Central Queensland hospitals make 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 Rockhampton and Gladstone hospitals expect to collectively save 25,876 kilolitres of water per year through their initiatives.

“Savings at Rockhampton Hospital are being achieved by installing flow control devices in all water outlets to reduce flow rates.

“Water meters are also being downsized or amalgamated to save in water meter charges and we’re reducing sewerage discharge factors to reduce sewerage costs.

“The hospital is also retrofitting CSSD sterilisers to achieve water savings by replacing the once-through water cooling system with chilled water.

“Rockhampton expects to save approximately 20,902 kilolitres of water per year through these initiatives.”

Mr Robertson said Gladstone Hospital will save an estimated 4,974 kilolitres of water per year through its initiatives.

“Water efficient toilet cisterns are being installed and the application of flow reduction devices to hand basins, sinks and showers will reduce the flow rate to 9 litres per minute.

“The hospital is also utilising rainwater harvesting and existing storm water drainage piping.

“Captured runoff water will be stored in an underground pit then filtered and re-used in cooling towers to disperse heat from the air conditioning system.

“Cooling tower consumption has been estimated as one of the site’s largest water consumers so these measures will significantly reduce the hospital’s use of town water.”

Media: Paul Lynch 3234 1190 or 0417 728 676