Stormwater harvesting is the collection, treatment, storage and re-use of stormwater run-off from urban areas. It complements other approaches to water conservation such as restrictions, rainwater tanks and the use of greywater.
In 2009 we undertook stormwater harvesting projects on 3 of our popular sporting fields. Our goal was to keep our sporting fields green, without using precious drinking water.
About the projects
The projects were staged over 3 years. With the Federal Government, we invested more than $1.9 million.
Benefits
The stormwater harvesting projects have effectively drought-proofed 3 of our most popular open spaces:
- Edwin Flack Reserve
- Grices Road Reserve
- Sweeney Reserve
We will also:
- save up to 39 million litres of potable water per year
- reduce pollution running into our waterways
- secure our future water supplies
Sweeney Reserve case study
The Sweeney Reserve stormwater harvesting project was the largest of the 3 projects.
Background
Sweeney Reserve in Narre Warren is an open space highly valued by Casey residents. It required large volumes of potable water (drinking water) to maintain it.
Design
Stormwater run-off from a residential catchment enters a Melbourne Water storm-water drain and, by agreement with Melbourne Water, the City of Casey captures some of the run-off and treats it through leading edge WSUD features, including a sediment pond and rain garden. Considerable amount of pollutants are filtered out as the runoff passes through these features. Treated water flows into an open storage pond that can hold up to six million litres. Before it is used for the irrigation of sporting ovals, ultraviolet light is applied to the water to disinfect it.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
WSUD is a critical part of the planning and design of urban environments. It minimises the impacts on waterways of stormwater run-off from urban infrastructure by mimicking the natural water cycle as closely as possible.
The open storage pond has a valuable environmental role and is a welcome addition to Casey’s network of wetlands.
Completed in June 2013, the system can harvest and re-use up to 21 million litres of stormwater each year to irrigate sporting facilities at the reserve, including football ovals, soccer and softball fields. The overall capital cost of the project was $1,081,159 (GST excl.).
The City of Casey’s stormwater harvesting projects enhance amenity and recreational opportunities for the community and have an important place in Council’s vision for an environmentally sustainable city that uses water wisely.
A further five stormwater projects have been identified, which will enable Council to meet current water efficiency commitments, while future-proofing each site’s requirements with a recycled water supply to keep the reserves green all year. These projects are proposed by Council in an alternative water network for Narre Warren to address challenges, including increased water demand, development, water quality and flooding.
The network has the potential to supply 225 million litres of stormwater annually to the Narre Warren Metropolitan Activity Centre for irrigation, toilet and laundry usage. Stage one construction will deliver stormwater storage and treatment systems at Max Pawsey Reserve and enhance urban waterway health. This project will supply up to 50 million litres of treated stormwater for irrigation and top up of swimming pools at Casey ARC.
Casey’s Integrated Water Management Plan endeavours to build a water efficient city, where water resources are fit for purpose and stormwater is managed for improving the health of local waterways, creating new landscapes and places to visit.