Stormwater harvesting
Stormwater harvesting is a sustainable water reuse initiative that captures, treats, stores, and reuses stormwater — primarily for irrigating Council parks and sports fields. This approach supports greener parks while conserving valuable drinking water supplies.
Over time, Hornsby Shire Council has progressively installed stormwater harvesting systems across a number of key community sites, including:
- Pennant Hills Nursery
- Greenway Park
- Orara Park footpath (Mark Taylor Oval)
- Berowra Oval
- Foxglove Oval
- Epping Oval
- North Epping Oval
- Thornleigh Oval
- James Henty Oval
- Pennant Hills Park Synthetic Soccer Field
- Asquith Oval
- Rofe Park
- Storey Park
- Normanhurst Park
- Edward Bennett Oval
These systems typically include a gross pollutant trap, biofiltration process, storage tanks, and in many cases, UV treatment, ensuring the water meets safety and quality standards for reuse.
Key Benefits of Stormwater Harvesting:
- Reduces demand on potable (drinking) water supplies, especially during dry periods
- Reduces volume of polluted stormwater runoff, helping to protect local creeks and waterways
- Improves the quality of stormwater through on-site treatment processes such as pollutant screening, biofiltration and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection
- Promotes a water-wise culture, supporting Council’s sustainability goals and encouraging the community to adopt responsible water use practices
Stormwater harvesting forms part of Council’s broader commitment to integrated water management and environmental stewardship. By turning a once-overlooked resource into a valuable asset, we are improving liveability, resilience, and the health of our local environment.