April 2008
In this issue:
- What is the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan?
- Your responsibilities as a Developer working in the region
- Master Plan construction update
- Rainwater tanks and the QLD Development Code
- Help your customer be home water savers!
- Are your Pimpama Coomera customers ready for Class A+ recycled water?
- Subscribe / Unsubscribe
- Questions?
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Pimpama Coomera
Developers and Real Estate Agents eNews
What is the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan?
The Master Plan aims to secure a sustainable water future for residents of Pimpama Coomera by reducing the use of precious drinking water.
Your responsibilities as a Developer working in the region
As part of your Development Application with Council, you are responsible for distributing a copy of the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan information kit for residents to all property purchasers.
Master Plan construction update
Because the Pimpama Coomera Master Plan introduces a brand new product in Class A+ recycled water, the construction of major infrastructure and networks is required. Note our key construction schedule dates.
Rainwater tanks and the QLD Development Code
Water saving targets, set by the State Government, have applied to building development application for the construction of new houses in SE QLD since 1 January 2007.
Help your customer be home water savers!
Your customers who are buying into new developments in the Pimpama Coomera region are joining a community which is helping to save precious drinking water through using alternative water sources for specific purposes.
Are your Pimpama Coomera customers ready for Class A+ recycled water?
All Class A+ recycled water pipes, hoses and other products are coloured purple to avoid confusion with potable (drinking) water and rainwater.
What is the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan?
The Master Plan aims to secure a sustainable water future for residents of Pimpama Coomera by reducing the use of precious drinking water.
High quality Class A+ recycled water will be supplied to the region for specific non-drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, garden watering, car washing, external cleaning and hose down.
Rainwater tanks will play a key role, along with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) that uses engineered landscaping features to help slow, reduce and filter stormwater run-off and visually enhance the environment.
Water Sensitive Urban Design fact sheet (PDF 122kb)
Your responsibilities as a Developer working in the region
As part of your Development Application with Council, you are responsible for distributing a copy of the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan information kit for residents to all property purchasers. Please ensure that every sale of property in Pimpama Coomera includes a copy of this information kit, obtained from Gold Coast Water by phoning 1300 366 692 or visiting the Developers page of the Pimpama Coomera website.
Master Plan construction update
Major infrastructure and networks are being constructed in response to the Pimpama Coomera region’s rapid population growth and to support the introduction of the brand new product, Class A+ recycled water as part of the Pimpama Coomera Master Plan.
Key construction schedule dates to note are:
Pimpama Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Construction commenced October 2006
- Stage 1 completed by mid 2008
Pimpama Recycled Water Treatment Plant
- Construction commenced October 2006
- Stage 1 will begin sending Class A+ recycled water to customers late in 2008 after an appropriate testing period
Wastewater, potable water and recycled water networks, pumping stations and reservoirs
- Construction commenced early 2007
- Completed by the end of 2009
Rainwater tanks and the QLD Development Code
Water saving targets, set by the State Government, applies to building development application for the construction of new houses in SE QLD since 1 January 2007.
The targets can be achieved through a number of options, including household rainwater tanks or alternatives, including dual reticulation. The minimum requirements are set out in the QLD Development Code part MP 4.2.
The QLD Development Code stipulates that a rainwater tank must:
- have a minimum storage capacity of at least 5000 litres for detached houses or 3000 litres for attached houses
- have a roof catchment area of at least one half of the total roof area or 100m², whichever is the lesser
- supply water to at least one external tap and internally to all toilet cisterns and washing machine cold water taps
- incorporate acceptable devices to ensure a continuous supply of water to all internal fittings, in Pimpama Coomera, rainwater tanks must be plumbed with a back-up facility allowing the tank to draw on the town mains potable (drinking) water supply if the tank water level drops below five per cent capacity
- incorporate appropriate back-flow prevention devices to prevent tank water from entering the reticulated water supply network
- incorporate acceptable screens or methods of preventing mosquitoes and vermin entering the tank
Help your customers be home water savers!
Your customers who are buying into new developments in the Pimpama Coomera region are joining a community which is helping to save precious drinking water through using alternative water sources for specific purposes.
You can help them save even more drinking water each year within their home by passing on these household water saving tips.
In the bathroom
Fact: Water efficient showerheads are now standard in all new bathroom fittings in Queensland.
- A water efficient shower head saves up to 21,000 litres of water every year.
- Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving.
- Dual flush toilets save up to 8 litres of water every time the half flush is used instead of the full flush.
In the kitchen
Fact: The average household can use between 12,000 to 15,000 litres of water a year.
- Half fill the sink to rinse dishes or clean fruit and vegetables. A running tap uses up to 20 litres of water per minute.
- Choose a water efficient dishwasher. It uses less water than washing your dishes in the sink.
- Wash full loads in the dishwasher and use a water saving setting. A dishwasher can use between 16 and 32 litres per load.
In the laundry
Fact: Washing machines use up to 120 litres of water per load.
- Make sure each cycle is a full load or adjust the water level to suit the size of the load.
- Choose a water efficient front-loading model with a minimum '4 Star' rating.
Are your Pimpama Coomera customers ready for Class A+ recycled water?
All Class A+ recycled water pipes, hoses and other products are coloured purple to avoid confusion with potable (drinking) water and rainwater. All purple outdoor taps should have removable handles. You should advise your customers to speak with their plumber or nearest plumbing supplies store for details of these products.
Council will provide updates on Class A+ recycled water and the completion of construction works through community eNewsletters and on the Pimpama Coomera website.
Inform your customers
Gold Coast Water can supply information kits to inform your customers about the Master Plan and what it means to live in the Pimpama Coomera region. Made up of fact sheets, case studies and frequently asked questions, the kits can be tailored to meet the needs of your customers. To order information kits, simply email us at info@pcwf.net.au or call (07) 5596 9696.
You can also direct your customers to the Pimpama Coomera website, where they can sign up to our community newsletter and access Master Plan information.
Subscribe / unsubscribe
You have been sent a copy of this eNewsletter as a key stakeholder for the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture Master Plan. To be removed from this mailing list or update your details, please email your request to unsubscribe@pcwf.net.au.
If a family member or friend would like to subscribe to this eNewsletter, they should either email their request to subscribe@pcwf.net.au or visit our website at www.goldcoastwater.com.au/pimpamacoomera.
Questions?
Your feedback is vital to us to ensure we continue to communicate information to you in the best way possible. Please email us at info@pcwf.net.au with any queries regarding the Master Plan or to request any specific information.
Gold Coast City Council, PO Box 5042, Gold Coast MC Queensland 9729
© 2008 Gold Coast City Council