Pool cash splash

A STATE Government grant will allow Knox City Council to test and implement a water saving plan at a Boronia leisure centre.
The Smart Water Fund has allocated the council $185,000 to conduct a feasibility study and implement a backwash water and rainwater reuse scheme for Knox Leisureworks in Tormore Road.
Knox mayor David Cooper said it was a great opportunity to save up to 21.5 million litres of water – the equivalent of fourteen 50-metre pools – per year.
“This is made up of approximately 18 million litres from the pool’s backwash water and a further 3.5 million litres of rainwater off the centre’s roof, per annum.
“The water saved will be reused to irrigate Tormore Reserve, which is located approximately 250 metres from Knox Leisureworks,” he said.
Cr Cooper said the council would first have to assess water quality and the level of treatment required for backwash water to be safely reused to irrigate the reserve.
The initial feasibility study is due to be completed by October.
“The second stage of the project will be the design and construction of the re-use system, including pumping and monitoring equipment, by the end of March 2008.
“This is a fantastic water reuse initiative for Knox Leisureworks and Council is grateful to receive funding from the Smart Water Fund for the project,” Cr Cooper said.