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Adams Creek and Edinburgh Parks Flood Mitigation and

Stormwater Reuse Scheme

Creating a sustainable future

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The City of Playford is expanding significantly to meet

new employment opportunities in the north and it is working to incorporate attractive wetlands and linear parks, and the biodiversity they create, in extensive urban renewal developments.

Apart from the beautiful environment they create, the wetlands will help reduce reliance on traditional water sources, including the River Murray, and contribute to cleaner ocean outfalls from the natural watercourses running through the City of Playford.

The City of Playford is striving to reduce reliance on the River Murray for its water requirements and to deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits to the community.

The Adams Creek and Edinburgh Parks Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Reuse Scheme is an outstanding example of sustainable development and a major investment in a healthy future.

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What is proposed?

Adams Creek originates at One Tree Hill and meanders through Elizabeth Park and Elizabeth East to Fremont Park. It is then piped through to the flood control basin in Edinburgh Parks North. Excess water flows by drain to the Kaurna Park Wetlands on Waterloo Corner Road, Burton and then out to sea via the Barker Inlet.

The City of Playford has identified Adams Creek for a flood mitigation and stormwater harvesting, storage and recovery project. The project will:• provide flood protection of downstream properties, including Elizabeth City Centre;• improve the quality of water in the creek,• reduce reliance on mains water for irrigating parks, schools and reserves;• deliver environmental and educational opportunities for members of the community and students,

particularly at the nearby Elizabeth Park Junior and Primary School and St. Thomas More Primary, and other schools in the City of Playford; and

• potentially supplement the water requirements of local industries.

Why is it necessary to go ahead with this project?

The Adams Creek / Edinburgh Parks Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Reuse Scheme is part of an overall catchment plan to deliver sustainable environmental, economic and community benefits.

The Cities of Playford and neighbouring Salisbury have developed the knowledge of stormwater harvesting and aquifer storage and recovery, or ASR. It is the way of the future because this technology converts stormwater into a local resource while helping to protect traditional sources of mains water from the ecologically threatened River Murray.

Why do we need to find other sources of water?

The scale of residential, commercial and industrial development has transformed much of our landscape. This growth, and its associated infrastructure, has put enormous pressure on our natural resources. In particular, it has brought about an increasing thirst for water and escalated the environmental risks to natural catchments, rivers and streams.

Who is doing the work?

The project is an initiative of the City of Playford in association with the City of Salisbury and the Northern Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Management Board.

A key stakeholder group comprises representatives of the two Councils, the Catchment Water Management Board, the State Government Catchment Management Subsidy Scheme administered by Transport SA, and the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services, which administers the Sustainable Regions program. Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s most respected engineering firms, is the principal project consultant. Transport SA is providing technical review of the flood mitigation dams.

Who is funding the project?

The Adams Creek project has attracted Federal Government funding through the Sustainable Regions Program. More than $1.3 million has been dedicated to the Adams Creek project from the Sustainable Regions Program. The City of Playford will contribute $420,000 and the City of Salisbury will contribute $624,000. Further support will come from the Northern Adelaide and Barossa Catchment Water Management Board and the State Government Catchment Management Subsidy Scheme. Over time, the project will create considerable savings through the utilisation of harvested and cleansed stormwater for irrigation rather than relying on mains water.

When will work be finished?

Work is progressing this year and will be concluded by June 2006.

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What will this work involve?

Two flood mitigation dams will be created in the upper reaches of Adams Creek at the eastern end of Jubilee Park. These dams will capture and slow down stormwater, which will be slowly and systematically released to a capture basin east of Midway Road.

Water from the capture basin will be transferred to a wetland to the west of Midway Road and immediately north of the Olive Grove. Water will be filtered and cleansed in the wetland before being injected into the underground aquifer for storage. The water will be pumped from the aquifer to reserves and schools for irrigation during dry periods.

What has happened to date?

Testing has been undertaken to examine the soil and rock profiles in the location of the two dams. This has provided us with information necessary to determine the structure and profile of the dams. Testing has also been carried out in the location of the capture basin and wetland in Olive Grove to check the characteristics and permeability of the soil.

Flood modelling has been undertaken to determine the magnitude of potential floods within the reach of Adams Creek in its current state. This modelling has also investigated the impacts of the works proposed for the reach.

Modelling has been done to determine the shape and size of the wetland and its ability to capture and treat stormwater. Following consultation, the design was approved by the project stakeholders and construction of the wetland commenced in January.

Water quality testing is being carried out in Adams Creek. This will provide us with vital and up-to-date information on salinity levels and environmental flows required to sustain local eco-systems.

A bore has been constructed at Olive Grove to determine the ability of the aquifer to store the treated stormwater. This involves estimation of sustainable injection and extraction rates as well as assessing ground water quality and pressure impacts.

What do wetlands look like and how do they work?

Throughout the northern region of Adelaide, wetlands, reedbeds and grassed swales have been established along stormwater paths to slow the flow and cleanse the water. This cleansing is achieved through a complex, but natural range of physical and biological processes with wetlands acting as self-sustaining filtration and water treatment systems. Many of the wetlands feature nature trails with boardwalks and bird hides, facilitating environmental education, through projects such as Waterwatch involving local schools and residents in monitoring water quality and the health of local eco-systems.

How does Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) work?

ASR is the process of injecting water into a suitable underground aquifer for storage and later reuse, and it can be a means of artificially recharging depleted underground water supplies.

Where will the ASR facility be located?

An extraction bore will be located at the western end of the Olive Grove wetland. Treated stormwater from the Olive Grove wetland will be piped downstream for injection into other regional injection bores.

What will the ASR facility look like?

It is essentially a well head with low-profile electric pumping equipment. It does not take a lot of space, is quiet and aesthetically unobtrusive.

How will water be used?

Water will be used to irrigate turf areas and open space in Fremont Park and Olive Grove Reserve replacing the mains water currently used. This will enhance the natural beauty of the reserves and open space and encourage greater recreational use of these areas. Currently, Fremont Park uses about 40 megalitres of mains water each year for irrigation.

How will the development impact on residents in the vicinity of earthworks?

The proponents have a proud record of being “good neighbours”. Construction works associated with the project are expected to have minimal impact on nearby residents and the environment. During the construction phase, codes of practice will be adhered to in terms of dust control, noise minimisation, start and finish times, and drainage. Site supervision by qualified engineers will ensure contractors abide by recognised guidelines regarding storage of fuel and chemicals and protection of native vegetation. The general cleanliness of the project area will be a priority. The site will be under the control of a contractor and access will be controlled to ensure safety on site.

Ultimately, the project is a community asset that will deliver environmental, economic and social benefits. It will beautify open space, create recreational opportunities and promote education and awareness of water as a precious resource.

The development involves dams, capture basins and wetlands. What about the safety of people, in particular children, in respect of these bodies of water?

Edge treatments, paths and viewing areas for the water bodies will be designed with public safety in mind. Gentle, sloping banks with dense reed growth at the water edge will provide a safe, natural barrier. Signs will also warn of any risks to the public. Residents who are keenly interested in the development are encouraged to visit other wetlands and ASR sites in the region, including the Stebonheath ASR project at Smithfield Plains and Andrews Farm in the Playford area and Kaurna Park, The Paddocks and Greenfields ASR sites in Salisbury’s area.

What educational opportunities will the project deliver?

In addition to aquatic plants, the project will involve the planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses that will greatly enhance the biodiversity and amenity of the area. The project team aims to involve local environment groups, schools and residents in this long-term revegetation process.

The Adams Creek Stormwater Harvesting Project, through the Waterwatch Program, will deliver some wonderful opportunities for students and the community in general to learn about water quality and become involved in caring for the healthy ecosystem it will create.

Where will Waterwatch activities be carried out?

There will be two main locations - at the inlet to the wetlands, and at the harvest location. Facilities will be established to make this safe and convenient.

A small earthen amphitheatre will be established with interpretative signage to support educational opportunities and community awareness of the benefits of stormwater harvesting.

Will there be walking trails?

Yes. The walking trails will be designed to provide good views of the wetlands.

What about mosquitoes?

A mosquito management strategy will be implemented incorporating reedbed design in Olive Grove and the introduction of native fish that will prevent mosquito breeding. The established wetlands in Playford and Salisbury have not experienced mosquito problems.

What about odour?

Over many years of experience in operating wetlands in the region, there have been no problems with odour.

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We have to look at how Nature deals with water. We have to be more respectful of Nature and copy what it does. We have to interact with our surroundings in the right way.

David SuzukiEnvironmental Scientist and

International Broadcaster

Adams Creek and Edinburgh Parks Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Reuse Scheme

For more information, contact City of Playford

Civil OperationsTelephone 8256 0333