Stormwater Recovery For A Healthy Sydney
Every drop counts. Star Water’s projects to clean stormwater for reuse in Sydney?
CEO Chris Rochfort shares
Since 1998, Star Water has initiated projects using Advanced Biofiltration Technology (ABT) to clean stormwater that flows into Sydney Harbour and to recover water resources for beneficial reuse. These projects spreading from Sydney inner west to eastern suburbs are established with Star Water’s Advanced Biofiltration Technology.
The projects were designed to improve the quality of stormwater contributing to waterways and coastal waters and provide an attractive natural feature. Star Water’s engineered biofiltration media Reactive Filter Media® (RFM®) was deployed to all the projects to meeting clients’ requirements on assets, pollutants removal and stormwater reuse. Below are three successful case studies.
- Stormwater Treatment and Reuse (STAR) Systems Application, Manly, Sydney
Stormwater Treatment and Reuse (STAR) System at Manly Beach is an integrated system for stormwater capture, treatment and reuse, containing Star Water’s renowned RFM®. The STAR systems combine biofiltration treatment for run-off pollutants and underground water storage modules, providing non-potable water supply for small- or large-scale urban, commercial or industrial developments. Manly STAR system saves the local council AU$ 50,000 p.a. on water cost for green land watering. STAR systems are based on water sensitive urban design and sustainability principles using minimal energy for treatment and maximising the use of ecological components in manufacture.
- Street Rain Gardens Application
Star Water dedicated to the Sydney City Rain Garden retrofit and construction projects in multi-locations. RFM® were applied to these small scale vegetated bioretention systems (Rain Gardens) to improve stormwater quality and support substantial plant growth. Some gardens were under monitoring for water quality which proves good removal of suspended solids, nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorous), metals (e.g. copper, lead, zinc) and pathogens from effluent. Sydney experienced extreme drought period for over 12 months from mid-2017 with a few weeks’ high temperatures (up to 40°C), Rain gardens with RFM® were still thriving with no watering activity.
- Bioretention Basin Application
Leichhardt Council was to improve the quality of local waterways by demonstrating quality stormwater management practices. Star Water collaboratively designed and supplied customised RFM® for this bioretention basin which located at Whites Creek Valley Park at the corner of Smith and Gillies St, Annandale.
The project involves conveying stormwater collected from one of Leichhardt Councils’ Annandale drainage sub-catchments and channelling the contaminated stormwater into an infiltration basin located in an adjacent park. The integrated grey infrastructure of the bioretention removes gross litter, grass clippings, animal droppings, and infiltration material (RFM®) removes various soluble contaminants including heavy metals and hydrocarbons etc. The infiltrated water is then collected in a layer of drainage cells made from recycled plastic and directed back into Whites Creek Channel. The system is fully gravitationally operated and requires no power supply and consequently is energy efficient. The environmental significance is that the channel discharges into Rozelle Bay that flows into Sydney Harbour.
