The Challenge
To manage water usage for irrigating public open spaces and refilling recreational water bodies that is more sustainable and provides security in times of low rainfall.
Albert Park Lake and surrounding parkland have, to date, used drinking water for irrigation and until 3 years ago, lake replenishment. This project explored community attitudes to finding alternative sources – recycled water (including sewer mining), treated stormwater or seawater - for times when water is scarce and because views on drinking water usage are changing.
The Project
- Install a pilot recycled water treatment plant at Albert Park Reserve with a demonstration facility for education (pilot plant not funded by Smart Water Fund).
- Monitor lake water quality to model environmental and health risks.
- Commission research, including open days, focus groups and in-depth
interviews with operators and stakeholders, into community perceptions of using alternative water sources at Albert Park. The research looked at the acceptability of using recycled water permanently, and attitudes to other water sources, like stormwater.
The Outcome
Lessons Learnt
Study revealed that over 90% of people believed water conservation should be a high priority in Albert Park Reserve, and in Melbourne generally.
They also thought that the most environmentally friendly system should be used, that recycled water was an acceptable alternative, and that the State Government should be responsible for funding.
The study found that the effects of drought were evident at Albert Park, and that communication needs to have a high priority.
The Benefits
Using alternative water sources at Albert Park Reserve has the potential to save 180 million litres of drinking quality water per year.
The site provided a consistent water supply for irrigation and lake top-up during drought, and a new demonstration site for public information about water recycling.
The Victorian Government has recently announced plans to use additional stormwater to top up Albert Park Lake in future.
