Water Saving Milestones
The City of Monash has undertaken an array of actions to limit the amount of water it uses in its daily actions.
Water Harvesting and Water Tanks
Glen Waverley and Oakleigh Golf Course
A Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse project has been implemented at each of the Golf Courses, for use in facilities (toilets) and irrigation.
Monash Gardens Independent Living Units
Introduction of slimline rainwater tanks for use in residents' gardens.
- Phase 1 - installation of 10 818L water tanks in 2008/9
- Phase 2 - installation of 12 818L water tanks in 2009/10
Other Rainwater Tanks
Water tanks have been installed across a number of Council facilities to maximize the use of rainwater. The combined water saving of these tanks alone is estimated to be 12 ML per year (based on reduction from 2005/2006 to 2006/2007).
Open Spaces
Sports Grounds
Low water-demand, warm season grasses are progressively being introduced and established. A warm season Couch grass (Santa Ana) has been used to replace the traditional grass in three sports fields, achieving the same top quality sports surface with a significant decrease in water requirements.
Nursery and Bushland
In Council's nursery, to prevent water draining out of the irrigation and sprinkler lines, there are shut off valves on hoses and also on each individual sprinkler.
In areas such as Mulgrave Reserve and Gardiner's Reserve, stormwater has been directed into constructed wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and to provide a setting for passive recreation activities.
Garden Beds
Drought resistant varieties of local indigenous and Australian native plants are used in all garden beds where practical.
Where irrigation may still be necessary, such as at the Civic Centre, shut off valves are installed on individual sprinklers to prevent water loss.
Mulch is used on nearly all Council gardens to help reduce moisture loss through evaporation.
Buildings
Retrofitting of efficient appliances within the Council's Works Administration Centre and the Brine Street Childcare Centre has achieved a reduction in water consumption by about 74% and 50% respectively.
Water efficient appliances, such as low-flow showerheads and waterless urinals, are included in new buildings wherever required and possible. Rainwater tanks to provide water for toilet flushing are also considered, and have already been included in a pavilion extension at Freeway Reserve.
Last updated: 20 March 2010
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