The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is set to benefit from a significant $3.98 million (net $2.69 million) grant awarded to ERA Water to enhance local water security and protect our community’s green spaces.
The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $32 million South Australian Alternative Water Supply Efficiency Measures (AWSEM) Program, which supports local governments in building infrastructure that reduces reliance on the River Murray.
As a member of the ERA Water—a joint venture between the City of Burnside, Town of Walkerville, and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters—this investment will directly impact our local streetscapes, ovals and reserves.
Expanding our sustainable water network
ERA Water’s infrastructure captures stormwater flowing down Third and Fourth Creeks which gets treated through wetlands and biofiltration and by UV disinfection before being pumped into underground aquifers for storage, primarily during the wetter winter months.
In summer, the captured stormwater that is held in the underground aquifer is extracted from the aquifer and distributed through the ERA Water pipe network to more than 40 different parks and reserves in the eastern region.
ERA Water Chairperson Jeff Tate says the grant funds will be “Used to improve supply to already connected sites in the foothills, provide new connections to parks and schools, and shore up the availability of water in response to predicted impacts of climate change”.
“This includes predicted less overall rainfall for Adelaide and heavier downpours when it does rain.”
Key components of the project include:
- Upgrading infrastructure to harvest more recycled stormwater.
- Improve water pressure to enhance network supply.
- Connecting the scheme to new sites across the alliance area where feasible.
- Generating projected water savings of between 105 and 110 megalitres (ML).
“This funding also allows ERA Water to further improve our financial performance though improved provision of water supply to paying customers.”
A commitment to water security
Jeff Tate notes that the scheme acts as “a type of insurance” against drought and impacts of climate change.
“The eastern suburbs are known for their beautiful open spaces and streetscapes. This scheme is an environmental initiative that aims to drought-proof our suburbs and reduce our reliance on water from the Murray-Darling Basin,” Mr Tate said.
South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Emily Bourke, emphasises the vital role of local councils in this effort, stating that the program is a key step in making “better use of all available water sources, including for irrigation and green space”.
Project timeline
Construction and roll out of the new measures have already commenced with preparations for a new booster pump to be installed at Adey Reserve in Firle.
“This, in particular the booster pump, will help improve pressure and supply to sites in the Adelaide foothills,” says Jeff.
“Practical completion of the funded projects is targeted for August 2027.”
Mayor Robert Bria welcomes the funding and is excited about the opportunities this presents for the local community.
“ERA Water is an important intergenerational project that reinforces the Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ensures that our community’s high-quality parks and ovals are preserved for future generations.”
ERA Water Chairperson Jeff Tate concurs.
“We are very grateful to have received this vital funding to increase the supply and reliability harvested and treated stormwater, in particular to irrigate public spaces in the eastern suburbs.
“By using captured stormwater instead of precious drinking water for irrigation, the project helps ensure our parks remain leafy green even during dry periods.”
