Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens: Optimising the Stormwater Harvesting and Treatment System

Stormwater Harvesting: A Path to Sustainability and Efficiency

In 2012, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) undertook an ambitious initiative to enhance its environmental sustainability through the establishment of a cutting-edge stormwater harvesting and treatment system. This endeavor, known as the Working Wetlands project, aimed to harness and recycle stormwater to nourish the Gardens lush landscapes while reducing reliance on traditional water sources. Over the years, the system has demonstrated its effectiveness in water conservation, but challenges arose in its performance during warmer weather, prompting RBGV to seek the expertise of IV Water in 2020. This article delves into IV Water's contributions and the subsequent upgrades that optimized the stormwater harvesting and treatment system at RBGV, empowering the Gardens to achieve greater efficiency, water quality, and sustainability.

Assessing Functionality and Performance of a Stormwater Harvesting and Treatment Scheme

To address the underperformance issues of the stormwater harvesting and treatment system at RBGV, IV Water conducted a comprehensive functionality and performance assessment. This involved a thorough examination of system assets, operations, and water quality within the Ornamental Lake. Identifying key challenges and areas for improvement was essential to developing effective solutions.

The assessment revealed that during the period of 2017 to 2019, the water treatment and recycling plant did not operate at full capacity due to water quality issues in the Ornamental Lake. This discovery became the foundation for IV Water's subsequent analyses and recommendations.

Designing Proposals for Enhanced Performance of Stormwater Harvesting and Treatment Scheme

Drawing on the assessment findings, IV Water developed a series of cost-effective solutions to optimize the management of the existing stormwater treatment system. These proposals sought to mitigate risks, improve water quality, and enhance system performance, aligning with RBGV's commitment to sustainability.

Three upgrade options were selected and documented in consultation with RBGV:

Lifting the suction intake line in the Ornamental Lake above the accumulated sediment level to prevent clogging and improve water intake efficiency.
Upgrades to the chemical dosing ventilation system to ensure compliance with the best OHS practice and maintain water quality standards within the stormwater treatment process.
Conducting audits of Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT's) and retrofitting oil and grease capture baffles to enhance the system's pollutant removal efficiency and maintain water quality.

Upgrading Stormwater Harvesting and Treatment System

The selected upgrade options were put into action between 2020 and 2022, under the coordination and supervision of IV Water. The team worked closely with RBGV staff and contractors to ensure seamless execution, minimal disruption to daily operations, and adherence to the highest quality standards.

During the implementation phase, IV Water leveraged its expertise in water management and engineering to address technical complexities and optimize the upgrade outcomes. The collaboration between IV Water and RBGV fostered an environment of synergy, knowledge sharing, and mutual commitment to achieving excellence in sustainable water practices.

Realising the Full Potential of Stormwater Harvesting at RBGV

The upgrades led to a significant improvement in the stormwater harvesting system's performance at RBGV. The lifting of the suction intake line ensured uninterrupted water intake, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing system efficiency. The upgraded chemical dosing ventilation system achieved precise dosing, ensuring that water quality remained consistent and met stringent OHS standards. Additionally, the GPT's audits and retrofitting of oil and grease capture baffles bolstered the system's capacity to remove pollutants and increased the oil and grease retention thus protecting the treatment plant operation.

With the successful implementation of the upgrades, RBGV realized the full potential of its stormwater harvesting and treatment system. The system now operates at optimal capacity, providing a reliable source of irrigation water for the Gardens' diverse flora and contributing significantly to the conservation of potable water resources.

Achieving Standards of Stormwater Harvesting via Collaboration

The collaboration between IV Water and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in optimizing the stormwater harvesting and treatment system stands as a testament to the power of expertise and dedication in achieving sustainable water management. Through comprehensive assessments, strategic design proposals, and seamless implementation, IV Water's involvement transformed the system's performance, unlocking its full potential for RBGV's water conservation efforts.

As RBGV continues to lead by example in environmental sustainability, the optimized stormwater harvesting and treatment system serves as a blueprint for other institutions seeking to enhance their water practices. With IV Water's expertise and RBGV's commitment, the Gardens' journey toward greater efficiency, water quality, and sustainability continues, leaving a lasting impact on Melbourne's cultural landscape and inspiring others to embrace a greener, water-wise future.