The First Creek Wetland launched today will provide the Adelaide Botanic Garden with a new water supply, reducing reliance on the River Murray.
At the wetland opening in Adelaide, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Senator Simon Birmingham said the project was a fantastic example of communities addressing water scarcity issues by adopting stormwater harvesting and reuse approaches.
“By saving up to 200 million litres of drinking quality water every year, the Garden will no longer need to rely on the River Murray for irrigating its extensive collection,” Senator Birmingham said.
The Australian Government provided $2.9 million in funding for the project which is one of fourteen stormwater projects in Adelaide funded under the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan, part of the $10 billion National Plan for Water Security initiated by the Howard Government.
The First Creek Wetland has been constructed to divert stormwater as it enters the Garden. After the stormwater is diverted, it is filtered naturally by plants then filtered mechanically before being stored in an aquifer 40 meters underground. The water is then brought to the surface where it enters the wetland and can be used to irrigate the Garden.
“The wetland is not only an environmental asset but it has transformed an old tram and bus depot into an idyllic area for the community to enjoy amongst a bustling city.
“States, territories and local communities must continue to seize these opportunities to make the best use of every drop of water by embracing water reuse and recycling opportunities wherever feasible,” said Senator Birmingham.