Water for Play – Engineering Safety Behind the Fun

Water playgrounds are great fun in summer, but few realise the engineering behind the fun.
We recently undertook an overhaul of the Cockburn Station Water Playground for the City of Cockburn, prior to the summer season.
Being essentially unmanned and unmonitored systems, there are a range of automatic systems and safety interlocks that combine to ensure the water is safe.
Behind or underneath every splash pad is a network of pipes, valves, pumps, filters, chemical dosing systems, and safety interlocks. Often controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (which is like a high reliability mini-computer), the systems are constantly checking water quality parameters, filter pressures, buffer tank levels and pump health, as well as treating the water by dosing disinfectants, controlling the pH and often running a UV system as well. It’s not unlike a miniature process plant. These systems are critical because water safety isn’t optional, especially in public environments.
By applying engineering principles to recreational water systems, people can enjoy playing safely. If you press the button and the water jets don’t start, it might just be the system protecting your health.