Making best use of stormwater: free public forum

Making best use of stormwater: Water Wednesday
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Monday, 22 March 2010

Capturing stormwater for urban use will be the subject of a free public forum at the University of Adelaide this Wednesday, 24 March.

Hosted by the Water Research Centre of the University's Environment Institute, the 'Water Wednesday' forum will focus on the debate around re-using stormwater from urban Mt Lofty catchments.

Forum Chair Associate Professor George Ganf says there are complexities in re-using stormwater that are not always highlighted.

"While there are many benefits from capturing and re-using stormwater, the issue is not as easy as it sounds," says Associate Professor Ganf.

"The process of capturing, storing, treating and re-distributing stormwater can have as many environmental impacts as benefits, and these need to be weighed carefully."

Guest presenters at the forum will include:

• Professor Graeme Dandy, Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Adelaide
  
• Mr Alan Ockenden, Director Operations and Projects, Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges NRM Board
  
• Mr Chris Bice, fish ecologist with South Australian Research Development Institute, Aquatic Sciences.

"The Water Research Centre promotes public debate on key water management topics," says Associate Professor Ganf.

"In the current water crisis, effective re-use of stormwater can take pressure off other sources like the River Murray. However, this needs to be done with care for the environmental needs of Mt Lofty river systems too."

WHAT: Water Wednesday: 'Is storm water flowing to sea really wasted?'

WHERE: Horace Lamb Lecture Theatre, North Terrace Campus, University of Adelaide

WHEN: 5.30pm-6.45pm, Wednesday 24 March

COST: Free, but bookings essential. Book through web at www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/wrc
or email julianne.francis@adelaide.edu.au or phone Dr Anne Jensen on 0407 170 706

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