Recycled Water Use for a Climate Ready City

The City of Adelaide committed to expanding the availability of recycled water to public events in its park lands. Increasing the use of recycled water is part of Council’s aspiration to be a climate-ready, live able City.

SA Water owns and operates the Glenelg to Adelaide Recycled Water Scheme (GARWS) and has provided recycled water to the City of Adelaide for the Adelaide Park Lands irrigation since 2009. Healthy Environs was engaged to research the provision of recycled water during public events for the following approved uses:

• Dust suppression

• Equipment washdown

• Water supply to portable public amenities/toilets

• Site horticulture maintenance by hand watering

The Healthy Environs team provided services to assist the City of Adelaide to achieve the following:

• Satisfy all regulatory requirements and the necessary approvals for safe and effective recycled water use.

• Develop a detailed risk management plan assessing risks across environmental, public health, safety and communication aspects.

• Develop an Operating Guideline on the use of non-drinking water for City of Adelaide staff and contractors.

• Develop a Water Services Site Instruction Guideline and map for public event operators.

• Prepare various audits and inspections tools and forms.

The Council has since made substantial water savings at major public events. Diversifying fit-for-purpose water resources delivers on the Council’s Water Sensitive City Action Plan and supports the City’s Sustainable Events Guideline.