Since July 22, 2022, the department of Vienne has reached the threshold of “crisis” in the face of drought. The prefecture has therefore taken measures to restrict the use of water. It is forbidden, among other things, to water the lawn or the green spaces. In Châtellerault, the town hall has a solution, implemented 16 years ago: recover the water from its swimming pool.
Between 20 and 30 cubic meters of water every day
The waters of the three pools of the Châtellerault aquatic center must be changed regularly. During emptying operations, this water is stored in the first tanks, where the first impurities are eliminated. They then pass into a second tank of 55 cubic meters, where the chlorine evaporates on its own. No special treatment is needed for these swimming pool waters. Maintenance workers can then pump this water directly and use it to water green spaces or clean roads. An operation carried out all year round and not only in times of drought.
Preservation of green spaces
Thanks to the recovery of water from the swimming pool, the municipality also saves money, since it avoids using the drinking water network. For Laurence Rabussier, deputy mayor in charge of the living environment, this practice is becoming widespread in many communities.
When we see the cost and value of water, not only financial but also environmental, it is time to ask questions.
This system also ensures the sustainability of its green spaces: without water recovery, watering during this period of drought and restrictions on the use of water would be impossible. The trees and plants would be in distress and would have to be replaced, which would represent an additional cost for the town hall. Especially since to fight against the heat wave and cool the urban space, it is advisable to green the cities, that is to say plant more and more trees and install more green spaces.
– Mathilde Romagnan