Opportunities for keeping stormwater run0ff on site at Mt Evelyn

Not exactly the sort of architecture you would see or want at Mt Evelyn

but you get the drift of what is possible.

An Australian-first initiative that encourages residents to use more of their stormwater runoff at home is being proposed for parts of Mount Evelyn.

The two year pilot, developed by Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water, aims to dramatically reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and pollution entering the Little Stringybark Creek..

Yarra Ranges Council has proposed an Environmental Significance Overlay to apply to new developments in the Little Stringybark Creek catchment which create additional hard surfaces, such as roofs or paving, that are greater than 10 square metres.

Planning approval will be conditional on the proponents finding options to capture and treat more of their stormwater runoff onsite.

The pilot program will encourage residents to capture their stormwater at home and use it to flush their toilets, water their gardens and for other non-drinking purposes around the home.  It is a practical example of how Integrated Water Cycle Management can be tailored to suit the needs of local communities.

Throughout the trial, all stormwater capture and treatment systems will be awarded a stormwater retention score.  Calculated by Melbourne Water, the score will be based on the ability to treat and capture stormwater on site, with a minimum score needed for new developments to proceed.

Treatment options such as raingardens or rainwater tanks that go beyond the minimum requirements may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement by Melbourne Water.  Households may also be eligible for Victorian Government rebates through the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program.