Active Playing Surfaces
If you own or manage an (APS) Active Playing Surface there are some important guideline updates to be aware of and comply with under the currect QWC (Queensland Water Commission) Water Restrictions.
The QWC has published extensive guidelines to help APS Managers in their efforts to irrigate sports fields and playing surfaces, using water wise practices while still maintaining safety.
QWC Water Restriction Category 12.3 Non Residential - Active Playing Surface
Water from the town supply system is not permitted to be used for the watering of active playing surfaces except where the watering is in accordance with the Active Playing Surface Guidelines. Different requirements apply to each category of surface.
If you are a Child Care Centre, you are not required to register as long as you use the reticulated (town) water in accordance with the updated QWC APS Guidelines.
All APS premises must:
a) register the active playing surface with Ipswich Water
b) have a water meter installed
c) operate the installed water meter in accordance with the Active Playing Surface Guidelines
d) display an approved sign on the premises
e) otherwise comply with any other reasonable direction of Ipswich Water
If water from the reticulated (town) water supply is used on an APS without a submitted registration form, the premises may be exposed to enforcement action unless prior agreement has been made with Ipswich City Council. Complete and submit the relevant QWC Active Playing Surface Registration Form to Ipswich Water, PO Box 191, Ipswich Qld 4305.
APS Managers are reminded that under the Water Act 2000, they are required to comply with the QWC Water Restrictions and any request of Ipswich Water as their Water Service Provider and delegated regulator.
Council controlled APS management - Smart irrigation technology
Smart irrigation technology has allowed ICC (Ipswich City Council) to get the best out of their sporting fields without wasting a single drop of water by integrating soil moisture metering with an irrigation control system.
ICC needed their sports fields ‘fit for play' in drought conditions and to achieve this Council worked with MAIT Industries to install soil moisture sensors at two depths, at the root zone of the grass and at a depth of 300mm into the fields.
Information is web based and in graphical format which allows a quick visual appreciation of trends and when soil moisture is likely to reach the pre-determined low point. The low point is site specific and soil type specific and is set to just above permanent wilting point. When set to automatic, it overrides the irrigation controller and enables irrigation at scheduled times once the soil moisture reaches the low set point and will continue irrigation until a high set point is reached where the irrigation is disabled until the low set point is reached again.
For further information regarding this technology see Ipswich City Council's media release Sporting grounds flourish with smart technology.
Deterioration of APS
Many APS Managers have chosen to discontinue watering at some stage during the drought. If this is the case for your APS, most of the allowed hours of watering per week will not be effective unless maintenance activities are applied to assist in the APS rehabilitation.
Effective management of APS
Ipswich Water is committed to working with APS managers to develop appropriate watering management systems to maintain effective use of water and assist in ensuring your APS is safe for the Ipswich community.
For further information regarding ongoing maintenance of turf-based playing surfaces, see the QWC's Best Practice Guide for Management of Turfed Playing Surfaces.
If you have any further queries, please contact us.
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