‘Noble’s Park Splashzone’s recycling technology is a prime example of the Council’s commitment to minimise its environmental impact and conserve water wherever possible,’ the Council’s Chair of Regeneration and Community Committee Councillor Stephen Pitts has said.
Councillor Pitts was speaking against the background of the recently imposed hosepipe ban and as the Island emerges from the COVID-19 emergency and summer attractions reopen.
He continued: ‘Environmental responsibility is a central pillar of the Council’s Corporate Plan and also reflects our status as a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner.
‘With this in mind the Splashzone was fitted with a water recycling system in May 2019 ahead of opening for the 2019 summer season.
‘The used water is collected, filtered, treated then stored in a 12,000-litre capacity recycling tank then returned on demand to the Splashzone equipment. In practical terms this means we’re able to provide this hugely popular summer attraction while observing the current hosepipe ban and playing our part in supporting Manx Utilities’ measures to preserve the Island’s water supplies.’
Councillor Pitts continued: ‘The Council is always looking at ways to improve its energy performance. in 2017, our Parks Service installed underground storage tanks at Ballaughton nursery to harvest rain water – around 80,000 litres collected from the buildings’ roofs – to water hanging baskets and other floral installations in Douglas town centre. The rain water is also used to irrigate some of the nursery’s plant production.
‘'Then, during the long hot summer of 2018 when there was also a hosepipe ban, the nursery partnered with the National Sports Centre and Manx Utilities to salvage some 100,000 litres of brown water pumped out of the NSC’s pools ahead of refurbishment works. The naturally de-chlorinated water was stored in the underground and other surface-level tanks for watering plants and floral displays.
‘It is measures such as these that Illustrate how the Council is not only delivering on its green credentials but also investing in community quality of life.’
