Hurstville Aquatic Centre makes water from ‘thin air’

Georges River Council is generating water from air, using sunlight at the Hurstville Aquatic Centre.

Last month, the Council launched the Hydropanel array, consisting of eight panels on the roof of the Hurstville Aquatic Centre in the southern Sydney suburb of Penshurst.

The Hydropanel array is completely self-sufficient and off-grid. The panels incorporate solar PV and a small battery which enables water production when the sun shines and water delivery on cloudy days or at night.

Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said he was excited about the potential the system offers in terms of future water supply.

Mayor Greene advised “water vapour from ambient air is drawn into the Hydropanel via fans and filtered, before pure water is released and condensed into the airtight Hydropanel system.

“The filtering system captures and leaves behind any pollutants that might be found in the air, and the filtered water then flows into a reservoir where it is mineralised with calcium and magnesium.

“Finally, the water flows through a flavour-polishing cartridge before being dispensed at a drinking fountain located in the Aquatic Centre.

“The water tastes great and is safe for drinking, chilled and free."

The water generated within the Hydropanel system is regularly tested to ensure it is safe for drinking.

The panels will be trialled over the coming 12 months, and if successful may be rolled out across other council facilities.

The eight Hydropanels at the Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre produce 2,400 bottles of water per month, which offsets over 400,000 single-use plastic bottles over their 15-year lifetime.

Mayor Greene added “by installing the Hydropanels at the Hurstville Aquatic Centre, Council is actively contributing to the environmental sustainability of its facilities."

Click here to contact Hydropanel manufacturer Zero Mass Water via their Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory entry.

Images (from top): The hydropanel array of eight panels on the roof of the Hurstville Aquatic Centre;  and the launch of the system was attended by (from left) Todd McHardy, founder and Chief Executive of facility operator BlueFit, Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene (second from left) and executives.