With water restrictions currently in place in Victoria due to the current drought conditions, the installation of a new rainwater tank by Whitehorse Council is helping save water.
Whitehorse Council’s General Manager City Development, Stephen Wright, said this was because the City of Whitehorse, in conjunction with Yarra Valley Water, had installed a 31,500 litre rainwater tank to be used to flush the public toilets that are located in the foyer of the civic centre.
“It is estimated that the tank, which was installed in December last year, will initially help save approximately 240 litres of water a day, but potentially could save up to 3,000 litres a day,” Stephen Wright said. “This is a huge saving, as every time a toilet is flushed, it uses up to nine litres of water. These water savings could be even greater if the system is eventually extended to the rest of the civic centre building. Extension of the system will be considered during next year’s budget process.”
Water for the tank is collected from the roof of the main building at the Whitehorse Civic Centre, and stored in the tank until it is reused to flush the toilets.
“The rainwater tank will be a primary source of water depending on seasonal variations. However, in low rainfall periods, the rainwater management system will enable the tank to be supplemented by mains supply,” said Stephen Wright.
The project cost around $24,000, which included the installation of the 31,500 litre polyethylene water tank, a collection pit, pumps and associated plumbing works.
For further information, contact Stephen Wright on (03) 9262 6333.
