Aquarena is committed to playing its part in responsible water management and conservation.
Melbourne has experienced its driest period on record over the past 12-18 months, culminating in the onset of serious water restrictions which may continue for some time yet. The increased pressure on our water recourses means that attitudes towards water need to change to reflect the value of water in today’s environment. Aquarena recognises that efficient and more productive water use will become increasingly important over the coming years.
Melbourne’s water storages are predicted to take several years to recover fully from this current situation, so it is up to the community and industry collectively to continue to help the state's long-term water saving and management plan.
Aquarena has responded to this ongoing water crisis and the recent calls from government for businesses to use water even more efficiently. As part of the centre's long term water management plan, we have identified a number of initiatives, which now implemented, have assisted in reducing water usage levels by over 50% on 2004-05 figures.
With an ongoing capital improvement plan in place, we installed a new UV pool water disinfection system in our indoor plant rooms in early 2005, redeveloped the outside 50 meter pool in 2006, replaced older piping between pools and filtration systems, and initiated projects that with our members' support are still successfully running today and have helped deliver significant long term water savings.
Water saver shower heads, along with dual flush toilets have been installed throughout the centre. Efficient shower heads can cut the water usage in the shower by up to half the use of a non-efficient shower. Aquarena has also placed new signage around the centre to encourage members and guests of the centre to be water conscious when showering. More water is used in the showers each day at Aquarena than is used to maintain the centre's swimming pools.
Combined water efficient shower heads and support from our many daily centre users in ensuring that time in the showers is kept to a minimum, can and will, have a significant impact in reducing our future water usage levels.
More than half the water in a swimming pool can evaporate in a year. At Aquarena we use the latest and best type of pool covers to reduce water loss through evaporation. Pool blankets are an easy way for the centre to save water and cut down water evaporation.
We have been very pleased with the success of the initiatives and thank all of our centre users for their support and understanding in our combined efforts to reduce usage of this very precious resource.
Water is essential for our health and well being and that of our environment. Aquarena is committed to playing its part in responsible water management and conservation.
We will continue to work with members, the local community, suppliers and government to minimise impact on local water supplies and systems whilst providing the necessary aquatic facilities and services the community has come to enjoy. Ongoing support from our many members and casual centre users in addressing time limits in showers and other initiatives is essential if we together are going to have a significant impact in reducing our future water usage levels.