Sustainable Management and Use of Water Resources
Maintaining the availability, quantity and quality of water resources for current and future generations is an important sustainability outcome. Water conservation is a significant component, as well as maintaining and enhancing the quality of surface and groundwater.
The Aquatic Health unit of the EPA Program monitors and provides advice about the health of the Northern Territory aquatic environment to ensure the sound management of our aquatic assets.
Stormwater management has long been recognised by natural resource managers as an issue that needs consideration. The Northern Territory draft Stormwater Management Strategy has been the subject of public exhibition and submissions will be considered during finalisation of the strategy.
The development of the Draft Stormwater Management Strategy is one of a number of actions identified in the Darwin Harbour Regional Plan of Management 2003. Implementation of the Plan of Management is overseen by the Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee (DHAC). DHAC comprises community representatives appointed by the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage and is involved in the planning and management of the coastal and marine environment.
The Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts provide a series of fact sheets that can help the general public, builders, developers and businesses care for our water resources:
- Storm Water Safe Car-Washing;
- Storm water and wash down water pollution from building sites and Commercial/Industrial premises; and
- Vehicle/plant or equipment wash down facilities.
PowerWater’s Environment website provides information on the Power and Water Corporation’s environmental policy, strategy and action plan including information on water, waste water and awards. PowerWater also provides useful information on saving power and water in PowerWater’s green guide and information on water reuse and recycling is available in a series of PowerWater fact sheets.
The Department of Health and Community Services provide advice about the issues associated with greywater reuse in single domestic premises in sewered urban areas of the Northern Territory.
The National Water Initiative (NWI) is a comprehensive strategy driven by the Australian Government to improve water management across the country.
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme can assist purchasers of household water-using products to compare the relative water efficiency of the available models.
Smart Approved WaterMark is Australia's water saving labelling program for products and services which are helping to reduce outdoor water use.
In 2005 Australian Environment Ministers agreed to develop national health and environmental guidelines for water-sensitive urban design, targeting safe recycling of sewage and grey-water, and the capture and use of stormwater. The communiqué is available here. The Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling Phase 1 were released in November 2006 (link). Phase 2 of guideline development is underway and will focus on three modules - stormwater reuse, managed aquifer recharge and recycled water for drinking.
Water Sensitive Urban design aims to integrate water cycle management into the planning and design of urban areas.
The views expressed in the linked websites should not be considered to be the views of the Northern Territory Government.
