A combination of droughts, increasing population and an escalated demand on water sources has led to an increased focus on water demand management and 'fit for purpose' water consumption.
Griffith University is leading a major smart metering study, involving Gold Coast Water, Wide Bay Water, the Queensland Water Directorate and the Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS). The collaborative parties successfully received an ARC Linkage grant to undertake a project titled Impact of urban water conservation strategies on end-use water consumption in residential households, over three years commencing January 2007.
As one of the two major projects funded by this ARC Linkage Grant, Griffith University are collaborating with Gold Coast Water, to conduct the first significant water end use study in South East Queensland (SEQ).
Specifically, this research investigation explores the effectiveness of water demand management strategies on household water savings, specifically dual reticulation and education, and aims to establish links between community perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and water consumption.
The study is currently in its second year and has a total of 200 consenting households participating. 150 of these homes are in the dual reticulated (potable and A+ treated recycled) Pimpama-Coomera region and another 50 in the traditional single reticulated suburb of Mudgeeraba which is the control group.
One of the key outcomes of the research project is the PhD of Ms Rachelle Willis titled: Residential Water End Use Consumption Analysis: An Investigation of the Benefits of Dual Reticulated Systems and other Demand Management Strategies.
For further information please visit the Gold Coast Water Future's Gold Coast Watersaver End Use project website.
Other links:
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End Use Project Team
ARC Linkage Partners
