A new recycled water trial on campus is helping to keep some of the University's green giants alive and well.

To ensure that more-established trees on campus don't succumb to drought stress, grounds staff have begun trucking in 30,000 litre units of a free ActewAGL treated sewage product.

This water is then distributed into a series of 5,000 litre tanks placed near important trees, allowing a gradual watering that penetrates deep into the dry, compacted soil.

"The recycled water that comes from the Lower Molonglo treatment plant is of a very high quality and has been fully treated," explained Jeff Albrecht from Gardens and Grounds. "It's the same water that would otherwise be pumped into the Molonglo River to be used for downstream consumption."

Jeff says the University is taking every step to ensure that the recycled water is used safely, including limiting storage times and posting signage.

"Despite the fact that Canberra has received some good summer rainfall this year, this water has not penetrated through the compacted clay soils and grass cover around many of our trees," he says.

"We're confident this trial will help prevent the decline or death of many of our large and valuable trees, while avoiding the need to use potable water. The cost of trucking the water is relatively low considering the value of our trees and the potential costs if we don’t act."

ANU gardeners are also conducting several grass-replacement trials to see how less-thirsty alternatives handle life on campus. One of the cool-climate lawns in Union Court have been replaced with couch grass, which uses one fifteenth of the water. In other areas buffalo, native and synthetic grasses are being trialled.

For more information on the recycled water program: Jeff Albrecht x58969

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