PIPE Networks supports local Cricket Clubs, by supplying recycled water to keep the cricket oval in Port Melbourne green.

….to date a cost of $108,477 has been spent on the removal of water from our network manholes in the city of Melbourne and surrounding area’s. PIPE Networks have made a commitment to recycle the water removed from all manholes and cable chambers to benefit the surrounding community through a number of different strategies. The first of which saw this “waste” water taken to a water treatment plant and then pumped to a nearby cricket oval in the Melbourne for irrigation.

The company that operates the recycling facility has entered into an agreement with the City of Port Philip which is supported by its Premier, to supply treated recycled water to 3 nearby cricket ovals at no charge. PIPE Networks recognised this as a great opportunity to become involved in an innovative form of recycling, and get behind another company trying to make a difference.

PIPE Networks provides funding, on a per litre basis to have the waste water pumped, treated and dispersed from our manholes.

Process:
The initial step when the truck arrives at the treatment plant is to test the water for impurities, a simple Na Cl (salt) test is used to identify whether the water contains any salt. Unfortunately if it does, the water is immediately pumped into the sewer system and cannot be used. If the water contains other impurities there is an approved EPA method for disposing of the water.

The water pumped from PIPE’s network manholes is non toxic and appears visibly clear, but it may still contain impurities. To ensure that the water is clean and free from impurities the water is re-tested according to EPA Standards, through a refined chemical process using aluminium sulphate, chlorine and lime to obtain the correct PH balance and ensure it is acceptable to use.

The qualified water is then stored in large tanks that have a maximum capacity of 22,700 litres. The irrigation system from the cricket oval is then plumbed to the storage tanks via a pump. The City of Port Philip can electronically activate the switch housed at the treatment plant, which is on a timer, and this in turn waters the cricket ovals on a daily basis.

An average of one million litres of water each month is used to irrigate the 3 ovals but this month due to the severe weather conditions, about 1.6million litres of water was used.

Thanks to PIPE Networks, community cricket lives on….