Cairns Hospital making every drop of water count

Water saving measures in place at Queensland public hospitals will save approximately 800,000 kilolitres of water a year, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

“Our hospitals are doing their bit to save water as Queensland struggles through the worst drought on record,” he said.

“Some hospitals have already achieved a 15 per cent reduction in their water consumption.

“And more water will be saved as hospitals progressively roll out further innovative water conservation measures through Queensland Health’s Statewide Eco Efficiency Program.”

Mr Robertson said water savings are being achieved through the installation of water-efficient taps, flow restrictors on showers and toilet cisterns, the trial use of waterless urinals, and intensive leak detection and management systems.

“Hospitals are also reducing their take of town water by making extensive use of rainwater and stormwater harvesting for re-use in cooling towers, air conditioning systems and irrigation.

“Some hospitals are using water recovered from renal dialysis and treated through reverse osmosis for cooling towers plus recycled water used to test fire pumps.

“Others are looking at innovative technology to improve the water use efficiency of x-ray equipment, rinse processes and extraction systems.”

Mr Robertson said Cairns Base Hospital expects to save approximately 105,580 kilolitres of water per year through its initiatives. (1 kilolitre = 1,000 litres)

“Water conservation measures include the sinking of a new bore and installation of a treatment plant on the hospital campus to supply additional potable water to the hospital.

“Flat plate solar collectors are also installed on the roof to absorb solar energy to heat water for use as domestic hot water in B block,” he said.

MEDIA: Paul Lynch 3234 1190 or 0417 728 676