Media Release
	6 June 2005

Urban Water Harvesting Demonstration

The New South Wales Government's water restrictions and environmental reforms to make homes water efficient and energy efficient will be the focus today when Archicentre holds a live demonstration of the technique which can be used to turn a carport into a storage area for drinking water.

Mr David Lawrence, State Manager of Archicentre NSW & ACT, says there needs to be a push for a national water harvesting strategy turning every roof into a potential dam. A family of four would have had enough rainwater harvested during the past 12 months in Sydney to complete all the laundry washing and toilet flushing use.

Mr Lawrence said, Archicentre would hold a live demonstration to demonstrate how the 30,000 litre retention/detention water tank designed into the home is lined to provide potable (drinking) quality water for the house's water management system.

Sydney Water has joined Archicentre in developing the benchmark project in residential water management.

Mosman Green is a renovation display home project by Archicentre in partnership with Boral to demonstrate ESD, Environmentally Sustainable Design Principles, in a renovation and can be viewed at www.archicentre.com.au.

Award winning architect, Stephen Petrie said the design of Mosman Green integrates a substantial rainwater tank, 30,000 litres, into the renovation design as part of the carport structure. This approach minimised the cost of the tank and provided a totally integrated aesthetic solution.

As with country residences the tank will supply all the house's water needs with mains supply only as a back up.

The use of 4 to 5 'A' rated fittings and appliances adds to the efficiency of water use and the total system is both a cost effective and simple approach which will be easy to maintain.

Mosman Green - view from North West

Live web cam view the project at www.archicentre.com.auwww.archicentre.com.au

Mr. Lawrence says, "Mosman Green sets the benchmark for all new renovations to follow that where ever possible significant water management systems are incorporated through intelligent and creative architectural design."

"As Sydney's water shortage becomes more critical it is vital that the older housing stock is renovated to become more water and energy efficient."

"We believe Mosman Green is a perfect example where water can be harvested from a roof in an innovative manner without compromising design."

"Water tanks come in all shapes and sizes. The big issue is we need a change in community attitude and a national building code that builds water management into the permit system for all new homes and renovations."

At present most houses utilise drinking water for toilet flushing and garden watering which are two of the highest use areas of potable water. (19% toilet flushing, 35-50% garden watering)

Mr Lawrence said that it is vital we have a national strategy to get the best application of alternative water supplies including rainwater, storm water and grey water, as Australia is one of the driest countries in the world.

"With increased population densities being planned for in capital cities, coupled with no new dams on the horizon for economic and environmental reasons, it is vital that the harvesting of roof water is promoted as a major strategy for urban sustainability," Mr Lawrence added.

Media Enquiries:
David Lawrence State Manager Archicentre NSW & ACT (02) 9555 5111 Mobile: 0407 833 324
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700