Millions of litres of water will be captured from Sydney's streets to preserve drinking water supplies.
Premier Nathan Rees said the partnership was the first of its kind between Sydney Water and local governments to harvest water from Sydney Water’s network.
"Up to 440 million litres of run off water will be saved from going down the drain," Rees said.
"The project will start by capturing 50 million litres of water in and around Alexandria and re-using it for irrigation at Sydney Park.
"Council will build the infrastructure after the Government has given access to Sydney Water’s network and also committed $100,000 to monitor the scheme.
Stormwater can be treated and used for a range of purposes including:
- irrigation of parks and playing fields
- industry uses
- refill fountains and water features
Water Minister Phil Costa said that Sydney Water‘s network receives a quarter of Sydney’s total stormwater run off.
"New guidelines available from today will make it easier for councils to adopt local harvesting projects through our existing network," Costa said.
Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said the city of Sydney has a number of reuse and efficiency projects underway or planned to reach the goal of a zero increase in potable water used by Council and across the local government area by 2015 based on 2006 levels.
"At Sydney Park the scheme will provide additional water to improve the health of the wetlands and ultimately to irrigate the park," Moore said.
"The City has completed consultation on the scheme and is aiming to have it operating by mid-2010."
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