Perth Zoo Integrated Water Management Strategy
Civil & Public Infrastructure
- Investigation of current practices and recommendations of best management practice, e.g. bore and reticulation infrastructure, water use practices, etc.
- Recommendations relating to construction methodologies to increase efficiency and minimise disruption to the Zoo operation.
- Identification of existing infrastructure and best methods of integration with proposed works.
Pritchard Francis has been involved with various projects at Perth Zoo for many years. The Integrated Water Management Strategy involved the masterplanning and concept design for a strategy to dramatically improved water use management and efficiency throughout the site. The project is likely to involve the construction of a variety of services in an approximate 1.8km ring main scenario through the Perth Zoo, including recycled water mains, new bore infrastructure, fire reticulation, communications, electrical and wastewater services.
The water management strategy proposed the integration of reticulation services with natural treatment processes, such as constructed wetlands and biological filters in order to reuse as much water on site as possible, thereby increasing sustainable water practice at the site, and providing key educational benefit to the greater community. Rainwater harvesting and recycling of water from exhibit wash down were key components of Water Resource Management recommendations. Ultimately the system is intended to be automated such that operation can be controlled through a central management system, with water use closely monitored and further reduced. It is expected that water use will be reduced by approximately 50% through implementation of measures proposed in the strategy.
The Perth Zoo attracts over 600,000 visitors each year, and possesses a unique educational role for the greater community. This was heavily emphasised throughout the project, where the successful implementation of the water management strategy can become a global first with the potential to promote sustainable development locally, nationally and internationally.