Wanted: test water family

By Peter Farago
Made to measure: A test family will enter the Sharland Oasis, above, for up to two years of testing its various energy-efficient features, such as rain tanks, below left, while enjoying as-new interiors, below right.
BARWON Water is looking for a typical Geelong family to test water use habits in a Deakin University study.
The authority wants tenants to move into its energy-efficient Sharland Oasis to demonstrate its water conservation features.
The project will measure the family’s water use compared to typical Geelong homes without water-saving devices.
The study would also identify the thirstiest rooms and appliances.
The Hamlyn Heights display home closed its doors to the public last week after showcasing a range of water and energy-efficient materials, fittings and appliances.
Barwon Water customer services executive manager Mike Paine said the home would enter the second phase of its life in September.
“Once occupied, the three-bedroom family home’s water and energy usage will be closely monitored to evaluate its environmental performance,” Mr Paine said.
The home had plenty of water saving and storing devices but needed a family to put its features to the test, he said.
Sharland Oasis boasts five rainwater ranks, a greywater recycling system, a gas-boosted solar hot water system, water-efficient plumbing fixtures and an irrigation system with rain and moisture detectors.
“The home has the potential to achieve savings of up to 80 per cent on water and energy consumption,” Mr Paine said.
Deakin University’s School of Engineering and Technology will lead a project team to monitor and report on all aspects of Sharland Oasis’s innovative features.
“Every tap (hot and cold) is individually metered, along with the dishwasher, washing machine and toilets,” Mr Paine said.
Data will be collected on the quality and quantity of rainwater harvested and greywater collected, the amount and source of water (rainwater, greywater or reticulated water) used in the home and garden and a detailed breakdown of water consumption.
Results from research project, spanning up to two years, would provide valuable input for design and construction in an increasingly environmentally-conscious industry, Mr Paine said.