Water conservation

By Kath Gannaway
BILLANOOK College in Mooroolbark is committed to conserving water wherever it can.
The college has an extensive water wise program throughout its primary and secondary schools and students and staff are well educated in water conservation strategies.
The college has installed a 250,000 litre water tank to service its vineyard and oval.
The water in the tank is harvested rain water from the roof of the Viticulture Skill Centre.
Through a series of pipes and pumps this water is used to irrigate the four-hectare vineyard and huge oval.
College spokeswoman Margaret Lanyon said the latest addition to the college’s water wise facilities is an additional 250,000 litre tank which will use harvested rain water to flush all the toilets throughout the school.
“These two projects will greatly reduce the college’s mains water usage and of course reduce their annual water costs,” Ms Lanyon said.
The college’s new 500 seat Auditorium, which is currently under construction, is also designed to be as environmentally friendly as it can.
“Water harvested from the roof of the Auditorium will be used to flush the toilets, windows will be solar control film coated to minimise heat gain and loss,” Ms Lanyon explained.
The lighting is designed to switch off when there is no movement detected and all plumbing is designed to support the college’s commitment to reducing water wastage.”
The Auditorium will be officially opened by the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser on Monday 3 August.
There will be a tour of the college the day before, Saturday, 2 May, starting at 10.15am. Booking is essential.
Email to registrar@billanook.vic .edu.au, or phone 9724 1179 to register.