Sydney Zoo has saved more than 30,000kL of water waste with help from Sydney Water.
From elephants playing in baths filled with stormwater to sharks swimming in tanks of recycled water, a new partnership between Sydney Water and Sydney Zoo in Eastern Creek is making waves when it comes to reducing water waste.
A recycled water system in the bull shark exhibit has seen more 30,000kL of drinking water saved since 2022. With a combination of ultraviolet (UV), ozone and chemical treatments, the 1.1ML bull shark tank is now running with optimised efficiency and a significantly reduced volume of water waste.
Sydney Water Conservation Program Manager, Suhanti Thirunavukarasu, said the utility is eager to assist the zoo and ensure all the animals, big and small, benefit from creating and maintaining a unique and efficient water system across the site.
“The bull shark tanks are now running the water through advanced filtration, similar to how we process wastewater in our treatment plants,” Ms Thirunavukarasu said.
“Technology such as UV filtration targets and eliminates particles from wastewater during the cleaning process, creating a water product suitable for the delicate ecosystem home to the sharks at Sydney Zoo.”
A priority for Sydney Water will be helping Sydney Zoo explore opportunities to introduce similar water recycling initiatives in other exhibits.
Sydney Zoo Managing Director, Jake Burgess, said this partnership complements the work Sydney Zoo is doing to care for the environment.
“We’re proud to partner with Sydney Water, highlighting our dedication to sustainability and exceptional animal care,” Mr Burgess said.
“Not only are we reducing our environmental impact, but we’re also inspiring the community to think differently about water conservation and the role we all play in protecting our planet.”
The partnership announcement follows new research from Sydney Water that highlighted the ongoing need for Sydney residents to shift water behaviours; particularly when it comes to saving water in and around the home.
“Sydney Zoo has already reduced their overall water consumption over the last four years through several water recycling initiatives,” Ms Thirunavukarasu said.
“These water conservation initiatives are a great conversation starter for the community.
“We are looking forward to engaging with the zoo’s guests and talking about where our water comes from, where it goes once it has been used, and providing information about new and potential water sources like purified recycled water (PRW) and desalination,” Ms Thirunavukarasu said.
More than one million guests move through the zoo each year, with 90 per cent hailing from Western Sydney.
The partnership with Sydney Zoo will help Sydney Water to engage directly with this community and provide valuable education about the urban water cycle.
Sydney Zoo is home to more than 4000 animals, including endangered species from all over the world. It is also the only combined zoo and aquarium in New South Wales.
Featured image: One of the two bull sharks at Sydney Zoo. Image: Sydney Water
