Serpentine-Jarrahdale saving water

The Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale (Australia) has constructed a recreation centre that contains a range of water sensitive urban design features.

Internal water-wise features include waterless urinals, duel flush toilet systems, and flow restricted tap sets.  External water management initiatives include native gardens that require minimal irrigation and utilize reusable wastewater, and flush paving to reduce stormwater runoff.

It is estimated that the centre will save approximately 1,000 kL of water per year, compared with a similar recreation centre that does not include water efficient features.  Additionally, the reduction and filtering of the stormwater runoff ensures the garden, which is designed to use minimal amounts of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, retains its nutrients.

The site also has a range of energy efficient features including a 6 kW solar hybrid wind turbine.  The wind turbine allows the centre to generate energy on-site and the building’s passive solar design maximizes natural light and ventilation.

ICLEI has a Water Campaign that aims to build the capacity of local governments to reduce water consumption and improve local water quality. The ICLEI Water Campaign in Australia provides councils with ongoing support and technical information to build their capacity to address water quality and water conservation issues in their daily operations.  For more information, please visit www.iclei.org/oceania/water.

Serpentine-Jarrahdale is one of 95 local governments in Australia that are currently Members of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.  For more information on ICLEI and its activities in the Oceania Region, please visit www.iclei.org/anz.

Source:  “Saving Water Inside and Out”, Water Campaign Actions Profile, ICLEI Water Campaign in Australia.