi and their statutory
responsibilities to iwi under the Resource Management Act, is stated as a major
focus for all Councils. Thus it is important to ensure that consensus with iwi
authorities on water management issues is obtained and that due consideration
given to iwi responsibilities as kaitiaki (guardians) and their kaitiakitanga
perspectives (guardianship) within their particular cities/districts.
Part C revisits the issues and desired outcomes; overviews the different
planning, constructed and maintenance tools available for water management and
shows how together, they give effect to water sensitive principles and
objectives. The document seeks best proactive water management strategies
through:
- Minimisation of changes to the local water balance
- Maintenance of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems
- Protection of water quality
- Reduction of water use and wastewater volumes
- Enabling cost effective urban development
- Encouraging water conservation measures that reduce water demand and
wastewater generation
- Enhancing local amenity and recreational opportunities.
The description sheets, which comprise the rest of the guidelines, give
detailed guidance on how to implement each of the tools of three series:
- Planning and design tools (the 'P' series)
- Constructed tools (the 'C' series)
- Maintenance tools (the 'M' series)
It is suggested that Planning and Design Tools be considered at a strategic
planning level, to ensure that the planning framework established at the
strategic level is compatible with ultimate development plans, and to provide
for key water sensitive features to be incorporated into the residential,
commercial, industrial, open space and recreational land uses to achieve water
resource management objectives.
Constructed tools are described as treatment measures for stormwater, water
and wastewater management, but unless these are underpinned by good planning and
design, they are considered comparatively ineffective in reducing the adverse
effects of urbanisation. For water conservation and wastewater reduction,
constructed tools offer undoubted benefits for water sensitive urban design.
Maintenance tools are described as essential for the good management of
existing assets and for preventing adverse effects to the environment. Erosion
and sediment control measures, and industrial pollution prevention activities,
as best management practices are briefly discussed in this document but a
detailed description of the erosion and sediment control options is available in
the Auckland Regional Council's 'Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for
Land Disturbing Activities - TP90' and a detailed description of industrial
pollution control measures is available in Auckland Regional Council's
'Environmental Operations Plan'.
These draft guidelines allow the users to choose both specific need based
options (for example, installation of a cesspit bag in an existing cesspit close
to a shopping mall) and generic options (for example, green networking for a
high prioritised stormwater catchment) for managing catchments, sub-catchments,
subdivision developments and single lot developments.
A description sheet is provided for each tool, to allow the users to select
alternatives from a range of tools based on information about its:
- Purpose
- Achievement of water sensitive design objectives
- Application and physical suitability
- Environmental and human integration
- Limitations
- Cost effectiveness
- Maintenance
These descriptive sheets aim to:
- Summarise what is currently known about each tool
- Enable planners and engineers to review the capabilities and limitations
of the various tools and rapidly screen available options
- Enable planners and engineers to select those tools most appropriate for
the conditions at a particular development site
Report 5 - Full Version
Guidelines for Best Practice Water Management
For a copy of this report or any further information please
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