Catch and Store Water

Regulations that require the water supply to public buildings to be chlorinated, combined with the relatively low water use of these buildings, made the cost/benefit of plumbing these buildings in to their own tank supply to be marginal. However tanks have been installed to both buildings, at present for outside water use only.

18 000 litre tank at east end of Hall, showing first flush water diverter at left. The first flush of water off the roof washes it, fills this diverter, then cleaner water is allowed to flow into the tank. Diverter empties between rain events. Water from this tank is used to irrigate the entry courtyard garden, and to operate the misting cooling system.

Tanks being delivered. The black t-shirt says "I do whatever the voices in my head tell me to do."    : )    Delivering tanks is a good start.

Tanks at early childhood centre. The small tank at right is for the children's use, to fill little buckets for summer play in the sandpit. When it runs out, the children can be prompted to think about where water comes from, how it can run out, etc. Modern house design and reticulated services can leave young people ignorant of where supply comes from, of what is behind the tap or the switch on the wall.


David Arnold