Stormwater Harvesting Guidelines

Draft 01, December 2009

In South East Queensland, annual rainfall in urban areas exceeds annual water use. When it rains, most of this water simply runs off into our rivers and streams. Many feel this is a wasted resource that could be put to better use.

Stormwater harvesting diverts, stores, and treats stormwater runoff from urban catchments so it can be reused. Stormwater harvesting has the potential to develop as a substantial new decentralised water source.  It could improve regional water security by substitution of potable water for non-potable uses (refer to QWC report, Stormwater Infrastructure to Achieve Multiple Water Cycle Options, Bligh Tanner and DesignFlow 2009).

The purpose of these Stormwater Harvesting Guidelines is to assist engineers and other professionals to plan, design and implement stormwater harvesting schemes. The guidelines focus on developing localised stormwater harvesting in urban areas — harvesting stormwater from local catchments and reusing it within the local community.

The guidelines outline typical processes and typical issues that should be addressed when developing a stormwater harvesting scheme. Generic inputs and outcomes are detailed, which are suitable for skilled professionals to adapt for specific situations. Some case studies of stormwater harvesting schemes are provided.

The guidelines should be read in their entirety because the various parts of stormwater harvesting schemes are interconnected. Particular aspects of the guidelines should not be used in isolation.

Download the Stormwater Harvesting Guidelines

Stormwater Harvesting Guidelines

Note: These guidelines are released in draft form and feedback is sought from industry practitioners on their usefulness and relevance to the broad range of potential applications for stormwater harvesting.

Stormwater Harvesting Training Course

These guidelines are supported by a training course, full details here.