New recycled water plant to serve growth centres
Media release issued Thursday 23 February 2012
Barwon Water's expanding recycled water network has achieved another milestone with the start of construction of a new Class A plant at Black Rock.
The high-tech facility will produce high quality recycled water for new residential growth centres, including Armstrong Creek and Torquay North, and improved Class C water for agriculture and recreation.
The project was launched today, with State Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos and business and community leaders joining Barwon Water Board Directors and staff at a symbolic sod turning ceremony at Black Rock.
Barwon Water Chairman Dr Michael King said the plant would create new and expanded recycled water opportunities, ultimately slash treated water discharges to Bass Strait and provide a sustainable water supply alternative to the booming coastal strip.
"Barwon Water research has shown overwhelming support for recycled water in sustainably managing the region's vital water supplies. This valuable resource is critical to guaranteeing water for the future.
"With Australian and Victorian government backing, Barwon Water is focused on expanding recycled water markets and delivering sustainable services to water sensitive communities in our region," Dr King said.
Mr Katos described the project as "significant and one that will deliver environmental, social and economic benefits to the people of Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast".
"Projects such as this help transform the urban environment and free up drinking water supplies," he said.
The first stage of the project will cost an estimated $42 million.
The Australian Government has allocated $10 million toward construction of the plant and a further $10 million for recycled water infrastructure for the Torquay growth corridor.
The first water sensitive residential development to utilise the new plant will be Armstrong Creek, where 22,000 homes will have access to the Class A water for gardens, car washing and toilet flushing. Recycled water also will be available for recreational areas.
The Armstrong Creek project is expected to save more than 2,400 million litres of drinking water a year, the equivalent of 960 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The recycled water network to north Torquay will service up to 2,500 homes and recreational areas and ultimately save 350 millions litres of drinking water a year.
The new facility will boost Black Rock's value as an environmental precinct.
It will complement the existing water reclamation plant, which produces Class C water for a range of purposes within the Surf Coast and greater Geelong region. Current uses include flower farming, turf growing, golf courses and sporting grounds.
The new plant will improve the quality of Class C water.
To be scaled up over time to meet demand, the plant will create new opportunities for re-use and help Barwon Water achieve several recycled water targets in its overall drive toward sustainability
The plant is expected to be commissioned in mid-2013.
At a glance
- The new Black Rock recycled water plant will play a significant role in ensuring water security for the greater Geelong region.
- It will meet increased demand from a growing population by providing a water supply alternative.
- The plant will produce around 3,000 million litres of Class A recycled water a year for sustainable housing developments at nearby Armstrong Creek and Torquay North.
- The plant also will produce 2,000 million litres of moderate salinity Class C recycled water for agriculture and recreation.
- It will ultimately slash treated water discharges to Bass Strait, with current discharges converted into high quality recycled water.
- The 22,000-lot Armstrong Creek development will feature the Geelong region's first major dual pipe scheme where recycled water will be used for gardens, toilets and recreational areas.
- The Armstrong Creek development, which will ultimately house 50,000 people, is expected to save more than 2,400 million litres of drinking water a year.
- The Torquay north development, with plans for 2,500 homes, will save an estimated 350 million litres of drinking water a year.
- The high-tech facility will be built in stages, with the first stage costing an estimated $42 million. It is expected to be completed in 2013.
- The plant will be scaled up over time to meet demand. Similarly, distribution infrastructure will constructed as new customers are secured.
- The Australian Government has contributed $10 million toward the project. It also has committed $10 million toward the cost of a recycled water network for the Torquay north growth corridor.
- The plant will deliver region-wide environmental, social and economic benefits and boost Black Rock's value as an environmental precinct.
- The initiative is consistent with the community's expectations on sustainable water management, including investment in alternative water sources.
- It will also allow Barwon Water to meet improved recycled water targets of 25 per cent by 2015 and 30 per cent by 2020.
- Barwon Water is working with local government, developers and landowners to deliver affordable water, sewerage and recycled water infrastructure within preferred timeframes.