Prior to the mid 1990s, Melbourne Zoo used more than 1000 kilolitres of potable water per day, averaging 570,000 kilolitres per year. This prompted a series of water-saving initiatives including:

• Placing re-circulating pumps and filters in ponds
• Decommissioning old leaking pools
• Changing irrigation practices
• Installing modern irrigation systems
• Fitting toilets with dual-flush cisterns
• Continuing to encourage Zoo staff to use water efficiently

As a result, our average daily water use has more than halved, with only 380 kilolitres of potable water being used per day in 2007. This drop in water use has also been assisted by our compliance with water restrictions and the commissioning of the Water Recycling Plant.

The Water Recycling Plant captures and treats wastewater from rainfall and Zoo operations and pumps recycled water around the zoo through 4km of pipes. Since it was commissioned in May 2005, the plant has produced 50,000 kilolitres of Class A water for reuse throughout the Zoo.

This water is used for exhibit cleaning, some pool filling, and lawn and landscape irrigation. The Plant Nursery also uses recycled water for all irrigation. From January to September 2007 the plant produced 28,000 kilolitres of recycled water. This equates to 110 kilolitres per day or almost a third of our daily water demand for this period.