Penrith City has been harvesting stormwater runoff and using it to water sporting fields and flush toilets.
Deputy mayor Jim Aitken said the initiatives have saved council and the community tens of thousands of dollars and millions of litres of drinking water each year.
“Penrith City is doing its part to help secure Sydney’s water for the long-term,” he said.
The council has installed rainwater tanks ranging between 2000-litre and 30,000-litre capacity in nine childcare centres, nine Rural Fire Service buildings, 10 community centres and two swimming pool complexes.
An urban stormwater collection dam with a capacity of about 30 mega litres is used to irrigate Surveyors Creek Softball facility comprising eight playing diamonds and which is also used for passive recreation.
“Not only does this save drinking water, it also means we can look forward to softer fields all year and less scratches and bruises,” Cr Aitken said.
“You can play a role in saving the environment and saving yourself money by installing a rainwater tank.”
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