Despite its commitments to the upkeep of the MCG turf and stadium for the hosting of major events, the MCC understands that it is not immune to the current drought and subsequent water shortages affecting Victoria.
The club, responsible for the maintenance of 20,000 square metres of MCG turf, has operated under a water conservation plan for some time.
The sand profile on the ground has helped reduce water usage by more than one million litres annually without reducing turf quality.
The MCC is extremely conscious of its social and community responsibility towards the use of water for our operations. There are a number of measures either in place or being examined to ensure the MCC remains a responsible user of this precious resource.
One of the most significant water saving projects in the club’s history will involve the installation of a water recycling plant in Yarra Park which, when completed in late-2011, will reduce the MCC’s consumption of potable water by 50% or more.
Other water-saving measures being used include the harvesting of rainwater from the northern stand roof (via a 1.5 million-litre storage tank) to clean the seating bowl and concourse, re-engineering the end of hose pipes to increase pressure, implementing toilet flush reduction techniques and the installation of water-saving shower heads.
The MCC is working with City West Water to develop its water management action plan and has also commissioned Arup to undertake a water conservation study, centred on identifying and investigating potential water saving initiatives at the MCG.
This study concentrated on identifying and assessing short-term and long-term water conservation strategies via an integrated water management approach whereby traditional stand-alone practices of stormwater drainage and wastewater disposal were integrated to meet non-potable water demands within the stadium.
Arup has also been engaged to develop an Environment Management Plan for the MCG.
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