Echo Point is a popular international tourist destination in the Blue Mountains. The site is visited by busloads of tourists, for its views to the Three Sisters and the sandstone escarpments of the Blue Mountains. Alexa McAuley and David Knights developed designs for a stormwater treatment and reuse system at Echo Point, to supply recycled water for toilet flushing within the heavily used amenities.
Environmental protection was a key driver for the project. Downstream of Echo Point are pristine streams with very high ecological and community value. The site also drains into Sydney’s main drinking water catchment. The project plays a role in protecting the local creeks, waterways and water quality in Warragamba Dam.
Stormwater runoff from the existing roads and car parking areas at Echo Point was directed into a large landscaped turning circle. Runoff from the road pavement is pre-treated using a gross pollutant trap to remove litter, before passing into the large raingarden in the centre of the turning circle. The water is stored under the raingarden in a 200 kL concrete tank before it is polished and reused for toilet flushing, conserving valuable potable water.
Scope
Landscape design / Stormwater treatment / Stormwater reuse / Civil Design
Phases
Feasibility / Concept Design / Detailed Design
Client
Blue Mountains City Council