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PLUMBING CONNECTION Summer 2017
pressure sewer network, regulate sewer flow and enable Tank
Talk.
Tank Talk is a system that enables the rainwater tank on
each home to serve as a retention system through which
South East Water can control stormwater discharge.
“Each tank has a transducer device installed within it that
measures the water level and a motorised valve on the outlet
of the tank. Both are connected to South East Water’s OneBox
device, which integrates data from the Bureau of Meteorology
with a predetermined formula and discharges water to
stormwater prior to a significant rain event,” explains Terry.
“The benefit is that flows to our waterways can be better
controlled and water quality within the tank improved.”
Additionally, South East Water has developed an app that
aggregates data from the technologies in the system to
provide customers with near real-time data on their water and
energy use.
WASTE WATER TREATMENT
As part of the three plumbed system, waste water will be
recycled to a Class A standard at an on-site treatment plant.
A pressure sewer is being used throughout the development
instead of the traditional gravity system. This allows flows
to the onsite water recycling plant to be controlled without
diurnal peaks, resulting in a smaller treatment plant footprint.
The plant will then return Class A recycled water to homes for
use in toilets, gardens and optionally for washing machines.
Terry says these systems and technology, making use of
rainwater and recycled water, will enable Aquarevo residents
to cut drinking water demand by up to 70%, which is the
equivalent of 1.2 million showers. They will also reduce
stormwater run-off by 25%.
“These outcomes are unprecedented in a greenfields
residential development,” says Terry.
AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION
South East Water’s use of innovation was recognised in
2017 when South East Water was inaugurated as a member
of the Leading Utilities of the World (LUOW), an organisation
that aims to promote innovation within utilities and
communication between utilities.
It seems home owners are also impressed by the range of
advanced environmental initiatives on offer at Aquarevo, with
some lots selling out within hours of their release.
Land sales at Aquarevo commenced in November 2016
and all 167 lots released as of August 2017 have been sold.
House construction will begin in 2018 and the development is
expected to be completed by 2022.
Once completed, South East Water hopes Aquarevo will
demonstrate there is a better way to use water at home that
doesn’t compromise quality or liveability. If successful this
could then result in more residential developments plumbed
with three types of water to deliver sustainable, water-
efficient homes.
“We’re excited about the opportunities this rain to hot
water system presents for developments in urban and rural
environments, and in Australia and beyond,” says Terry.
Each rainwater tank has a transducer device to measure
water levels and a motorised valve, which are both connected
to South East Water’s OneBox device. This receives weather
forecasts so the tanks can release water before heavy
rainfall, minimising stormwater run-off. Advanced screening,
filtering and treatment systems ensure rainwater is safe for
non-drinking purposes.
HOT WATER EFFICIENCY