(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 2, 2011) - Gwinnett's Collins Hill Aquatic Center will soon get a new regenerative-media pool filter system that will use 90 percent less backwash water and can save as much as $25,000 on annual electricity costs. Commissioners approved the $173,385 contract with the lowest of five bidders, Waterworks Atlanta, Inc., last month.

Aquatics Manager Jim Cyrus of Gwinnett's Parks and Recreation division said, "In addition to the power savings, we should also spend less on chemicals and fuels to heat and treat pool water." Collins Hill Aquatic Center, at 2200 Collins Hill Road north of Lawrenceville, features an indoor lap pool and outdoor leisure pool. It opened in 2000 and operates year-round.

Cyrus said the current filters use approximately 1.3 million gallons of water a year for backwashing to clean out accumulated debris. The new equipment includes a variable drive system that allows less electricity use during non-peak hours.

Funding for this project comes from the 2005 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) as part of an effort by the County to renovate and upgrade existing park facilities to be more efficient and reduce operating costs. Installation is expected to be complete by September.

For more information on Gwinnett County aquatic centers and parks, visit www.gwinnettparks.com.