Water Programs
Council has achieved significant water savings through water conservation projects.
Please find below information on water-related topics:
Water Restrictions in Melbourne
Permanent Water Use Rules are now in force. Permanent water use rules apply to things like hand watering, watering systems, window washing, pools and spas, and fountains and water features.
For more information, please see Yarra Valley Water for information on Melbourne’s current water restrictions.
Integrated Water Management Plan
In May 2014, Council adopted an Integrated Water Management Plan:
Integrated Water Management Plan(PDF, 8MB)
The plan documents Council's vision and goals for integrated water management, and sets targets and recommendations to guide future strategic policy development and action.
The vision and themes are: "Water is integrated into all Council service areas to ensure a connected and healthy community and environment. The vision is articulated through five themes: social health, ecological health, connected communities, shared prosperity and water-sensitive infrastructure".
Water Tanks
Council has installed over 50 rainwater tanks at its facilities for garden and tree watering, toilet flushing, and vehicle and machinery washing. The rainwater tanks have resulted in water savings of over 10 million litres.
Tanks were installed in the machine wash bays at the Council Depot in 2007. Since then, the depot has saved over 5,500 litres of potable water.
In 2011, tanks were installed at Alvie Hall, Batesford Hub Community Centre, Fregon Hall, Gardiner's Reserve and the Men's Shed.
Installing rainwater tanks is the best way to beat the imposed water restrictions and save on water costs.
Stormwater Harvesting
The stormwater harvesting system at Mt Waverley Reserve, installed in 2012, is expected to reduce potable water consumption by 80%.
Warm-season Grass
Council has introduced drought-tolerant grasses at more than 15 sports fields. This saves an average of 2 million litres of water per hectare in comparison to traditional grass species.
Wetland Rehabilitation
Council will improve water in existing wetlands to ensure ongoing water quality improvements.
A wetland management plan has been drawn up for Herriotts Boulevard Wetland to improve water flows, silt quality, litter management and wetland vegetation.
Living Roof Project
The purpose of the project's vegetated roof is to allow Monash University, supported by Melbourne Water, to test the quality of the stormwater coming from the roof and measuring the reduction in roof rainwater runoff.
The project proposal involved retrofitting the existing concrete roof of the council chambers to an extensive living roof or "vegetated" roof. The plants will be drought-tolerant ground covers. It insulates and cools the building, reducing energy expenditure and carbon emissions. Other benefits include reducing stormwater runoff and intensity by 90%, and increasing biodiversity.
Waterwatch
Monash Council is a regional sponsor of Waterwatch, a national community water quality monitoring program run by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, in conjunction with Melbourne Water.
Through Waterwatch, groups can test and monitor the quality of water in our creeks and streams, link with each other, share discoveries, compare findings and build a picture of the health of waterways across Australia.
School or community groups wanting to monitor water quality need to attend a short training session. A monitoring kit is available for loan from Council for groups who have undertaken this training.
Waterwatch Victoria