Contractor Steve Morros spreads dust-suppression agentBELGRAVE Tennis Club has unveiled its secret weapon against prevailing drought conditions this summer.
The club has begun sprinkling its en-tout-cas courts with magnesium chloride, a chemical commonly used as a dust suppressant during roadworks.
The chemical, which works by drawing moisture from the air, has been trialed with some success by several clubs throughout Melbourne and endorsed by Tennis Victoria.
Under Stage 3A water restrictions, tennis clubs are only allowed to water half of their en-tout-cas courts with mains water, meaning only two of Belgrave’s four courts would be eligible during the peak summer period.
But after the courts were treated with magnesium chloride a fortnight ago, club president Peter Wild was optimistic about the immediate future.
“Treatment of two of the courts was completed by 9.30am, but even though today was quite hot, all four courts were still damp hours later,” Mr Wild said.
The club is also hoping to take advantage of an agreement between Tennis Victoria and water suppliers to allow all treated courts to be watered, with an application before South-East Water as the Mail went to print.
While it is common practice to water en-tout-cas courts thoroughly in between sets, it is likely that the treated courts will only require a light sprinkling before matches.
With memberships and revenue likely to suffer from restricted court usage during the summer, this creative solution may yet prove to be a lifeline for ailing hills clubs.
