World Water Day 2017
Why wastewater
Saturday 25 March
Water is a limited resource for which global demand is growing. Climate change, population growth and economic development need sustainable solutions to make the world future-proof. Freshwater is the single most important natural resource on the planet, and it’s finite and increasingly scarce. By 2030, global demand for water is expected to grow by 50%. At the same time, the quantity of wastewater is increasing. Why wastewater Waste water is a valuable resource and its safe management is an investment in the health of humans and ecosystems. Safely managed wastewater offers a sustainable source of water and nutrients. By using this valuable resource, we are making the water cycle work better for every living thing. So let’s all reduce and reuse! In the Byron Shire we recycle our treated wastewater for: s industry and agriculture s construction and dust suppression
s toilet flushing of public toilets s irrigation of parks, gardens, nurseries, sporting fields and s wetlands! There are wetlands and / or recycled water use associated with all Byron Shire sewage treatment plants. We know we have a long way to go…. but we are making significant steps! The Byron Bay Sewage Treatment Plant includes a multi award winning wetlands that refines our wastewater and we operate one of the largest recycled water schemes in Australia.
What we can do - stop being a waster! Reduce and reuse.
World Water Day - FREE event
We’re all wasters when it comes to wastewater. Every time we use water, we produce wastewater. And instead of reusing it, we let 70% of it just flow down the drain. We all need to reduce and reuse wastewater as much as we can. Here are some ideas for all us wasters!
Do you want to know more about Water!
At home
In recognition of World Water Day the Byron Bay Wetlands will be open to the public.
s Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth, shaving or doing dishes or scrubbing vegetables - otherwise you’re just making wastewater without even using it! s Use water efficient products – look for the 5 stars on your dishwasher or washing machine s Install low flow shower heads – these can reduce flow by up to 50% without compromising performance s Check for leaks – just one dripping tap can waste up to 2,000 litres a month s Collect used water from your kitchen sink or bathtub and use it on plants and gardens. s Wash your car on the lawn s Cover swimming pools to prevent evaporation s Don’t hose down paths, patios or driveways – use a broom or rake s Put rubbish, oils, chemicals and food in the bin, not down the drain. The dirtier your wastewater, the more energy and money it costs to treat it.
The day will feature excursions into the wetlands and electric buggies will transport the flock into the Byron Bay Wetlands. The Jacana Walking Trail will show you the way and the Byron Bird Buddies will be onsite to talk all things birds. Meet at the Cavanbah Centre no bookings needed.
In the garden s s s s s s s s
Install a rainwater tank Build a raingarden Use porous paving Create a green wall or green roof Choose the right plants for your soil Plant local native varieties and water wise plants Mulch your gardens and don’t cut you lawns too short Water your garden in early morning or evening to reduce water loss
Bring your binoculars and check out the wetlands on World Water Day. Saturday, 25 March 2017. 16 March 15, 2017 The Byron Shire Echo
Saturday 25 March - 9am to 2pm Cavanbah Centre, Byron Bay
Learn more about living sensitively with water and what you can do! Back at the Cavanbah Centre, there will be speakers and hands on activities for all ages to learn about water and identify ways we can change our behaviour to create healthy, sustainable and living catchments. Guest speaker Jerry Coleby-Williams (ABC Gardening Australia) will provide practical information to help you design water sensitive gardens and homes. Plus pick up your FREE copy of the Brunswick Valley Landcare ‘My Local Native Garden’ booklet so you can get underway and build a new water sensitive garden. http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/ native-plants Learn about the use of wetlands for wastewater treatment and recycling, hear about the incredible birds of the wetlands and how living more water sensitively will contribute to the resilience of our community. Join the interactive activities designed to inspire your actions for a healthy catchment. See how water moves around our catchments and be a Water Bug Detective. Plus, learn about the science – what does pH and dissolved oxygen mean and how does it affect our water? A day to explore, learn and have FUN!
www.byron.nsw.gov.au Byron Shire Echo archives: www.echo.net.au/byron-echo