The primary objective of the project is to investigate household water usage patterns and the impact of demand management initiatives in the Pimpama Coomera region. The study will utilise high resolution meters (72.5 pulses per litre) and data loggers to capture water usage data as well as written surveys to capture information on water use behaviours, awareness, perceptions and attitudes to specific water related matters. This data will be compared with the traditional single reticulated Mudgeeraba sample which has similar demographics.
The results will provide key information for developing a Gold Coast end-use model, quantifying actual potable water savings resulting from initiatives applied within the Pimpama Coomera region as well as assessing the performance of, and reviewing assumptions made within, the Pimpama Coomera Master Plan. Specifically, domestic water usage and social research data will be collected during this study with the view to:
- Develop a greater understanding on the current domestic end use water consumption patterns for households in the Gold Coast region (dual reticulated households in the Pimpama Coomera region will be specifically targeted and single reticulated households in Mudgeeraba of the Gold Coast will also be investigated);
- Establish a valuable database of end use demographic and water consumption characteristics for the Gold Coast region;
- Gain an understanding of water consumption patterns (internal & external) in differing housing types and landscaped areas, geographic regions and household demographics;
- Quantify the impact and effectiveness of dual reticulation and other demand management initiatives such as education programs;
- Quantify the contribution of water demand management initiatives towards water conservation targets and the payback period of these measures;
- Determine social perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards water use, demand management initiatives including dual reticulation, water restrictions, education programs, and recycled water;
- Link end use water consumption with demographics, attitudes, perceptions and behaviours of Gold Coast residents; and
- Compare the empirical results of the study to the assumptions stated in the Pimpama Coomera Water Futures (PCWF) Master Plan Water Balance Model.