Water Conservation

As part of our commitment to sustainable use of water, the following outline current water restrictions, and Council's use and management of recycled water for Park Lands irrigation.

Water restrictions

South Australia’s Water Wise Measures and restrictions were introduced by the State government and are administered by SA Water. For more information call the Water Wise Measures hotline on 1800 130 952 or visit SA Water.

Recycled water

The Glenelg to Adelaide Park Lands Recycled Water Project (GAP) is a landmark project developed by the South Australian Government in conjunction with the Australian Government, and Adelaide City Council.

The project delivers a sustainable supply of recycled water to the Adelaide City and Park Lands. The recycled water is used to irrigate over 163 hectares of Park Lands including Whitmore Square. All Park Lands buildings, drinking fountains and toilets will remain on potable water supplies.

Even though the water provided is recycled, Adelaide City Council will continue to manage it’s use sustainably. This includes implementing best practice irrigation efficiency and management, sustainable turf management practices, and after dark (overnight) operating hours.

» Map of Park Lands irrigated areas (PDF, 971Kb)

What is recycled water?

Recycled water can be defined as wastewater treated to an appropriate standard to enable its re-use in other applications. More information on recycled water and the project can be found at: www.gapreuse.com.au or www.sawater.com.au

» Water quality fact sheet (PDF, 396Kb)

Wastewater treatment process

SA Water no longer use the ‘Class A/B/C’ terminology when assessing the water quality of recycled water. A new ‘Log Reduction Value’ (LRV) system is used. The recycled water being supplied to the Adelaide Park Lands is of a better quality than the historic ‘Class A water’ and has been given a LRV of 6.5.

» Wastewater treatment process (PDF, 153Kb)

Monitoring program

SA Water owns and controls the supply and quality of recycled water delivered from the Glenelg Treatment Plan. Adelaide City Council is responsible for all risk management associated with the use of water once drawn from the meter manifold and as such has prepared an Irrigation Risk Management Plan. This document is based upon the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling, and forms the basis of Department of Health approval.

The importance of soil and groundwater monitoring has necessitated a separate Soil and Groundwater Monitoring Plan. This plan summarises historic information, identifies gaps in the baseline data and provides clear management directions for the ongoing monitoring of soil and groundwater once recycled water is in use.

In 2009, prior to irrigation with recycled water, Council undertook strategic soil and groundwater sampling to form the baseline for the monitoring program.

The data collated shows that a large proportion of the shallow water table across the Park Lands already contains water of a higher salinity than that of the recycled water (>1200ppm). In addition, 4 of the bores drilled were found to be dry — thus indicating that water from rain events is not retained in the shallow water table for any extended period of time in these locations.

» Soil and groundwater monitoring 2009 (PDF, 5Mb) (before irrigation with recycled water)

Extensive research has been undertaken to understand the effects of recycled water on vegetation.

There are 3 main factors affecting the salinity tolerance of vegetation: soil structure, water salinity levels and irrigation spray drift. Adelaide City Council has included these factors in its plan for the ongoing monitoring of vegetation, with impacts constantly being assessed and managed by staff.