BY ALEXANDRA REES
Hunter Water is set to implement a $6 million recycled water project, in collaboration with Lake Macquarie Council.
The project will see the implementation of an irrigation system, to maintain community parks and sporting fields.
It's hoped the increased water capacity at the Edgeworth Wastewater Treatment Works will make more recycled water available to a number of local ovals, including Jack McLaughlin Oval and Pasterfield Sports Complex.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says the council is dedicated to making the city's future more sustainable.
"This long-term water efficiency initiative will reduce the use of drinking water for irrigation in favor of alternative water sources," she said.
"It will also ensure we can keep our sporting fields, gardens and other public spaces green, which is important for the amenity and wellbeing of our community."
The decision comes as a response to the 2019 droughts, which left devastating water shortages across the Hunter.
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary says it's an important initiative for the community.
"Our community increasingly expects Hunter Water to improve our regions water resilience and sustainability," he said.
"That's the real benefit from this project; improving the resilience of beautiful community assets."
The investment is expected to save the equivalent of eight Olympic swimming pools of water.
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| Image credit: Hunter Water. |
