| Introduction
Lake Baroon supplies water for much of the Sunshine Coast, and recently has been connected to Brisbane via pipeline. Though the catchment enjoys a higher rainfall than surrounding areas and the lake level is rarely below 50% capacity, it has become evident that it is important to protect water flows as well as water quality. Alternative Water Supplies
The subject of water sources for the Blackall Range has been a topic of conversation since the area was settled. Currently, the reticulated water supply for Maleny is sourced from the Obi Obi Creek via two weirs, a large one at Kings Lane just west of town and a smaller one opposite the show grounds. The two weirs provide Maleny with 40 days’ supply of water under normal demand. In 2000, Caloundra City Council approved the construction of a pipeline from the Lander Shute water treatment plant back up the hill to Maleny. There was a considerable amount of controversy over this decision and the State government delayed their subsidy until Council undertook an integrated water management study and consulted with the community. A Maleny Integrated Sustainable Water Management Plan was completed by MWH in 2007. A number of alternative water sources are available. These include: - rainwater tanks;
- groundwater bores;
- recycled grey water;
- recycled treated sewage effluent;
- stormwater harvesting;
- off stream storages.
In addition, water usage can be reduced significantly through: - the installation of water saving devices;
- industry and large scale users becoming more water efficient;
- reusing grey water;
- changes to behaviours eg learning to reduce water usage, reuse water wherever possible etc.
See our booklet “Maleny Water: A layman’s guide to the greatest natural resource this region has – water” for a comprehensive discussion on alternative water sources. In 2010 the pipeline from Landers Shute to Maleny commenced construction. Waterways on Farms
The clearing of land for agricultural use has had a significant long-term effect on the state of our streams and waterways. Removing riparian vegetation, allowing stock to wander through wet areas and across stream beds, driving vehicles across streams and other activities that increase soil erosion and reduce vegetative buffer zones all serve to degrade the health of waterways. Water quality deteriorates due to the increased nutrients, sediments, herbicides, pesticides and bacteria entering the stream. In-stream habitats deteriorate through smothering and build-up of sediments, and through effects on aquatic vegetation. Aquatic fauna suffer as suitable breeding sites disappear, their food sources are degraded and also directly through poor water quality. Through simple actions such as fencing off streams, installing off stream watering for stock and stream crossings for vehicle and/or stock, and replanting the riparian zones, there can be huge improvements in stream health. Riparian vegetation acts as a filter for runoff, slowing water flow and thus reducing erosive effects, and absorbing sediments, nutrients and other pollutants. Riparian vegetation also provides shade to streams and regulates stream temperature. This acts to prevent excessive macrophyte and algal growths, which can cause major degradation of aquatic habitats and water quality. Stock health and therefore production also benefit significantly through the availability of more accessible and cleaner water sources – they are not drinking water stirred up by their own movements or polluted by manure and urine – and through reduced risk of injury or even death through bogging or due to steep sided water channels. Healthy vegetated riparian land also provides habitat for insect-eating birds and insect parasites that can help protect pastures and crops. The shelter and microclimate provided by riparian vegetation can help reduce death in newborn stock, reduce heat or cold stress, lead to improved pasture growth, reduce wind speeds which will assist growth of crops, and reduce wind damage to horticultural produce. Deep-rooted vegetation may in some circumstances act to lower water tables along riverbanks, reducing the movement of salt and nutrients into streams from sub-surface flows. Urban Stormwater
Urban development substantially changes the dynamics of waterways and the water cycle in catchments. Under natural conditions, a large amount of rainfall soaks into the ground to replenish groundwater and provide a source of water for plants. Once impervious or hard surfaces such as roads and roofs are introduced to a catchment, the opportunities for infiltration are greatly reduced. Instead water runs off into creeks and rivers, carrying with it a range of urban stormwater pollutants and litter, and increasing the potential for in-stream erosion. Urban stormwater contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, sediments, litter and other pollutants such as herbicides and pesticides, detergents, hydrocarbons (eg oil and grease, petrol and diesel), and sometimes more toxic contaminants from accidental (or deliberate) spills from industries. Many people are unaware that the stormwater drains near their houses or businesses drain directly into rivers or streams and do not think twice about tipping that bucket of soapy water or that leftover paint down the drain. Severe ecological harm can be caused by these substances. Fine and dissolved substances can be taken up by aquatic plants and animals and kill them directly, or can smother important areas or aquatic habitat or impact on water quality. Solutions
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is an holistic approach to the planning and design of urban development that aims to minimise negative impacts on the natural water cycle and protect the health of aquatic ecosystems. The principles of WSUD include: - protecting existing natural features and ecological processes (eg buffers of natural vegetation protecting waterways; natural channel design retained)
- maintaining natural hydrologic behaviour of catchments (eg limiting increase in stormwater volume by using natural drainage paths and infiltration basins);
- protecting water quality of surface and ground-waters (eg through treatment of stormwater before it leaves site);
- minimising demand on reticulated water supplies (eg rainwater tanks, grey water recycling, reductions in water use);
- minimising sewage discharges to the natural environment;
- integration of water into the landscape to enhance visual, social, cultural and ecological values (eg by minimising hard engineered surfaces, by creating rain gardens).
Many opportunities exist for WSUD elements to address more than one principle. Septic Tanks
Of the population of the Lake Baroon catchment area, those not on town reticulated sewerage use on-site systems to treat their household waste. Leaking, overflowing or poorly performing septic tanks can pollute groundwater and/or waterways. It is important to ensure that your septic system is functioning correctly. 1. Feeding your septic system - Do not add toxic and hazardous chemicals, such as paints, pesticides, strong disinfectants or caustic substances that will destroy the bacteria that are essential for digestion of the waste.
- Use biodegradable, low phosphate and low sodium cleaning products and washing powders.
- Do not add items that will not degrade easily, such as plastics, litter, sanitary napkins, paper towels and condoms.
- Minimise grease and fats: a grease trap must be installed to catch discharges from the kitchen to prevent blockages in the system.
- Keep out excess water eg use dual flush toilets, reduce water pressure, use low flow shower heads and taps.
2. Maintenance - Clean your grease trap regularly.
- Septic tanks should be pumped out every 3-5 years, with inspections every two years advised.
- Ensure there are no cracks or leaks in pipes or the tank itself.
- After it has been pumped out, fill the tank with clean water, add a handful of lime to prevent odours and increase pH, which encourages bacterial growth.
- Ensure lids and inspection openings are above ground level, free of cracks, properly sealed and easily accessible.
- Ensure vents are mosquito proof.
3. Disposal area - Do not plant trees on the trench as the roots will clog up the trench. Grass is the best to remove excess water. Do not cover trench with a hard surface.
- Divert runoff water away from the trench.
- Keep an alternate disposal area available to allow the soil to rest.
- Do not drive vehicles over disposal area or allow animals to graze on this area.
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