Alternative water supplies project

Whittlesea is one of nine Victorian Councils selected to be involved in a pilot project to identify alternative water sources that can be used to maintain parks and gardens and construct new roads, footpaths and drains.

Councils currently require water to irrigate sports grounds and to water gardens. Water is also used to compact new road bases and control dust during road construction.

The nine Councils are working with the industry body of public works engineers (IPWEA) to identify alternative water supplies that can be used for these activities.

The project will look at recycled water, stormwater, dams, rivers and creeks, groundwater, reclaimed water and potable water supplies.

It will develop an understanding of the amount of potable water used by local government for civil construction activities and space management.

Additionally, it is hoped that a local ‘Water Atlas’ which identifies alternative water sources will be developed and guidelines established for the possible use of non potable water such as recycled and reclaimed water.

The project also facilitates the use of recycled and reclaimed water and embeds sustainable water use practice into Councils and the construction industry.

Outcomes of the project will be known mid year.