RECYCLED WATER CONTEXT

Recycled water

As global water shortages threaten, fresh water conservation is becoming increasingly important, particularly in arid continents such as Australia.

Recycled water, on the other hand, has proven to be a more reliable source than conventional supplies, particularly during drought.

Globally, recycled water has been used to recharge groundwater aquifers, provide wetland ecosystems and for dual reticulation systems for the supply of non-potable water to new subdivisions. Its nutrient content also deems it highly suitable for irrigation. Accordingly, commercial projects are being implemented throughout Australia, including Victoria, as users seize opportunities to expand their horticultural business operations.

Recycled water projects in Victoria are implemented in accordance with strict guidelines set by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Each project requires an Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), which is usually prepared by an agricultural consultant before project commencement. The EIP recommends irrigation management techniques that will minimise or eliminate environmental damage, specifically to crops or soils and protect public health.

The type of sewage treatment process employed determines the quality of recycled water. Secondary treatment usually produces Class C recycled water and further treatment (tertiary) can be applied to produce Class B or Class A.  For Class A recycled water projects, the approval of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is required.

Recycled Water Schemes

A Recycled Water Scheme is that infrastructure which transfers the recycled water product to a customer for domestic, industrial or agricultural applications.

Barwon Water has nine sewage treatment plants (STPs) of which four discharge to Bass Strait, one discharges to an inland lake and four use inland disposal. There may be more than one recycled water scheme emanating from a large STP.  For instance Barwon Water's largest STP at Black Rock currently has two schemes and there is potential for futher scheme development.

The following table lists Barwon Water's STPs, their corresponding recycled water class and approximate annual volumes.

Notes:

• Bannockburn STP recycled water volumes are expected to increase as the township grows and more sewage connections are built.
• these are total outflows, some of which may already be contracted under existing recycled water supply agreement(s).

Recycled water in practice

Barwon Water believes recycled water is a key element in the successful management of water as a finite resource. Strong community support for the use of recycled water for non-potable applications was identified during the community consultation stage of the Water Resource Development Plan. The authority promotes commercial use of recycled water and biosolids while ensuring the highest environmental standards in land use and recycled water management.

Barwon Water's Recycled Water Policy characterises its approach to projects in terms of environmental, economical and technical sustainability, and commercial and economical viability.

The authority's innovative approach to recycled water use has resulted in successful commercial agreements with several customers, including golf clubs, wine-grape growers, a turf producer, a flower grower, potato farmers and a hydroponic tomtao grower who all use recycled water for irrigation purposes.  The supply of Class C recycled water to potato and tomato growers followed successful research trials involving the Department of Primary Industry.

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