Wetlands
Stormwater treatment, storage and re-use
The Allan Scott Park - Morphettville Racecourse Wetland was an initiative of the Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Board and the South Australian Jockey Club. It was constructed by the Board and the Jockey Club during 2001/2002.
The wetland covers an area of 3.5 hectares, in the middle of the racecourse on the corner of Anzac Highway and Morphett Road. The catchment area for the wetland includes stormwater flow from two drains in Bray Street, south of the racecourse. Water enters a sediment pond where floating litter is collected in a net and large materials settle out. The water is then piped into the wetland, where it travels through a series of deep and shallow marshes. An aquifer storage and recovery system (ASR) has been constructed at the wetland.
The water flowing out of the wetland is ideal for irrigation as it has very low salinity. During winter months, water is captured and pumped into a tertiary limestone aquifer below the racecourse. During the summer months, the water in the aquifer is recovered and used for irrigation. Up to 600 megalitres of water a year is recharged into the aquifer. This exceeds the amount required to irrigate the racecourse.
Visiting the Wetland
Although the wetland is within the racecourse, it is still easily accessible. For permission to visit the wetland, contact the South Australian Jockey Club (contact: Brenton Wilkinson 8295 0108). - School groups can also visit the Wetland with an education officer from Waterwatch Central Adelaide for a 'Why Wetlands' tour or 'Macro Madness' session. Phone 8234 7255 for details.
View " Allan Scott Park - Morphettville Racecourse Constructed Wetlands" from 1.792km altitude