Water conservation initiatives
Hornsby Shire Council has pursued its corporate commitment to reduce potable water consumption throughout the shire by undertaking water savings initiatives and was one of the first Councils in NSW to achieve a Milestone 5 accreditation and a 5 star rating with Sydney Water's Every Drop Counts Business Program
Over the past few years, Council has targeted water conservation within Council buildings and has installed water saving devices such as dual flush toilets, low flow showerheads and tap aerators. These devices save approximately 35 megalitres of water each year – enough to fill 35 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Council has also installed rainwater tanks and stormwater harvesting infrastructure at its community nursery and at a number of local playing fields. Examples include Berowra Oval, Greenway Park, Pennant Hills Park, Somerville Oval, Epping Oval, North Epping Oval and Roselea Park. For more Hornsby Shire Council stormwater re-use schemes visit www.waterforlife.nsw.gov.au. Further stormwater harvesting and sewer mining projects are in the design or planning phase.
Partnerships with 10 local schools and educational institutions, and three local Lawn Bowling Clubs, have led to the installation of rainwater tanks. The tanks range from 2,500 to 10,000 litre capacity at educational institutions to 240,000 litre capacity at bowling clubs. These are used to irrigate the gardens, bowling greens, and school grounds.
Council is pleased to be working in partnership with:
With these partners we are developing water savings initiatives and sustainability programs such as:
Many Council initiatives have been completed with assistance from State and Federal Government funding.
