Sustainable Water Management Plan - Nillumbik Shire Council

The reuse of greywater is becoming a popular
substitute for reticulated water for non-drinking
purposes such as toilet flushing and garden
irrigation. Incorrect use of this source, however, can
cause health and environmental risks as pollutants
and toxins build up in the soil or wash into the
stormwater system.
Domestic wastewater, if permitted to enter
stormwater systems and local waterways, can
threaten water quality due to the particles of dirt,
lint, food and human waste products and chemicals
from cleaning products that it may contain. These
factors can impact on the soil stability of stream
banks and can also promote weed growth. Microbial
contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses and algal
blooms pose significant public health risks while also
impacting on aquatic life.
Swimming pools
There are two public swimming pools in the Shire
which are under Council management (Eltham
Leisure Centre and Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool).
Water used in the backwashing processes for the
Diamond Creek Pool facility was previously diverted,
untreated, into the lagoon at the rear of the facility.
Overflow from this lagoon enters the Diamond
Creek. This issue has been rectified with backwash
now connected to the sewer.
In unsewered areas, private swimming pools also
contribute to pollution levels in local waterways.
Unsewered properties cannot discharge wastewater
into their septic systems, as chemicals and the
volume of pool water impact on the effectiveness of
the septic system. Wastewater from backwashing
swimming pools is usually discharged with
stormwater directly into the street.
Nutrient and pollutant levels
As residential development increases and home
gardens are created, nutrients from garden and lawn
clippings, leaf litter and chemicals from fertilisers
can escape with stormwater run-off. Discharge of
toxic pollutants from paints, vehicle use and repairs
and sediment and organic matter generated from
sweeping down paths and driveways into
stormwater drains also impact on water quality.
In rural areas, herbicide, pesticide and fertiliser use
on horticultural crops, such as vineyards, and stock
waste associated with agriculture also contribute to
increased nutrient levels in waterways.
There are three light industrial areas within the
Shire located in Research, Eltham and Diamond
Creek. Incorrect work practices from industry can
result in pollution of local waterways from highly
toxic materials. Incorrect disposal of fats and oils,
particularly in the food retail sector, may also have
detrimental effects on water quality.
Gross litter management
As only a small area of the Shire is covered by
commercial development, gross litter management
is not a major problem, however it does deserve
consideration in this plan as litter can have a
significant impact on stormwater quality. Of particular
concern are the shopping and industrial areas in
Eltham, Research and Diamond Creek.
Unauthorised dumping of bulk household, garden
and construction waste in the Shire can sometimes
occur in and around local waterways as these areas
are often dimly lit and discrete. This can impact
greatly on the surrounding habitat and water quality.
Water quality improvement goals
Water quality goals are measured by the ICLEI
scorecard which allocates points to different actions
that lead to improvements in water quality (see
Appendix D). Although physical and chemical water
monitoring provide a good indicator of water quality,
improvements cannot be definitively attributed to any
actions undertaken through the program. Therefore
monitoring activities undertaken by Council will be
used as an overall indicator of waterway health and
not necessarily of the success of individual projects
undertaken through this program. The actions
listed on the ICLEI scorecard and in the Action Plan
section of this document are proven to be effective in
improving waterway health.
The ICLEI scorecard allocates either five or 10 points
to a number of water quality improvement actions
which Councils can undertake. The minimum goals
required as a part of the ICLEI Water CampaignTM
program is 50 points each for corporate and
community sectors. Council undertook an evaluation
of the actions listed in this plan in relation to the
ICLEI scorecard to determine achievable goals for
both Council and the community.
Strategic Objectives for water quality
improvement in Nillumbik
1. To ensure best practice in all of Council’s
operations to minimise impacts on the
surrounding environment.
2. To provide education, support and incentives
to Council staff and the community in
developing practices and modifying behaviour
to reduce impacts on stormwater quality.
3. To incorporate Water Sensitive Urban
Design principles in all Council upgrades and
developments.
4. Seek funding and identify project opportunities
to implement water quality improvement
throughout the Shire.
Council will achieve 60 points of the Water
Quality Action Card by 2010-2011 for Council
operations and within the community.
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