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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 01 Hansard (Thursday, 12 February 2004) . . Page.. 393 ..

• CUPP uses a sophisticated irrigation control system known as Comtrol to irrigate most ACT Government sportsgrounds. The system uses advanced computer technology to control irrigation at grounds, linking individual ground controllers to a headquarters by radio. Water delivery is determined in relation to factors including net evaporation, soil type, grass type and sporting usage.

• While Comtrol delivered water savings in the order of 20% after its installation, CUPP is working with CSIRO to explore whether the operation of Comtrol can be further refined. CUPP continues to explore other strategies for reduction in water usage, including the use of grass types that require less water for survival.

Parkland Areas

• Except in extreme circumstances, CUPP will only irrigate areas between the hours of 8pm and 8am

• All sprinklers that remain turned on are to be re-checked to ensure no over spray is occurring and that they are functional.

• All irrigation controllers are to be re-inspected for efficient watering.

• Deep watering will be maintained, but at reduced frequency. This is necessary to continue to grow deep plant roots.

Fountains

•  The fountains in public places must be turned off to avoid water loss through evaporation. This includes fountains at Hobart Place and Mawson.

•  Fountains must be kept filled to protect pumping equipment and to avoid unattractive empty ponds. The fountains are to be drained, cleaned and refilled every three months to ensure the fountains do not become unsightly or health hazards.

Shopping Centres

Washing down of soiled paved areas at shopping centres, bus shelters and other public areas must be reduced to a minimum. Air or high pressure water equipment should be used to minimise water usage where practical. Some washing will continue to be necessary for health reasons.

ACT Housing

The 40% reduction is being met through adherence to stage 3 water restrictions as they apply to residential properties. ACT housing residents are subject to the same water restrictions as any other Canberra resident.

ACT Housing installs water efficient devices as part of it’s ongoing maintenance program.

Schools

Schools recognise that they have a key role to play in demonstrating to the community that the government is taking action in terms of their own facilities to reduce water consumption.

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