Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi educates next generation on water conservation

Abu Dhabi, March 21, 2013 (WAM) - To mark World Water Day, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is planting the seeds of water conservation awareness among Abu Dhabi's school children by taking fund raisers from ALDAR Academy's Pearl Primary School on an educational tour of the Park's water conservation system. The winning students were the top five fund-raisers in a unique Cycle for Water event organised by ALDAR Academy earlier to raise funds to buy two water tanks for a school in Mekele, Ethiopia. The educational tour is a part of ALDAR Academy's mission of grass root involvement and awareness on environmental challenges and supports Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi's efforts aimed at raising awareness on water conservation through reducing water wastage and boosting energy efficiency. The stringent controls and systems in place at the waterpark enable Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi to use 30% less water than other waterparks of a comparable size. "When it comes to operating a waterpark in a water scarce region, we needed to put a lot of thought into making sure the project was as water and energy efficient as it possibly could be," said Tim Mow, Park Manager. "The waterpark was designed utilising criteria outlined by Estidama, the sustainability program that is an integral part of the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the first waterpark in the Middle East to be certified with a "green" sustainability rating of Estidama One Pearl." The Park uses intelligent water conservation, filtration and mechanical systems to prevent water wastage and reduce high evaporation rates. Automatic Water Level Control units, incorporating floats and mechanical valves are used to maintain the water level of the pools, providing fresh water and preventing overflow and excess water usage. The evaporation is a significant factor of the water usage in this park. The Park has therefore installed shades, high rockwork and grottos to minimise the direct sunlight on the pool surface, helping to significantly reduce evaporation rates. The largest reduction in water use is provided through the use of Regenerative Media Filter Systems, instead of sand filters for the pools. The backwash cycle of the Regenerative Media Filters use on average of 90% less water as compared to traditional sand filtration system. All water pumps and piping systems are strategically placed throughout Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi to eliminate long pipe runs and boost hydraulic efficiency. The entire waterpark is also equipped with energy-efficient systems such as permanent magnet motors, pumps optimised to save energy and LED instead of incandescent lighting. Furthermore, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi uses non-hazardous green UV sterilisation systems as an additional means of pool disinfection, eliminating the need for further chemicals to be added to the water. The waterpark will also demonstrate its solidarity with the global energy conservation cause on March 23rd by shutting off all electricity at the Park to commemorate Earth Hour 2013. – Emirates News Agency, WAM