Western Sydney Stadium Rainwater Harvesting: A Unique Approach

Background
The construction of the $300 million Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta, Sydney, aimed to achieve significant sustainability targets. Designed to meet best practice guidelines, the stadium sought to achieve a LEED (Lead Energy Environmental Design) Gold Rating. Various initiatives were implemented, including on-site energy reduction, using durable materials from sustainable sources, and minimizing the heat island effect.

Objectives
The project set ambitious water conservation goals for the 30,000-seat stadium, targeting a 20% reduction in water usage compared to standard practices. This goal was to be achieved by collecting rainwater from the stadium roof and reusing it on-site.

Challenges
Implementing a rainwater harvesting system posed several challenges. The system needed to support the stadium’s significant water demand, particularly for toilet flushing, as a design requirement ensured that no patron was more than 30 meters from a toilet. With over 450 toilets on-site, the water flow rate had to accommodate simultaneous flushing. Additionally, the rainwater reuse system had to occupy minimal floor space within the stadium.

Solution
Our team developed an innovative solution to address these challenges. Unlike typical systems configured at ground level, we designed the system to be elevated from the floor and mounted vertically along the wall. This approach maximized floor space and met the unique footprint demands of the project. The system included a bank of 10 JUDO DN100 JPF AT/P backwash filters capable of filtering sediment particles down to 30 microns, protecting downstream fixtures and fittings from corrosion and blockages. The design also featured stainless steel manifold pipework, reducing plumbing work time and costs.

Outcome
The rainwater reuse system successfully met the project’s stringent requirements. It saved over 90 square meters of valuable plant room area and ensured that the stadium could meet its water conservation targets. The innovative design and effective implementation have played an integral role in stadium’s sustainability credentials.

In Summary
The Western Sydney stadium rainwater harvesting system is a testament to innovative engineering and sustainability. By meeting ambitious water conservation targets and overcoming unique challenges, the project has set a new standard for sustainable stadium design. The result is an efficient, space-saving solution that supports the stadium’s environmental goals and enhances its sustainability profile.