Summary

This is the original of the plan that was drafted by Stuart McQuire and submitted to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) as part of the process of receiving approval for the Envirowater Greywater Treatment System that the donor installed in his home.

The Stuart McQuire chose to install this system because it was a low cost system and had a water feature component. Having an aesthetically pleasing and low cost greywater treatment system in operation as a functional example to the general public was important to the donor. Therefore, this model, which was yet to be EPA approved, was selected.

The plan details the site on which the unit was to be installed and includes details such as elevation, drainage, location of unit and the layout of the home and garden. The plan, along with other information was submitted to the EPA by the donor in 2003. One year later installation approval was given.

Stuart McQuire's home and garden were featured in the Museum's 'Water Smart Home' project as a leading example of a water efficient home.

Description of Content

This is the original of the plan that was drafted by the donor and submitted to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) as part of the process of receiving approval for the Envirowater Greywater Treatment System that the donor installed in his home. The donor chose to install this system because it was a low cost system and had a water feature component. Having an aesthetically pleasing and low cost greywater treatment system in operation as a functional example to the general public was important to the donor. Therefore, this model, which was yet to be EPA approved, was selected. The plan details the site on which the unit was to be installed and includes details such as elevation, drainage, location of unit and the layout of the home and garden. The plan, along with other information was submitted to the EPA by the donor in 2003. One year later installation approval was given.

Physical Description

Paper based plan, black and white, with gradings, elevations, diagrams and text.

Significance

This plan, a copy of which was submitted to the EPA in order to gain approval to install the Envirowater Greywater Treatment System, is a pertinent example of water saving and recycling technology, its practical implementation and the EPA approval process that has been implemented to regulate greywater treatment technology. The plan, created by the donor represents the practical installation of a greywater treatment system. Greywater treatment units are becoming increasingly common in the domestic context. However, at the time that this plan was submitted they were not as common or in everyday use in many residential situations. All greywater treatment units installed in the domestic context must have EPA approval. While a list of approved systems existed at the time, the Envirowater unit that the donor wished to install was new and yet to be approved. This plan is historically significant in that it reflects the EPA regulatory process and how it dealt with the development and installation of new greywater technology. The reality that the donor chose to seek approval from the EPA for a model that was yet to be approved is also significant. It highlights that choices are important to those seeking to make changes to their water consumption and use in their homes. It also highlights how the regulatory process in place at the time could accommodate such choices. A year after the plan was submitted to the EPA approval was given to install the system. The system is currently in use at the donor's home. (See Related Narratives for further detail about the Envirowater system and why this model was selected by the donor).

The installation of the Envirowater Greywater treatment system that is represented by this plan is also historically significant as the donor received funding from the Smart Water Fund to install and trial this new product. This in itself is significant as it highlights the financial and technical support available to individuals (in a domestic context) who are seeking to make changes to their water consumption behaviour. The donor was also a participant in Museum Victoria's Water Smart Home project - his story is featured on the Water Smart Home website and his home was opened to the general public every year as part of the Water Smart Home Open Homes and Gardens Tours in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The donor was also a key member of the Water Smart Home Reference Group.
This acquisition fits within the acquisition strategy for the Water Smart Home which was approved by the History and Technology Acquisition Committee in 2006.

This landscape garden plan is extremely applicable to the Water Smart Home Project and broader issues of sustainability. The plan is directly connected to a story featured on the Water Smart Home website. It is also representative of responses to environmental issues and to water conservation in a domestic context.

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