RECYCLED STORMWATER - KEEPING THE ZOO AND MOONEE PONDS CREEK CLEAN
2 August 2006
Melbourne Zoo will dramatically cut its use of Melbourne's drinking water, saving up to 95 million litres a year, while improving the health of Moonee Ponds Creek, Water Minister John Thwaites said today.
Mr Thwaites was launching the Zoo's $5 million Bracks Government funded Water Recycling Plant, and a $400,000 Melbourne Water Discovery Trail.
"The Zoo's water recycling project will immediately improve the health of the local Moonee Ponds Creek, by collecting, treating and storing the Zoo's stormwater, which will no longer flow into the creek but be reused throughout the site," Mr Thwaites said.
"The Zoo will now use recycled water for a whole range of activities, from watering gardens and lawns, to topping up lakes and pools, to washing down animal exhibits and flushing toilets.
"After the new plant's commissioning process is completed over coming months, the Zoo's use of tap water could be cut by up to half - an estimated saving of about 95 million litres every year.
"Encouraging recycling and the better use of stormwater are key parts of Bracks Government's plan to secure the State's water supplies."
The plant will collect, treat and store the zoo's stormwater, which will be distributed around the Zoo by a network of four kilometres of underground pipes.
Mr Thwaites said Melbourne Water's funding of a new Water Discovery Trail and accompanying stormwater education program would inform the community about the need to conserve water and keep rubbish and other pollutants out of waterways.
"The Melbourne Water Discovery Trail is a hugely engaging and fun way for visitors to learn more about the need to conserve water, about the uses available for recycled water, and about why we need to keep our rivers, lakes, creeks, and bays clean.
"The Zoo attracts thousands of visitors a year, providing an ideal way to communicate water conservation and river health information."
The Melbourne Water Discovery Trail includes special platform seats incorporating important water education messages, sculptures, multimedia, and information about how the recycling plant works and where recycled water is used around the Zoo.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Rob Skinner said the Melbourne Water Discovery Trail would show the Zoo's visitors the simple things we all can do to prevent litter and pollution entering the stormwater system, rivers and creeks.
"Melbourne Water is committed to improving the health of our rivers and creeks and we need the support of organisations like the Zoo and the whole community to achieve this goal," Mr Skinner said.
Zoos Victoria CEO, Laura Mumaw, said the new project was one of the ways the State's three zoos were working with other partners to set examples in creating a sustainable future.
"Our zoos are the perfect places not only to practise sustainable water management but also to tell people about it," Ms Mumaw said.