Synopsis
Stormwater reuse systems were installed at various parks and recreation centres within Hornsby Shire to irrigate sports fields, park grounds and tennis courts as part of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC). The stormwater reuse systems consist of water storage tanks, pumps and switching equipment, and irrigation control equipment.
Benefits and Savings
Financial savings for Council: $14,500 saving per annum in potable water costs.
Environmental Benefits: Reduced water consumption. Also reduced stormwater discharge, which prevents erosion and the travel of pollutants to local waterways.
Motivation for Installation of Stormwater Reuse Systems
High water consumption at the collection sites prompted inclusion of the stormwater collection project in the EPC proposal. Stormwater tank at Greenway Park, Cherrybrook, beside the athletics field. Photograph courtesy of Hornsby Shire Council.
 - Stormwater tank at Hornsby Park – situated under the grandstand of the Aquatic Centre and next to the backwash holding tank. Photograph courtesy of Hornsby Shire Council.
About the Project
The stormwater reuse projects were part of Hornsby Shire Council’s Energy Performance Contract (EPC). An EPC is a service delivery method where the customer engages a multi-disciplinary contractor to identify and achieve guaranteed energy and greenhouse reductions. The costs to achieve these reductions are paid for over a negotiated period, typically 5-10 years, from the savings in energy and other costs such as maintenance. If there are no savings, the contractor has to pay the customer the shortfall.
Although the primary aim of Council’s EPC was to reduce greenhouse gases from its facilities, the contract also specified the need for water savings. The stormwater initiatives were presented as part of the proposal from the contract.
The stormwater project required collaboration between the Environmental Health and Protection division, Parks and Landscapes division and Water Catchment Unit within Council. Stormwater collection sites were chosen by the following requirements: - The need to reduce high water consumption at the site;
- Suitability of climate and subsequent stormwater production at the site; and
- Open space irrigation requirements at the site.
The size chosen for the stormwater tanks corresponds with the estimated amount of water collected by the nearest catchment area. Existing pump and pipe infrastructure has been used for irrigation. Extra pumps have been installed where needed.
The tanks are steel with a colorbond finish and heavy-duty food grade liner. The tanks have an UV stainless steel disinfecting filter and a separate pollution trap/pump pit to remove light pollutants and organic matter. The tanks are located above ground and are green in colour to ensure they are aesthetically pleasing.
Community education concerning this project has occurred in the form of informative signage on site. Local newspapers have also published articles featuring the Hornsby Shire Council’s EPC.
Project completion occurred in June 2003.
 - Stormwater tank at Greenway Park, Cherrybrook, beside the athletics field. Photograph courtesy of Hornsby Shire Council.
Lessons Learnt
Councils must be very conscientious of public health and safety issues. Research of recycled water use regulations was important in this case.
Important to have all council asset managers involved early in the planning process.
Acknowledgments
This case study was prepared with assistance from Hornsby Shire Council.
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