Understanding the performance of WSUD systems at catchment scale
WSUD systems have been being delivered through greenfield development since around 2007 in WA. However, there are few large areas of development where it is possible to consider the performance of these systems at catchment scale and given the timeframes involved in catchment scale development there have been few studies considering this question in WA.
This project scope proposes to consider water quality and flow data collected in large greenfield development areas and developed catchments where WSUD retrofitting has occurred. The catchments will be selected based on data availability and suitability and those proposed for initial consideration are:
- Wungong Urban Water masterplan area – monitored since 2013
- North Forrestdale development area – monitored since 2015
- Bayswater brook catchment – monitored since 2016
- Bassendean drainage catchment – monitored since 2011
- Bennet Springs catchment – monitored since 2010
- Banister Creek catchment – monitored since 2012
- Bull Creek catchment – monitored since 2014
Project aims
The project aims to:
- Provide an evidence-based understanding of catchment scale performance of WSUD systems.
- Consider whether there is a substantial difference in nutrient loads from catchments developed at different times.
- Consider the impact of WSUD retrofit strategies in existing urban catchments.
- Develop recommendations for implementation of cost-effective WSUD strategies that can deliver catchment scale benefits.
- Develop recommendations for future monitoring at catchment scale.