The Mount Waverley Reserve, in the Monash local government area in Victoria, is to become the home of a new $320,000 water harvesting plant, which will capture the rainwater run–off from the covered roof of the neighbouring Melbourne Water Reservoir.
Monash City Council has recently accepted the tender from Planned Irrigation Projects P/L for the construction of the water harvesting plant, which is being jointly funded by Council and the Federal Government, each committing $160,000.
The project involves the construction and installation of five water tanks, associated pumps and pump house and connections, with the works being carried out in conjunction with Melbourne Water.
Monash Mayor Stefanie Perri said the project would considerably improve water efficiency in the area and is a significant step forward for Council’s Environmental Sustainability Road Map targets.
“The runoff from the reservoir roof is currently flowing directly into the stormwater system. The water harvesting plant is expected to reduce dependence on potable water by supplementing an estimated 13.4 mega litres a year. That’s the equivalent of more than five Olympic–sized swimming pools,” Councillor Perri said.
“For local governments across Australia, one of the biggest challenges is providing quality recreational areas that don’t rely on potable water. With the development of this water harvesting plant, Monash is leading the way in ensuring our parks and recreational areas are environmentally sustainable.”
The harvested water will be used to irrigate the local sports field, which is used by the Eastern Football League, Waverley Blues Football Club and the Mount Waverley Cricket Club. It will also help maintain the nearby en–tout–cas tennis courts, toilet flushing at the reserve, and public trees on nature strips.
