Exploring the opportunities and challenges of an integrated system for the sustainable management of groundwater for drinking water supply and stormwater

The infiltration of stormwater to ground presents an opportunity to recycle water as a valuable resource (e.g. alternative water source, recharge groundwater, sustain soil stability, rain equalization and mitigates against saline intrusion) in manner that is internationally recognised as a best management practice for stormwater in terms of quantity and quality control.

However, urban stormwater quality is characteristically highly variable in terms of both quantity and – crucially - quality in response to catchment factors (e.g. building materials, activities and land use) and rainfall patterns which can vary on a catchment by catchment basis.

In the absence of complete data sets, current levels of uncertainty over stormwater quality and the processes that mediate its behaviour (i.e. remove or transform pollutants) as it infiltrates to groundwater has led to some municipalities ruling out this management option (and associated benefits).

As a contribution to increasing certainty and drinking water safety, this proposal brings together drinking water authorities and stormwater practitioners with internationally leading research experts in stormwater management.

Key outputs will be a motivated community of practice, the exchange of knowledge and real-world experiences and co-production of a research agenda based on current state-of-the-art and an understanding of data sets and tools required by practitioners in the field.