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Thompson Creek valley recycled water Expressions of Interest
30 Sep 2021
Barwon Water is encouraging high-water using businesses, farmers, vignerons and other irrigators operating, or considering investing in the Thompson Creek valley — an area extending west from Connewarre and north of Torquay — to explore opportunities for the use of recycled water for non-drinking purposes as part of an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process.
Recycled water would be made available from the Black Rock water reclamation plant at Connewarre.
Recycled water is approved by EPA Victoria for a range irrigation uses and may be particularly useful in supporting agri-business and agriculturally based tourism in the Thompson Creek valley.
Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter said the EOI for recycled water use was part of Barwon Water’s Strategy 2030 aim to produce zero waste by optimising the non-drinking use of recycled water from its water reclamation plants.
“The use of recycled water for non-drinking purposes is one of the many ways we are rising to meet the challenges a hotter, drier climate is putting on the environment and traditional water supply sources.
“Using fit-for-purpose recycled water for agriculture means we are taking less water from our catchments, which helps to protect our waterways – especially given lower average rainfall in recent years.
“Optimising the non-drinking use of our recycled water is a top priority.”
Recycled water from the Black Rock water reclamation plant is already used for irrigation at nearby agricultural businesses and golf courses, while recycled water is used by industrial customers from other Barwon Water water reclamation plants throughout Barwon Water’s service region.
Approximately 20 gigalitres of recycled water is potentially available for use annually from Black Rock water reclamation plant, and the Thompson Valley will be key to unlocking this potential.
The treated quality of the recycled water can be matched to the demand identified through the EOI process.
Ms Slatter said the aim of the EOI was to determine interest from prospective customers in accessing recycled water in the area and to seek feedback from them on their requirements, including intended use, estimated volumes and quality.