Planning

During the initial planning stages for the venues and facilities at Sydney Olympic Park the complex interdependencies between sewage, stormwater, recycled water and potable water were recognised. This recognition led to the formation of an integrated water cycle system. A sustainable whole of catchment strategy was the central focus to achieve solutions with minimal impact on land and water.

After extensive consultation with various technical consultants, community and environment groups, independent water industry experts, representatives from local government and relevant science, eight water cycle options were created. One option satisfied all criteria.

The ultimate option based on site self sufficiency included:

• treat sewage and stormwater to potable and non potable water quality standards
• provide large storage to ensure security of supply
• use of potable water in emergency situation only.
  

Rather than a conventional approach focussing on "engineered" solutions, the concept of an integrated water cycle system was embraced by urban planners, architects and designers during all stages of development.

This holistic approach to sustainable water management realised significant environmental benefits in terms of water conservation, waste minimisation and pollution control and dramatically increased the knowledge and understanding of social expectations.

Download the Recycle Water at Home (120K PDF) brochure.
Download the Urban Water Reuse and Integrated Water Management (200K PDF) document for an overview of WRAMS.