University to save 16 million litres of water each year

Friday 1 December 2006

Four new water recycling and saving projects at the University of Newcastle are expected to save 16 million litres of water each year.

The University will receive more than $128,000 in Australian Government funding in 2007 for the four projects at its Callaghan campus, involving practical measures to save and protect water resources.

The projects include weed management, automated watering controls and more efficient approaches to irrigating the University's four sporting and recreational ovals.

Trevor Gerdsen, Director - Facilities Management, said the funding recognised the University's environmental sustainability measures.

"The University has a reputation for environmental sustainability," he said.

"Since 1997, we have saved more than $2.5 million through efficient energy management strategies.

"These four new projects will now allow us to implement water management strategies which deliver a significant benefit to the environment, in a time where the drought and climate change are of national importance."

The funding is a part of the Australian Government's Community Water Grants program.

Contact: Trevor Gerdsen on 02 4921 8994 before midday or between 2.30 and 3pm today.