Monbulk’s Recreation Reserve will be irrigated with treated stormwater, as part of a collaborative project to protect local creeks and save drinking water.
The Monbulk Stormwater Harvesting project has resulted in the installation of a 310,000 litre water tank underneath the reserve, which collects stormwater which is then disinfected and used to irrigate the oval.
On Thursday, 25 January, representatives from Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Melbourne Water, and Council formally opened the project with State Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino.
Chandler Ward Councillor, David Eastham, said the project would save mains water and protect the environment.
“We’re exceptionally aware of stormwater at the moment, following the torrential rain earlier this month across the state,” Cr Eastham said.
“This project will help to reduce stormwater runoff entering Emerald Creek, where a platypus population resides.
“Using treated stormwater to irrigate this sports field will also save about four million litres of mains water per year– valuable drinking water that can be better used by the community.”
Stormwater can damage critical habitat in and around creeks for our native animals and plants, from high volumes and velocity of water, high pollutant loads and bacteria.
The water captured for the oval will be disinfected using ultraviolet light before being used to irrigate the surface.
Cr Eastham said the project was jointly funded by the Victorian Government’s Integrated Water Management Grant Program, Melbourne Water and Council.
“We’re so thankful to the State Government and Melbourne Water for their investment in this project,” Cr Eastham said.
“It’s heartening to see multiple levels of Government and utilities working together on a project that will protect the environment and save water.
“I can’t wait to see the long-term benefits of this project and see what other community projects this inspires.”
