All water is collected on site, using the roofs of all buildings. The total storage capacity is almost 300,000 litres, including 40,000 litres reserved for fire fighting. We are constantly looking at ways to improve the capacity, storage, and usage of water. Recent initiatives include:

• The installation, in collaboration with the Grampians Golf Club, of a pipeline running from Waterfall Creek to the Aquila tanks and Golf Club storage
dams, providing natural spring water for Aquila. The reclamation of Waterfall Creek through the Aquila property has resulted in the restoration of a variety of flora and fauna, including a rare ‘greenhood orchid’ which has first been observed this winter in the newly wet area.

• Recycling of grey water, initially to water a native bush food orchard. It is planned that, as EPA requirements are changed to enable a viable approach, this water will be used for toilet flushing.

• An attempt to record water usage for accreditation purposes. We realise that a flow meter is needed on the gravity feed tank.

• Advice to visitors on water usage. This has been of EXTREME importance with the recent drought conditions. Aquila came very close to running out of drinking water, and approached Council with the aim of treating stored fire-fighting water for domestic usage. Fortunately, winter rains arrived just in time.