Water
- Water Quality
- Rivers and Creeks
- Waterwatch
- Water Conservation
- Water Restrictions
- Residents and Community groups
- Further Information
- Council's efforts to save water
Water Quality
The quality and conservation of Banyule’s waterways and systems are equally important issues for Council. The improvement to the condition of both areas is an ongoing process. Current activities can be seen below.
Rivers and Creeks
Listing of rivers and creeks in the area.
Waterwatch
Banyule’s Waterwatch team works heavily in improving and maintaining Banyule’s water quality in its creeks and rivers. Click here for more information.
Water Conservation
2007 was the worst year of drought which saw Victoria experience its lowest stream flows in history. Current water levels for the Melbourne area are about one third of capacity, which highlights the need for increased water conservation from everyone.
Water Restrictions
One of the State Government’s responses to water shortages is to impose staged water restrictions. Water restrictions limit or ban some water-using activities like garden watering, car washing and more. The municipality of Banyule and greater Melbourne are currently under Stage 3A water restrictions and will remain so until at least 30 June 2008.
Residents and Community groups
There are also a number of grants that are available to community groups who are seeking assistance with their water conservation projects. Click here for more information regarding grants.
Further Information
Our Water, Our Future: Regarding water restrictions
http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/ourwater/water_restrictions
Melbourne Water: Melbourne’s water history and levels:
http://www.melbournewater.com.au/
Save Water: For rebate and conservation tips
Showerhead Exchange programs
Melbourne City Council
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=218&pg=3598
Yarra Valley Water
Council's efforts to save water
An inventory of Council’s water consumption shows Council has decreased its potable water consumption over the past eight years by 144,640 kL.
The reduction over the past few years can be attributed to the introduction of staged water restrictions (Nov 2001) and Council funded initiatives to reduce water use such as the installation of climate controlled irrigation systems in sports grounds and a reduction in the area of open space irrigated. A list of water saving actions Council has undertaken to date is provided in the following table.
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Action
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Date
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Replacement with dual flush cisterns in public toilets
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2006
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Development of Sustainable Water Use Plan (with $10,000 grant from Melbourne Water)
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2006
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Retrofitting of buildings with water efficient fittings including flow reduction valves (with assistance of a $46,000 grant from the Commonwealth)
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2005-06
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Water consumption audits on 74 buildings
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2005
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Council Environment grant funding of water tanks in schools and community facilities
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2004-2006
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Rainwater tank (5000L) installed on MRF roof, used for garden irrigation
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2003/04
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Sustainability training for all staff members
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2003/04
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Incorporation of water saving measures in the design of the Banyule Nets Stadium
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2003/04
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Installation of Maxicom central controlled irrigation system in all sporting fields and some gardens
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2001
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Rainwater tank installed at Rethink Centre for use in water feature and incorporation into education program
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2001
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Implementation of a leak monitoring system through quarterly analysis of water consumption and annual inspection of high use sites
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On-going
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Regular irrigation system audits and maintenance to ensure efficient, uniform water distribution
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On-going
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Rapid repair response to irrigation leaks - available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
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On-going
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Two FTE dedicated to irrigation system maintenance
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On-going
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Installation of drought tolerant plant species into garden beds
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On-going
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Use of indigenous plant species in a majority of new plantings
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On-going
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The graph above details Council’s water use and costs over the past eight years and compares this to the annual rainfall. With the exception of 2000-01, the graph clearly shows the relationship between annual rainfall and water usage rates. This is expected, as low annual rainfall increases irrigation needs in sports fields, parks and gardens. The impact of staged water restrictions and, now mandatory, water restrictions which commenced in 2001/02 is clearly seen in the graph above, as annual water consumption levels remain at lower levels than the previous four years. Demand decreases over the past four years have occurred mainly in the areas of sports fields, swimming pools and open space, which are traditionally Council’s highest water consumers.
