FAQs

Potable water is drinking water. In this context, it means the water would be used once in the water play facility, and then would go down the drain – to the stormwater or wastewater system, or it could be used for passive irrigation.  This would use more water, but removes the need for the testing of treated water and could result in less downtime to deal with contamination.

Retreated water is repeatedly pumped through the system, tested and treated to ensure it meets requirements for water quality. It saves water and is in line with Water Sensitive Design, which Council supports. There is a greater potential for longer downtime to deal with contamination, but this could be mitigated through education.

The number of facilities will be subject to budget and depends on resourcing. Ideally we would like to provide facilities in the north and south of the Shire.

Water play facilities have capital costs to set up, and then ongoing maintenance and operational costs. 

Council is considering small-medium scale facilities. The capital cost for a facility incorporating cooling off and educational facilities (away from existing swimming facilities) is estimated at about $400,000 at minimum.  A small scale facility limited to educational and interactive play only (e.g. pumps, gates) is estimated at a capital cost of $200,000.

For comparison, Curry Reserve in Elderslie had a capital cost of $1.3M.

Ongoing maintenance costs are estimated at up to $35,000 per year; and labour costs are estimated at up to $8,000 per month (which may be reduced in winter months).

Ongoing costs are reduced if the water play facilities are located within an existing pool facility, as the current staff would be able to conduct daily water quality testing and cleaning. 

While there is no budget currently allocated for water play facilities, there may be opportunities for grant funding.

Maintenance, testing and cleaning need to be conducted regularly.  As well, additional maintenance of co-located facilities would be expected, as the use of these would likely increase – e.g. BBQs, picnic facilities, amenities, playground equipment, pool, etc. 

Community education could also play a role to ensure clear guidelines for usage that would help reduce the potential for contamination and associated downtime – e.g. no food or animals around the water features, requiring use of swimming nappies on infants, no glass, etc. 

Council is considering something along the lines of: 

Steel Park 

Cockburn Central Water Park

Check the Feasibility Study report for more detail.   

All potential locations were reviewed using various criteria including:

• Existing uses on site/ existing facilities
• Location
• Zoning
• Compatibility of adjacent land uses
• Size and shape of the site
• Road frontage and visibility
• Proximity to swimming pools
• Existing car park
• Availability of public transport and active transport networks
• Topography, vegetation
• Ability to resource / maintain
• Wildlife (potential to impact water quality / hygiene)
• Budget factors
• Land ownership
• Existing issues e.g. vandalism, safety

The sites at Picton Botanic Gardens, Redbank Reserve, and Bargo have been put aside because they have less co-location advantages (e.g. aquatic centres) and less economic benefits (located close to shops and other attractions) than the other sites.  

It would depend on the level of water restrictions and whether Council is using potable water or retreated water. 

A backyard hose and sprinkler is a great way to cool down in times of plentiful water.

There are also several reasons why council-coordinated water play facilities are also a good idea.

• Water play facilities are fun; they provides a community gathering point; and have social benefits, including the educational and mental health benefits associated with outdoor play and socialising.
• Not everyone has a backyard – while many people in Wollondilly Shire do have space on their property, some do not.
• A water play facility can provide productive, popular use of open space.
• There are community and economic benefits associated with a water play facility.