The Eildon Park Stormwater Harvesting Scheme diverts stormwater from a 24 hectare low density residential catchment to provide an alternative source of water to irrigate the sports fields at Eildon Park, Rowville. The diverted water is pre-treated to remove gross pollutants, sediments and oils and then pumped to two above ground 450kL tanks. The stored water is then filtered and UV treated prior to being used for irrigation of the main oval. Eildon Park is home to one of Victoria’s largest junior clubs with over 1,000 registered juniors and 94 registered Seniors.
An assessment of the Ground’s water requirements, surrounding catchment and existing drainage infrastructure indicates that nearly 14ML per annum of stormwater could be captured for reuse, of which around 5ML can be used for irrigation during the summer period.
- Conserve potable water
- Utilise stormwater for irrigation
- Improve stormwater quality
- Reduce peak flows during storm events
- Provide a safe playing surface
- Minimise disruption to organised sports during prolonged drought periods
- Engage the community on the benefits of Integrated Water Cycle Management
- This project reduces dependence on mains water by harvesting and reusing stormwater from a 24 hectare catchment and save approximately 14 ML of water annually.
- The captured water is used to irrigate Eildon Park which has been converted to warm season grass to further reduce demand for water.
- The project helps Council work towards a 25% reduction in potable water use by 2015.
- Improving stormwater quality entering Corhanwarrabul Creek by removing litter and sediments.
- It is important to have key parts of the system remotely monitored (e.g. pumps, tank levels) to detect and address system faults quickly.
- The inspection frequency of the Gross Pollutant Trap needs to be assessed regularly, taking into account the type of upstream catchment. The inspections in subsequent years can be adjusted based on the volume of litter and sediments being captured in the GPT.
- The ongoing technical training of sportsground staff is fundamental to the success of the maintenance of the sportsground.
- Engagement of the community should include an understanding of the urban water cycle which highlights - what is stormwater and how it is harvested.
