WATER SAVING PROJECT

Objective: To become nearly self-sufficient in water for garden watering and toilet flushing, involving and gaining support from organizations using Church facilities and the local community.

Intention: Harvest and store enough rainwater, upgrade plumbing systems with modern water-saving equipment, preserve the architectural integrity of the Church, and promote environmental stewardship. Conduct sustainable homes workshops.

Project Preparation: Extensive research into storage options, capacity, costs, and current water usage. Collected quotes ranging from $50,000 to over $70,000. We were awarded a $50,000 government grant in February 2008. Project reached near full capacity by November 2008, achieving immediate water savings.

Outcome: Annually saving more than 100,000 litres of water, benefitting thousands including parishioners, students, parents, and community groups.

How does it work? Rainwater is collected from church roofs and adjacent buildings, stored in rubber bladders, and pumped to a 1000-litre header tank, providing gravity-fed water for main toilets. Water from Evans Hall supplies the disabled toilet in the Hall.