In response to the NSW Government's mandatory water restrictions, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority has implemented comprehensive water management policies that will stay in place until further notice. (These policies have been operating since 1 October 2003).
Water management at Sydney Olympic Park will be fully compliant with conditions imposed by Sydney Water and will also showcase the benefits of recycled water.
The mandatory water restrictions do not apply to the use of recycled water supplied by the Authority's Water Reclamation and Management Scheme (WRAMS) or water sourced via rainwater collection systems at the Park.
The majority of Sydney Olympic Park's operational water requirements (such as irrigation and toilet flushing) use recycled water from WRAMS. Parkland areas not connected to recycled water include Concord West at Bicentennial Park, Wilson Park and the Ferry Wharf.
Wilson Park requires irrigation to maintain a safe playing surface. As per Sydney Water restrictions, the field may only be watered from 6.00am to 9.00am and 5.00pm to 8.00pm on Mondays only. The Sydney Olympic Park Authority has advised Auburn Council, responsible for the management of Wilson Park, of these requirements.
Concord West (Bicentennial Park) is part of a remediated land area and irrigation for dust suppression is a NSW EPA requirement. Therefore, minimal watering will continue to ensure adequate grass cover.
The Ferry Terminal will be watered on a 'survival mode' using tankered recycled water.
The main water features at Sydney Olympic Park (Fig Grove, Cauldron, Northern Water Feature and Misting Masts at Holker Street) operate on recycled water and are signed in accordance with NSW Health approvals to indicate the use of recycled water. Operating times for these water features have been significantly reduced.
Water features still connected to drinking water supplies will not be operated until they are reconfigured to operate using recycled water.
To ensure public health standards, Sydney Water permits the use of drinking water for high pressure cleaning activities of hardstand areas and use of potable water by cleaning contractors. Irrespective of Sydney Water's exemption, where possible, contractors undertaking these activities at the Park will use recycled water and temporary signage will be erected indicating that recycled water is in use.
The Authority has a rigorous maintenance regime that ensures that breakages and leakages are quickly identified and fixed. Water saving devices such as supply pressure reduction and self-closing valves will be installed wherever possible.
All water available at picnic areas, drinking fountains and wash basins is and will remain connected to drinking water supplies and will be maintained in a fully accessible and operable condition.
Residents in Newington are also connected to WRAMS and use recycled water for a range of activities at home.
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