In short, they consider the whole water cycle and enable pool managers and operators to set realistic targets and achieve improvements. President of the Aquatic and Recreation Institute NSW, Nicole Murphy Pacholek, endorsed the new 160-page guidelines and predicted they will make a real difference to their members in more efficiently operating their centres.
Sydney Water’s Business Customer Services Manager, Andrew Kirkwood, outlined the purpose and scope of the guidelines. He also highlighted the fact that 36 per cent of water is used in pool make-up and backwashing filters, and a staggering 22 per cent of water is lost on average through leaks.
These losses have a major impact on aquatic leisure centre pumping, treatment and disposal costs. Springwood Aquatic Centre (in the Blue Mountains) provided a graphic illustration of how leaks, once repaired, along with rechecking valve positions and float valves can dramatically improve overall efficiency.
The Manager of Blue Mountains Leisure Centres, Kirrilly Twomey, revealed that Springwood Aquatic Centre had gone from using 3,650 kilolitres per month in December 2006 (initial Sydney Water audit) to 1,200 kilolitres per month in January 2011. “We’re delighted with this 32.9 per cent reduction in monthly water use and are working toward even greater efficiency,” Kirrilly said. Read More
