At a time when tighter restrictions are being put in place and many Australians are nervously eyeing the prospect of drinking recycled water, a suburb in Melbourne is set to save billions of litres of water in the next ten years through its innovative water recycling and storm water management programs.
As living proof of what is achievable, Sandhurst has celebrated the milestone of already saving over 420 million litres of drinking water since the introduction of its privately funded recycled water program two and half years ago.
The suburb will also have a major impact in curbing pollution at Gunnamatta Beach cutting billions of litres of sewerage being released into the ocean.
"Sandhurst is set to lift its level of water savings halfway through the year when all homes will be connected to Class A recycled water providing water for flushing toilets and gardens," said Managing Director of Links Living, Stephen Head.
At present Class A recycled water is being used on the two golf courses and extensive public open space.
"This will make Sandhurst one of the most efficient users of water in Australia cutting the use of potable water by up to 50 per cent at a time when the overall water use in suburban Melbourne has been reported at falling by just four per cent over the past two years."
"Once the recycled water is connected to homes Sandhurst residents will not have to worry about water restrictions as they will have a guarantee their gardens will always be green," Mr Head said.
