City of Greater Dandenong building maintenance officer Damian Karaitiana with the new chemical blocks that are making great water savings for the community.THE City of Greater Dandenong Council is installing flush-free urinals in its Springvale and Dandenong buildings in a trial that it believes will save the city up to four million litres of water each year.
Waterless urinal systems have been installed and are in operation at the Springvale and Dandenong council offices.
The secret is a chemical-free block that keeps the urinals clean without the need for flushing.
Council engineering services director Tim Tamlin said there were a number of benefits from the conversion.
“We believe there will be effective and substantial water savings for council, up to 15 litres per flush,” Mr Tamlin said.
“The system is also chemical-free, reducing impacts on the environment.”
City of Greater Dandenong mayor John Kelly said the decision demonstrated the council’s commitment to reducing water.
“Water is a precious resource and it is important that we continue to take measures, not only as a council, but as individuals to reduce water consumption,” he said.
“This initiative also complements our successful campaign in reducing water use on our sporting ovals.
“This has seen council fully convert a number of ovals to warm-season grasses which has resulted in watering being reduced from multiple times per week to once a week.”
The toilets at the Dandenong Operations Centre have been converted for the past six months as part of the program, and the council says staff have had no qualms with the new system.
Additionally, 12 public toilets have been converted to the waterless urinal system.
