A Risk Management Method for Stormwater Re-use

This study describes the novel application of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for quality assurance of stormwater utilised for an Aquifer Storage Transfer and Recovery (ASTR) project. While HACCP has a long history in the food industry, it has only recently gained acceptance for potable water supplies in Australia and its application to stormwater harvesting and reuse are yet to be trialed. Hence a preliminary HACCP plan was developed to assist in the management of the ASTR project for both human health and environmental risks. The intent in preparing this HACCP plan for ASTR is similar in concept to that for drinking water provision, where water quality and hazards are considered from source to tap in a risk-based approach but also attempts to integrate environmental risks within the same system. Data was collected on the efficacy of stormwater treatment processes (an artificial wetland) and its ability to reduce the peak concentrations of contaminants (an example of turbidity is given) thus providing more suitable inputs for ASTR. From the review of available data, the ASTR project would have an improved capacity to function as a result of the dampening effect that the wetland has on the variability of stormwater quality.