The turf and irrigation research project
To view project results go to Grass Roots LIVE
Grass Roots is an ACTEW water conservation initiative that has seen a local school oval transformed into a complex turf and irrigation monitoring site. The project is part of ACTEW's commitment to continue educating the community about permanent water conservation.
Open spaces such as ovals are traditionally one of our largest users of water, so it's important to learn how to maintain these playing fields for our children, while still achieving water savings.
Site preparations at the Rosary Primary School oval in Watson were undertaken over the 2005-06 summer period to allow the research to commence. A number of turf varieties have been established and combined with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. The systems are automated and linked to a computer, enabling ACTEW to monitor water usage of the 25 irrigation combinations. As the project progresses, the findings may be used as a benchmark for water usage requirements on other sites.
With great community spirit, the Rosary Primary School has committed to the success of the project and will maintain the site, engaging both students and their parents. It will also host ACTEW's talks and public demonstrations on the oval over coming years.
As we overcome our short-term challenges, such as living with water restrictions and bushfire-impacts on our water supply, it is time to focus on the long-term challenge of meeting the target reduction of per capita water consumption by 25 per cent by 2023, set in the ACT Government's water resource strategy Think water, act water. As a community, we can only achieve this by combining our efforts and working to become water wise across the board.
For more information, call the Water Conservation Office on 02 6248 3131.
