News

University of Melbourne takes steps to assist water conservation

Media Release, Friday 10 August 2007

The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Veterinary Science based in Werribee is helping to ease demand on drinking water supplies from a growing population and climate change.

They are active participants in a $3.4 million recycled water project that has been funded by Victorian Government (through the Victorian Water Trust), City West Water and Wyndham Council.

The Werribee Technology Precinct will be officially launched today, Friday 10 August at the Faculty’s state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and hospital by Victorian Minister for Roads and Ports and Member for Tarneit, Tim Pallas.

Professor Ken Hinchcliff the Faculty’s new Dean commented: “We are committed to water conservation, and want to actively work to reduce the amount of water we use, and recycle water where we can.

“This is why we were delighted when we were approached to be part of this first class recycling project. By utilising recycled water we know we can help to save millions of litres of drinking water every year.

“Over half of the water to be used at our campus in Werribee will be Class A recycled water. It will be used as drinking water for our animals, to wash down animal enclosures and to water paddocks.

“Today marks a step in the right direction to recycle the most valuable resource for humans. Our educators, researchers and students are all proud to be part of this world-class recycled water project. It is developments like this that make a real and positive impact on our natural environment.”

The project will annually supply up to 400 million litres of Class A recycled water to a number of businesses, located in the Werribee Technology Precinct, including the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Water will be provided via a new 8.7 kilometre pipe line, sourced from Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant.