A new stormwater and aquifer recharge project that will reduce pressure on local drinking water supplies in northern Adelaide has today been opened by the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong.

The $7.5 million Stebonheath Park Stormwater Recycling Wetland, part of the Waterproofing Northern Adelaide project, will comprise of four hectares of wetlands that will eventually harvest 570 million litres of water per year to irrigate the City of Playford’s parks and reserves.

The Waterproofing Northern Adelaide project is worth over $100 million, with the Australian Government contributing $38 million through the Water Smart Australia program.

“Waterproofing Northern Adelaide is a great example of the Australian Government working in partnership with local and state governments to help communities reduce their reliance on rainfall,” Senator Wong said.

“In an era of extended drought and the effects of climate change, we need to invest in alternative water supplies to meet the demands of our growing population.”

Member for Wakefield, Nick Champion MP, also welcomed the project, citing it as a fantastic addition to Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

“Stebonheath Park will provide many benefits for the local community and feature new facilities including a boardwalk and a play space for local families to enjoy,” Mr Champion said.

The Stebonheath Park Stormwater Recycling Wetland is one of 18 stormwater harvesting wetlands being constructed or upgraded within the Waterproofing Northern Adelaide project.

Waterproofing Northern Adelaide aims to save more than eight billion litres per year of drinking water currently used for open space irrigation within the Playford, Tea Tree Gully and Salisbury council areas through providing infrastructure to integrate stormwater, groundwater and drinking water systems.

Drinking water will be replaced with treated stormwater harvested in constructed wetlands, stored in, and then drawn from the Northern Adelaide Plains aquifer.

Funding for Waterproofing Northern Adelaide also includes $33.2 million from the South Australian Government, $22.2 million from participating local governments and the remainder from private funding.

For more information on the Water Smart Australia program visit www.environment.gov.au