South East Water has collaborated on a new housing development built on the site of a decommissioned purification plant, which aims to increase water efficiently in Melbourne’s south east.
The soon to be launched Aquarevo estate is a collaboration between South East Water and Villawood Properties and will try to cut household demand for mains drinking water by 70 per cent.
Residents of the 460-home community in Lyndhurst are set to benefit from an integrated approach to water management, which maximises water efficiency through greater use of recycled and rainwater.
Through the use of leading edge technology, every drop of water used in the home will be accounted for.
South East Water and Villawood Properties are working on building Aquarevo homes that will feature a rainwater tank in each home that directly supplies hot water service for all non drinking household uses and also feature the rainwater management technology, ‘Tank Talk’ which uses weather forecast data to optimise water storage and reduce stormwater runoff.
The houses will also feature OneBox, a pressure sewerage network technology that transfers waste based on network volumes, requiring smaller pipes and less excavation.
There will also be an onsite treatment plant, to supply the developments with Class A recycled water, suitable for washing machines, toilets and outdoor use.
As well as water, the development is also targeting 100 per cent renewable energy sourced from rooftop solar installations on each home.
Rather than simply sell it off, South East Water saw an opportunity to develop and showcase industry-leading water sustainability technologies within a residential setting.
South East Water went to market for a development partner to help achieve its vision, with Villawood Properties the successful collaborator.
The Aquarevo project combines Villawood Properties’ expertise in the creation of communities characterised by sustainability and liveability, with South East Water’s vision and expertise in sustainable water management.
Aquarevo is located in the City of Casey, one of Melbourne’s most dynamic growth areas.
South East Water Managing Director, Kevin Hutchings, said, “We’re committed to providing innovative and sustainable water solutions to our customers.”
“This exciting new development sets a new standard in water sustainability for Australian communities, and will deliver significant sustainability benefits to Aquarevo residents.”
Villawood Properties Co-Executive Director, Rory Costelloe, said, “Villawood Properties creates all its communities with sustainability as a central component and Aquarevo, with its water and energy efficiency initiatives is the latest iteration of this approach.
“We believe that this project will serve as a standout example of effective collaboration between the government and private sectors.”
The first blocks of land in the Aquarevo community will be offered to the public in April 2016.
