Council warms to water savings

GREATER Dandenong will save an additional two million litres of water per week thanks to a warm-season grass rollout at eight sporting ovals across the city.
City mayor Youhorn Chea said the council had a water-saving plan in converting its sporting ovals to drought-tolerant grasses.
While two ovals were completed in the first phase, the second phase, now under way, will see a further eight ovals converted to the warm-season grass, which requires substantially less watering.
“Once the latest round of warm-season grasses is sown, which should happen by the end of December, the council will save at least six million litres of water across its 30 warm-season grassed sports ovals each week,” Cr Chea said.
In addition to this, the council has installed 23 water tanks, each with a capacity of 45,000 litres, across its ovals with warm-season grasses.
Because of the close proximity of many sports grounds in the city, the council said the tanks would be able to provide water for the 30 warm-season grass ovals during summer.
This is in addition to the 18 grounds the council is permitted to water under Stage 3a water restrictions.
“Up to two million litres of recycled water may be transported into Greater Dandenong to fill these water tanks each week, ensuring the condition of our sports ovals remain at competition standard throughout summer,” Cr Chea said.
“The council is continuing to negotiate with South East Water to purchase recycled water from its local treatment plant.
“Currently, council purchases recycled water from the Werribee Treatment Plant.
“This is not ideal because of the physical distance from Greater Dandenong.
“We recognise the importance of ensuring the city’s young people have access to well maintained sporting grounds year-round.
“It is vital that young people participate in sport and exercise for their general wellbeing, and to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity.”