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ReWater
WINTER 08
Water recycling in Australia
Recycled
water saving
viticulture
Page 2
NZs $53M Drip or Recycled Water wise Olympic
recycled sprinkler water on the demand
water irrigation? takes off Gold Coast for recycled
scheme Page 5 in Canberra Page 7 water
Page 3 Page 6 Page 8
ReWater
CONTENTS
FEATURES
Recycled water saving viticulture 2
NZ’s $53M Mangawhai EcoCare
recycled water scheme 3
Drip or sprinkler irrigation? 5
Canberra International Airport –
Leaders in recycled water
management 6
Getting water wise on the Gold Coast 7
Healthy vines
Water recycling meeting
Recycled water
Olympic demand 8
REGULARS
Good Reads and website links
Events diary dates
News innovations & information
10
11
4
saving viticulture
Recycled water is drought-proofing McLaren Vale, keeping it one step
On the cover: ahead of other regions affected by water shortages.
Dr Belinda Rawnsley, photo courtesy of
T
SARDI. he use of recycled water in the The use of recycled water has many
McLaren Vale region has observa- obvious benefits and ongoing research,
ble benefits by alleviating pressure led by Dr Michael McCarthy (SARDI),
on naturally available water resources has shown that there is no difference in
and is up to 40% cheaper per kilolitre yield or wine quality between vines irri-
than mains water. Environmentally, the gated with recycled or mains water. This
amount of wastewater discharged out research has shown that irrigation with
About ReWater to sea is reduced which minimises the recycled water does not cause nutrient
This newsletter, ReWater, has been designed to harmful impact on the marine environ- imbalance and does not impede yield.
make information relevant to recycled/recycled ment in the Gulf St. Vincent. Recycled water appears to provide a good
water use in horticulture more accessible to source of plant available nutrients that
horticulturalists (growers/farmers), the water Recycled water quality is constantly
can reduce grower fertiliser costs.
industry and other interested people. It is part of monitored. Compared to mains water,
the service provided by the Australian Coordinator recycled water tends to have an elevated Dr Belinda Rawnsley has also conducted
for Recycled Water Use in Horticulture, funded by salt content and nutrient load (Table 1). research on the effect of recycled water
Horticulture Australia. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are on the soil environment, particularly the
higher in recycled water than mains wa- level of microbes in the soil and whether
Back issues and instructions for subscribing to
ter so additional fertiliser use may not be soil pathogens pose a problem.
receive ReWater electronically on a quarterly can
be accessed at www.recycledwater.com.au/rewater necessary. There are common concerns
Extensive soil sampling was conducted
that recycled water contains excessive
over three seasons (2004-2007) under
Your Feedback and Contributions levels of boron, yet there is no evidence
drip-irrigated vines (cv. Shiraz, own-root-
We would appreciate your feedback and of this (Table 1).
suggestions for contributions. Please email
ed) at a commercial vineyard in McLaren
Table 1. Comparison of selected quality Vale. The site was specifically set up to as-
rewater@arris.com.au or contact us on parameters of recycled and mains water
03 9421 1701. sess recycled and mains irrigation water.
used to irrigate vines in McLaren Vale,
www.recycledwater.com.au South Australia. Soil samples were analysed to determine
the influence of water quality on root
The delivery of research and Parameter Unit Recycled Mains distribution, soil microbial activity and
development outcomes from fungal pathogens.
this project to the horticultural pH 7.4 7.4
industry is made possible by the Boron mg/L 0.23 0.33 Root distribution was not affected by irri-
Commonwealth Government’s gation water quality. There was no differ-
50% investment in all Horticulture Calcium mg/L 42 41
Australia’s research and ence in the distribution of roots through
development initiatives. Chloride mg/L 270 138 the soil profile down to 40 cm. The ma-
Potassium mg/L 25 7 jority of roots under drip-irrigation were
located at 10-20 cm.
Sodium mg/L 190 88
Recycled water has a higher level of to-
DISCLAIMER: Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy Total Nitrogen mg/L 20 0.3
tal dissolvable solids (TDS) and higher
of all statements and claims made in ReWater. However, Total mg/L 8 0.08
due to the nature of the industry it is impossible for us to nutrient levels compared to mains water
know your precise circumstances. Therefore we disclaim any Phosphorous as shown in Table 1. For this reason, it
responsibility for any action you take as a result of reading Total Dis- mg/L 807 373 was suggested that recycled water may
ReWater. issn1449-9800 solved Solids contribute microbes to the soil but it
(TDS) was unknown if these were beneficial or
Edited and designed by pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms.
arris
E. coli /100ml 18 0
Arris Pty Ltd Soil microbes are essential components
Source: Christies Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and
ACN: 9109 2739 574 Myponga system, SA Water 2006. in promoting plant growth, nutrient
Phone: (08) 8303 6706
continued page 3
www.arris.com.au
Winter 08 2 www.recycledwater.com.au
from page 2
Wine from recycled
water saving viticulture
120
Recycled
100 Mains
(mg p-Nitrophenol/kg soil/hr)
Microbial activity
80
60
40
20
0
0-5 5-10 10-20 20-30 30-40
Soil depth (cm)
Figure 1. Microbial activity in soil directly
New Zealand’s Mangawhai beach resort around the roots under vines irrigated by
recycled and mains water, McLaren Vale,
March 2007.
NZ’s $53M Mangawhai
availability and soil structure; and a
good sign of soil health is high microbial
activity. Bacteria and fungi secrete en-
EcoCare recycled water
zymes associated with nutrient cycling in
soils. Measuring these enzymes indicates
the amount of microbial activity taking
place.
scheme Microbial activity in the soil was higher
with irrigation of recycled water than
mains water (Figure 1). Higher microbial
activity enhances the transfer of nutri-
Providing recycled water for dairy pasture, protecting the ents to the vine. There was an obvious
environment and supporting sustainable community infrastructure. decline in microbial activity with soil
depth, showing microbes were more ac-
I
tive in the upper soil horizon.
n January this year Earth Tech com- Peter Everist, Earth Tech’s Group General
menced construction of the NZ$53 Manager, explained that the project in- Soils and roots were assessed for fungi
million Mangawhai EcoCare Waste- volved a two-year period of intensive to determine if recycled water promoted
water Scheme in New Zealand. planning and community consultation pathogens in the soil. Pythium, Cylin-
to obtain resource consents required un- drocarpon and Fusarium were the major
A Karakia, a customary New Zealand
der the New Zealand Resource Manage- fungi isolated. There were no significant
blessing, and an official ground-break-
ment Act. differences between recycled water and
ing celebration was held to recognise the
mains water grown vines. For both irri-
significance of this major community “The EcoCare Scheme plays a vital role
gation water treatments roots appeared
infrastructure project in maintaining and sustaining the
healthy and vines did not display disease
long-term environmental and economic
Earth Tech designed the complete waste- symptoms.
health of Mangawhai,” Everist said.
water scheme for Mangawhai Township,
“This is a very sensitive coastal environ- Recycled water is proving to be a viable
a popular beach resort located in a sensi-
ment and it was important for Earth Tech alternate source of water for irrigation
tive estuary and marine environment 1.5
to work with the Council and community and has the potential for widespread
hours north of Auckland. They are also
to ensure the success of the project.” adoption with the expansion and devel-
responsible for the construction, commis-
opment of wastewater treatment facili-
sioning and operation of the scheme for Kaipara District Council Mayor Neil Tiller
ties. Using wastewater ensures consistent
up to 10 years on behalf of the Kaipara said finalising the deal is the culmina-
grape production in regions that would
District Council. The scope of operations tion of many years of planning and con-
otherwise have inadequate water supply.
includes collection, pumping, treatment sultation with the community to align
and management of all wastewater and objectives and outcomes for the project If drought conditions persist, recycled wa-
biosolids. The EcoCare Scheme is sched- including maintaining the affordability ter may play a major factor in survival of
uled for completion in July 2009. for the community. the industry. However, there are limited
volumes of wastewater available and
The major elements of the Mangawhai “This is an exciting example of a Coun-
many competing demands for it. •
EcoCare Wastewater Scheme include: cil, community and the private sector
working together to solve public health Source: Dr Belinda Rawnsley, Senior Research Officer,
• 21 kilometres of sewers South Australian Research & Development Institute.
and environmental issues in a small
• 15 pumping stations community,” Tiller explained. “One of For more information contact Belinda on:
the most exciting aspects is the use of rawnsley.belinda@saugov.sa.gov.au
• 6 kilometres of rising main
recycled water to irrigate pastures. The
• a small footprint wastewater treat- quality of the recycled water is so high it Acknowledgements: The author would like to thank Dr
Michael McCarthy, Robin Coles, Drs Kerry Porter, Kirsty
ment plant is fit for the purpose of growing pastures Neaylon and Belinda Stummer, and staff at the Fosters
for dairy cows to graze. Wine Company for access and provision of samples from
• an 11 kilometres recycled water
the McLaren Vale vineyard. The Grape and Wine Research
transfer pipeline continued page 4 and Development Corporation (GWRDC) are gratefully
acknowledged for funding this research through investment
• a recycled water storage dam and by Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers with matching
an irrigation system funds by the Federal Government.
Winter 08 3 www.recycledwater.com.au
from page 3
NZ’s $53M Mangawhai EcoCare recycled water scheme
The EcoCare Scheme will also protect our
estuary and harbour for future genera-
tions so that residents and visitors alike
can continue to enjoy our beautiful envi-
ronment and recreational activities.”
Jack McKerchar, Chief Executive Kaipara
District Council, said that the Mangawhai
EcoCare Scheme was not only essential to
protect the environment but was also a
model of how to deliver sustainable com-
munity infrastructure.
“We are delivering the EcoCare Scheme
under a partnership arrangement with
Earth Tech, who will build the sewage
treatment plant and pipeline infra-
structure, operate it under a long-term
contract and, importantly, warrant its
performance.”
“The model that we have developed for
Mangawhai is one that could work for
other communities in New Zealand who
are also facing rapid development and
environmental issues,” Mr McKerchar
said. •
Source: Leif Ericson, Communication, Earth Tech High quality recycled water provides pastures for grazing dairy cows
leif.ericson@earthtech.com.au
GOOD READS and website links
Risk management for water and AWWA Publication: Membrane of information recently emerging in both
wastewater utilities. treatment for drinking water and science and in the practice of irrigation
Simon Pollard, IWA title. Covers basic reuse applications. with reclaimed water. The book compiles
guidelines, recommendations, and codes
probability and statistics, process risk and A compendium of peer reviewed papers.
of best practices from around the world
reliability analysis, assessing risk beyond A huge hardcopy book (668pp) with top
for all types of recycled water uses, and it
the unit process boundary, regulating quality scientific and technical research,
examines recent concerns about adverse
water utility risks, business risk man- case problems and their resolution. The
effects on plants, groundwater, and pub-
agement and managing opportunity & majority come from American specialty
lic health. Hardcover published in 2004,
reputational risk. Cost $172 plus p&h. conferences. Costs $246 plus p.& h.
costs $207 + p&h.
bookshop@awa.asn.au bookshop@awa.asn.au
www.booktopia.com.au
Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration Water Reuse
(m46) for Irrigation ERA: Water and Wastewater Statistics
The Economic Regulation Authority
An excellent primer which explains the By: Valentina
(ERA) has released its Water and Waste-
principles behind membrane filtration Lazarova
water Statistics for 2006/07.
and the operation of reverse osmosis
This compila- For full report see: www.era.wa.gov.au
systems commonly used in desalination
tion provides ERA’s media release (27 March 2008)
and water recycling projects. Quote AWA
guidelines
membership number for special cost $99
that fa-
plus p & h. Long-Term Effects of Landscape
cilitate the
bookshop@awa.asn.au Irrigation Using Household Graywater
successful
Metcalf & Eddy 4th edition: planning
The report contains a detailed literature
wastewater engineering: treatment and opera-
review and synthesis of the current state
and reuse. tion of wa-
of the knowledge on graywater reuse for
ter reuse
landscape irrigation at the household
An excellent and comprehensive text projects.
level. It identifies information gaps for
and reference for aspiring and fully qual- Offering the informa-
future research on the long-term use of
ified engineers covering conventional tion, analysis, and proven expe-
graywater for irrigation of residential
technologies and processes, the latest de- rience for agricultural and landscape
landscapes, particularly as it relates to
velopments and applications in one title. irrigation, it bridges the gap between
human health, landscape plants, and/or
Special hardcover price $165 plus p.& h. fundamental science and relatively un-
the environment.
bookshop@awa.asn.au charted areas of economic, institutional,
http://www.werf.org
and liability issues. It delivers a synthesis
Winter 08 4 www.recycledwater.com.au
Drip or sprinkler irrigation?
Maximising return from limited water resources through efficient irrigation.
W
ith the current limitations to spray and 30cm spacing (most likely due
water availability; one way to to insufficient water; ie crop was water
make available recycled water stressed).
go further is the adoption of efficient ir-
Overhead sprinklers were shown to be
rigation techniques to maximise return
inefficient because of low uniformity of
from this limited water resource. It could
water distribution in strong winds and
also help manage the increasing salinity
sprinklers having to be run longer to
of recycled water by applying less salts,
water the driest areas of the crop. Spray
but ensuring adequate leaching of salts
irrigation also watered between beds and
when required.
the sprinkler line, where drip was more
There is limited data available to vegeta- targeted and did not water outside of
ble growers to assist with making inde- the growing area. (This equates to ap-
pendent, informed decisions about how proximately 25% less area being watered Field day participants at Werribee
or if drip irrigation will improve water by the drip systems). Drip irrigation was evaluate trial
use efficiency ($/ML) and its impact on more efficient, especially with the use of
day to day management of the vegetable soil moisture sensors. Trials with both dS/m (1500 mg/L TDS) for the trial.
farming operation. Drip irrigation has 30cm and 40cm dripper spacings con-
These data indicate that with good drip
been assessed for several other commodi- sumed less than half the water used by
irrigation management similar lettuce
ties (eg cane, tomatoes, grapes, onion, the spray system (Figure 1).
crops can be grown and soil salinity
avocados). In some cases, these reports
have indicated: Soil nitrate concentrations: managed. There may also be benefits
with more efficient use of fertilisers using
Post harvest soil samples indicated that
• improvements in yield and quality drip irrigation.
plant available soil nitrate concentra-
of product;
tions of spray irrigated crops were ap- Future work
• better management of soils (salinity proximately half that of 30cm spacing
and nutrients); drip irrigated approach (Figure 2). This A full economic analysis of crop yield,
could be due to excessive leaching with water & fertiliser use, operational costs
• improved economic returns in the
spray irrigation or inefficient application and the labour needed for the different
mid term;
of N (lost through volatilisation or deni- irrigation methods is currently under-
• improved water use/efficiency; trification) of N with spray irrigation. way. The ultimate aim of the research
Difference in average total N applied is to provide growers with scientifically
• lower pumping costs; and
was ± 3% of the average (275 kg N/ha) sound data that will provide sufficient
• more efficient use of labour across for drip and 30cm spray treatments, and information to make sound economic,
the whole farming operation. 20% less for the drip 40 cm spacing treat- agronomic and environmental choices
ment. to obtain the maximum economic return
These claims are varied depending on
for a ML of water. •
the crop grown and management meth- Salinity management:
ods used. Source: Daryl Stevens, Principal Scientist, Arris P/L, Victoria.
Salinity was also lower in spray and For more information phone: (t) 03 9421 1701
Research was undertaken at Werribee 30cm spacing drip irrigation systems sug- (m) 0418 802 621
South (Victoria) to improve our under- gesting higher leaching compared with Acknowledgement: This project is part of the outcome from the
standing of any benefits from drip irriga- the 40cm spacing drip irrigation system Australian Coordinator for Recycled Water use in Horticulture
tion in the lettuce production systems. (Figure 3). Spray treatments also applied (ACRWH - Project no. HG06170), funded through Horticulture
Lettuce is one of the most salt sensitive significantly more salts as a result of Australia Limited (HAL - www.horticulture.com.au). Outcomes
vegetables produced. Hence, if the bene- greater water volumes being applied. Ir- from this project to the horticultural industry are made
possible by the Commonwealth Government’s 50% investment
fits reported from drip irrigation in other rigation water salinity for all treatments in all HAL’s research and development initiatives.
crops are also shown in lettuce produc- averaged an electrical conductivity of 2.2
tion systems, there may be sufficient eco- 5 25
nomic, agronomic and environmental Spray Soil NO3 Soil EC1:5
benefits for lettuce growers (and possible Drip@30 cm 0.6
other vegetable crops) to encourage a Drip@40 cm
Irrigation volume (ML/ha equivalent)
Soil Electrical Conductivity (dS/m)
4 20
change in irrigation systems.
Summer lettuce
Available nitrate (mg/kg)
Spray irrigation (solid set impact sprin- planted 19 Dec 07
kler) was compared against two drip ir- 3 15
0.4
rigation systems, one with 30 cm spacing
between dripper lines and the other with
2 10
40 cm spacing.
0.2
Findings
Available nitrate (mg/kg)
1 5
Water use:
Soil Electrical Conductivity (dS/m)
Irrigation volume (ML/ha equivalent)
This summer’s crop was subject to great 0 0 0.0
heat stress and strong winds. Yet, there 0 10 20 30 40 50 Drip30 Drip40 Spray LSD Drip30 Drip40 Spray LSD
was no significant difference in market- Days After Planting (d)
Treatment Treatment
able portions of the crops between spray
and drip (30cm spacing). For the 40cm Figure 1: Water use for Figure 2 Available soil Figure 3: Soil electrical
spaced drippers the number of market- lettuce grown with 3 nitrate post harvest conductivity post
irrigation systems. (LSD – least significant harvest (LSD – least
able lettuces was 10% lower compared to difference) significant difference)
Winter 08 5 www.recycledwater.com.au
Canberra International Stage 2 - Ultrafiltration: where the liquid is
then passed through a thin self-cleaning
membrane. Particles in the membrane
Airport – leaders in recycled
one-one hundredth the thickness of a
human hair allow only clean pure water
to pass through. The water that comes
water management
through the membrane is so clean that
it is drinkable.
Stage 3 - UV Lamp: as a further step, the
clean water is then passed under a UV
An international leader in water management; educating others lamp. This provides a further layer of
protection.
in how to better use our precious water resources.
This process is shown below in Figure 1.
After the treatment, the water is then
C
anberra International Airport is An Australian first used, along with rainwater captured off
an international leader in water roofs, in toilets, cooling towers and exter-
Canberra International Airport’s water
management and has lead a dedi- nally. This means that the only use for
recycling system takes sewer (or ‘black’)
cated campaign to not only reduce water ACTEW water supplies is for drinking and
water and converts it to clean drinkable
use across the Airport, but to also educate showering.
water, which is then used in toilets, cool-
other water users across the ACT and
ing towers and in irrigation (while the The recycling process is shown in Figure
Australia in how to better use precious
water is drinkable, it is not used for drink- 2 below.
water resources.
ing or showering).
Canberra Airports’ leadership in water
Their aim is to progressively reduce water
A three stage reycling process management has been held up as a
use to an absolute minimum across the
model for others, and has been praised
Airport – whether that is in their own use
The water is recycled using a three stage by a number of groups, including
of water or the use of water by airport
process: ACTEW and the Green Building Council
operators and tenants. Already they have
of Australia. •
far exceeded the highest of hurdles, and Stage 1 - Biological treatment: biologi-
far exceed any current water standards or cal agents are added to the sewer and Source: www.canberraairport.com.au
requirements. air is then bubbled through the biologi-
cally treated sewerage. This breaks down
All of Canberra International Airport’s
sewerage so that it can then be treated
operations are consistent with Stage 4
further.
water restrictions.
Taking a multi-targeted approach
The airport has taken a multi-targeted
approach to water use minimisation by
addressing all issues of water manage-
ment. This approach includes:
• Water Recycling: Over 100,000 litres
of water are recycled every day
• No use of ACTEW water on any
lawns: recycled, rainwater and non-
Figure 1: Water recycling filtration process.
potable bore water are used across
the Airport.
• Sub-surface watering in some newer
landscaping: Lawns and garden
beds are watered from underground
to eliminate evaporation.
• Ban on use of ACTEW water for dust
suppression: using instead non-
potable water sources.
• Recycled water in Caltex car wash:
to minimise water use.
Canberra International Airport was the
first to introduce a large scale commercial
water recycling system in the ACT, and
the first Airport to do so in Australia. The
system was launched on 10 May 2007
and compromises of two major recycling
plants which recycle 100,000 litres of
water every day, equivalent to recycling
two Olympic sized swimming pools every
day.
Figure 2: Water recycling - closing the loop.
Winter 08 6 www.recycledwater.com.au
The Davis family gets a trial run on the purple pipe
network that will deliver quality recycled water.
Getting water wise on the Gold Coast
I
t might come as a surprise for many it is the Gold Coast’s fastest growing re- Class A plus recycled water each day.
that part of the Gold Coast is leading gion and designed within the guidelines Another benefit of the dual reticulation
the way in planning for environmen- of the Pimpama Coomera Waterfuture system is that home owners will have two
tal sustainability, especially with the use Master Plan - a Gold Coast City Council separate meters, making it easier to track
of water. And it’s leading the way with a inspired and award-winning project that water consumption and to make appro-
far-sighted strategy that introduces, on a is intended to ensure sustainable devel- priate savings where necessary.
large scale, the concept of water sensitive opment.
The Waterfuture Masterplan also includes
urban design.
The first impression is how well land- installation of plumbed in rainwater
It will also bring into play an advanced scaped the neighbourhoods’ open spaces tanks on all new homes to supply cold
dual-reticulation system which delivers are - indeed that there are open spaces water for the laundry and an optional
potable water and recycled water treated - where vegetation in places has replaced external tap. Another environmental
to Class A plus which is the highest qual- the usual bleak concrete kerbs and gut- bonus comes with the wastewater system
ity of recycled water for non-drinking tering. which is designed to limit stormwater
purposes in Queensland, having been infiltration and so reduce, in turn, the
While each new home and business in
filtered and disinfected through two dif- amount of greenhouse gas emissions due
this region is plumbed with two totally
ferent treatment plants. to less wastewater requiring treatment.
separate water networks - the traditional
Water experts predict that this system one for drinking water and the easily The council has also upgraded its waste-
will eventually reduce the use of drinking identifiable purple one for high-grade re- water pipes, creating ‘smart sewers’
water in new homes by up to 84 per cent. cycled water - residents will have to wait which are made of new advanced mate-
It will make a significant impact on the until early next year before the system is rials and designed to reduce the amount
total water consumption habits of Gold thoroughly checked and comes fully on of stormwater and groundwater entering
Coast residents since the new water strat- stream. the wastewater system. In all, it’s a win,
egy is focused on burgeoning Greenfield win, win water system that has been de-
It means, that at the moment, potable
development sites at the northern end of veloped uniquely through a Gold Coast
water is coming through the purple net-
the Gold Coast. community-based advisory committee
work of mains, meters, pipes, taps and
with input from industry associations,
At the moment, every resident of every hoses and that home owners will have to
developers, residents associations, coun-
new home in the Pimpama-Coomera re- remember which tap to turn come early
cil, government departments and not
gion of the Gold Coast is embarking on a 2009. The handles of taps are remov-
least, environmental groups that includ-
learning curve, not only on how to turn able, rendering them childproof when
ed Gecko (Gold Coast and Hinterland En-
on to a dual water network, but also in necessary
vironment Council), a sister organisation
experiencing a lifestyle that makes them,
The Pimpama Recycled Water Treatment to Sunshine Coast Environment Council.
their homes and their neighbourhood
Plant will soon be completed and then
become more environmentally friendly. And to further demonstrate that recycled
undergo a long testing period. This is
water Class A plus is a really cool item,
And the spin-off is that everybody be- a secondary treatment plant that proc-
Queensland fire fighters have given it the
comes happier, they have a better envi- esses treated water from the adjoining
nod as being safe for firefighting. •
ronment, a closer connection with nature Pimpama Wastewaster Treatment Plant
and a personal input in helping to save to a higher quality. Also, two large res- Source: Brian Rickards, April 5, 2008
the planet and some of its species - in- ervoirs are being constructed to hold a www.econews.org.au
cluding the human kind perhaps. head of supply for both drinking and
recycled water.
Presently, the population of the Pimpa-
ma-Coomera area is about 20,000 and Stage 1 of the plant will convert up to
expected to top 120,000 by 2055. Indeed, nine million litres of wastewater into
Winter 08 7 www.recycledwater.com.au
The Beijing Olympic Forest Park utilising recycled water
Water recycling In fact, water recycling technology has
been widely applied at all of Beijing’s
Olympic venues. Many venues, includ-
meeting Olympic demand
ing the Olympic Green Hockey Field,
Olympic Green Archery Field, Olympic
Green Tennis Center and a few others,
not only use recycled water supplied by
Beijing will be treating 90% of the 2.78 million kilolitres (KL) of waste wastewater treatment plants, but also
water produced every day in the Olympic city and recycling half of it. have installed their own drainage treat-
ment stations or systems to recycle water
N
and create zero sewage discharge.
owadays, when people walk skills and experiences from domestic and
along Beijing roadsides, they may overseas sectors. The newly processed In order to promote the usage of recycled
seldom guess that public foun- water resembles clear water. water, the Beijing Drainage Group Co.
tains, sprinklers, gardens and greenbelts Ltd has developed an intelligent water
The water processed by the plant is
all make use of recycled water. machine. This machine can automati-
mainly used to supply the Olympic Park's
cally provide recycled water for public
China advocates energy-saving and dis- water needs and will also service Haid-
sanitation, gardens, greenbelts and even
charge reduction policies. Many waste- ian and Chaoyang districts. In this way,
car-washing when people use their water
water disposal factories in various cities Beijing can save 30 million KL of clean
cards. In 2006, the machine provided a
have set up wastewater reclamation sys- water every year.
total of 65,000 KL of water. The price of
tems. To cope with the 2008 Olympic
In the Beijing Olympic Forest Park, recy- this reclaimed water is lower than tap
Games Beijing municipal authorities are
cled water is used as the main source of water, so it has gained popularity. It is
exploring new ways to increase city us-
lake water. The park is also paved with expected that Beijing will produce 60
age of recycled water.
water-channeling bricks, and rainwater similar machines in 2008.
According to the Beijing Water Author- collection facilities are installed around
The Beijing Drainage Group Co. Ltd will
ity, Beijing has established four water the venues in the park. According to the
also invest 1.7 billion yuan ($258M AUD)
recycling plants and two water pump experts, if the park used municipally-
to operate nine water recycling plants
stations with 325 kilometers of paved supplied water as the main source for
and construct 500 kilometers of pipelines
pipelines to date. Currently Beijing can its water system, then not a single yuan
to adequately fulfill Beijing's needs dur-
provide 960,000 KL of water on a daily would be expended on the rainwater
ing the Olympic Games.
basis, with recycled water reaching 50 collection and treatment facilities, nor
percent - the highest rate in China. would an acre of land be used for those Recycled water to irrigate farmland
facilities. But then the annual mainte-
Recycled water pours into the nance fee would run as high as 40 mil- In November 2006, the farmers in Bei-
Olympic Park lion yuan ($6M AUD). jing's Daxing District began to use recy-
cled water.
In May 2007, high-quality recycled water When they turned to recycled water, they
from the Beijing Qinghe Water Recycling invested more than 30 million yuan At the end of 2006, the Nanhongmen ir-
Treatment Plant poured into the Olym- ($4.5M AUD) for the necessary facilities rigation zone initiated an agriculture re-
pic Park in a steady stream, signifying that occupy 3.9 hectares of the land, but cycling water project designed to irrigate
another breakthrough how recycled it is projected that the maintenance fee farmlands of 0.2 million mu (13,333 ha)
water is used. The plant has adopted will be limited to around 300,000 yuan by 0.3 million KL with recycled water on a
advanced technologies to process water ($45,600 AUD) a year.
while simultaneously absorbing mature continued page 9
Winter 08 8 www.recycledwater.com.au
from page 8
Sustainable water
sources, innovations and
applications: Study Tour
Increased pressure on our scarce water supplies has prompted
a significant focus on the identification and sustainable
management of alternative water resources, particularly in the
amenity and production horticulture industries.
O
n the 20th of October this year an overcoming these barriers in the amenity
Tianjan Stadium applying recycling technology Australian study tour group will and production horticulture industries
be heading to United Arab Emir- will also be explored.
ates (Dubai), Israel and Spain to explore
Water sources, management and appli-
a variety of alternative water source tech-
daily basis. The water primarily irrigated cation considerations are underpinned
nologies, management and applications
wheat and corn, plants for feeding ani- by the philosophy of ‘reduce, reuse and
in urban, industrial and rural contexts.
mals, and other gardens and greenbelts. recycle’ to ensure that options evaluated
The group will also observe efficient, in-
consider broader sustainability aspects
Water administration challenges novative irrigation technologies supply-
such as energy requirements, raw materi-
ing water to amenity and production
al use, emissions and ecological impact.
Beijing is a big city with a severe water horticulture that maximise water use
shortage, with less than 300 KL of water outcomes and economic returns while At the time of producing this edition
resources per person. Since 1999, Beijing minimising environmental impacts. a few study tour places were still avail-
has experienced eight consecutive years able.
In addition to this, tour participants will
of drought weather, with only 450 mil-
explore world leading new technologies For more information about the study
limeters of rainfall on average during
and methodologies to improve sustain- tour see www.recycledwater.com.au
this time. In light of this situation, Bei-
ability, efficiency and effectiveness in
jing has made great efforts to incorporate To discuss participating in the tour
water management and understand
scientific development, standardize please contact Arris on (03) 9421 1701
how these may apply in Australia. An
administrative mechanisms, and unify or email studytour@arris.com.au
improved understanding of barriers to
water protection, management and the
adoption of alternative water sources See: www.recycledwater.com.au/studytours
utilization process. All of these sectors for previous tour information.
and identification of opportunities for
have made significant progress.
Administering water resources has en-
countered the problem of division be-
tween various departments and between
On this tour participants will:
• Observe and explore a variety tion that may be appropriate for
rural and urban areas for a long time.
of water source options in use by adoption in Australia to improve
“Those who manage water issues do not
countries who have been manag- water management and applica-
regulate watercourses; those who provide
ing severe limitations to water tion efficiency.
water do not care about water pollu-
supplies for decades. (Examples
tion.” To comprehensively coordinate • Improve your understanding of
of sources include: desalination
the entire city's water protection program overseas R&D projects and out-
plants, cloud seeding, wastewater
the city government has organized Wa- comes; and identify opportunities
treatment plants, sewer mining,
ter Affair Authority at both the district to promote and prioritise appropri-
groundwater, stormwater, rain-
and city level. The government has set ate irrigation research in Australia.
water, industrial wastewater, and
up 114 waterworks stations at different
greywater). • Establish linkages between Austral-
watercourses to supervise comprehensive
ian and international experts,
regulation work, as well as 3,298 farmer’s • Experience irrigation innovations
industry members and researchers.
water associations to better manage wa- first hand that enable scarce water
ter affairs. By adopting these measures, supplies to provide maximised • Explore and identify opportuni-
the government can holistically admin- outcomes. ties to overcome any barriers to
ister transporting water, providing water, the adoption of alternative water
• Observe and discuss with practi-
saving water, draining off water, dispos- source innovations.
tioners technology and innova-
ing of wastewater, and utilizing recycled
water. •
Source: China Development Gateway by Sun Wan October
16, 2007 & www.showchina.org
Winter 08 9 www.recycledwater.com.au
EVENTS diary dates
Australia NEW Master Class: Pre-Treatment For International
Membrane Applications. Expo Zaragosa
First International Conference
on Technologies and Strategic 24 - 25 July 2008, Sydney, NSW 14 June to 14
Management of Sustainable September 2008
Now recognised as an essential step in
Biosystems Zaragosa, Spain
undertaking water reclamation, desalina-
tion and other reverse osmosis processes, “Water and
6 - 9 July 2008 Perth, WA
this class is in response to AWA member Sustainable
The topics discussed in this conference feedback. Speakers: Paul Bertolucci, Tony Development”
will be under the broad area of reuse and Fane, Pierre Le-Clech and more in this is the theme
recycle of organic solid and liquid waste comprehensive program. underpinning this international expo.
for horticulture, agriculture, forestry, For more information contact Dianne In addition to a huge variety of activities
land rehabilitation, aquaculture and Wiesner on dwiesner@awa.asn.au or & exhibitions, the Water Tribune will ex-
hydroponics. see www.awa.asn.au plore 8 different water themes.
For more information
The specific topics shall be: Energy from 71st Annual Victorian Water Industry see www.expozaragoza2008.es
Biosystems, Biosystems for Urban waste Engineers and Operators Conference
treatment and recycling, Organic waste IWA 2008 World Water Congress
2 - 4 Septmember 2008, Bendigo,
treatment and reuse in biosystems,
Victoria
Wastewater treatment and reuse in bio- 7 - 12 September 2008, Vienna, Austria
Discuss the latest in water industry
systems, Constructed wetlands for waste
developments and see state-of -the-art The Congress brings together 3,000 del-
treatment, Nutrient management in
technology on display. egates from around the world with the
waste recycling systems, Health and Envi-
For more information common goal of sustainable water man-
ronmental issues with biosystems, Com-
see www.wioa.org.au agement, with an emphasis on practice
munity Participation and governance,
and case studies.
Education and training, Case studies. Advancing Food Safety’s 15th For more information
For more information Australian HACCP Conference see www.iwa2008vienna.org/i8/
see www.etc.murdoch.edu.au
8 - 12 September 2008, Adelaide, SA
23rd Annual Water Reuse Symposium
IWES Water and Convened by Advancing Food Safety ,
Wastewater Short the conference will also include a one 7 - 10 September 2008, Dallas, Texas
leading
provider
of short
s
courses Courses day Allergen Bureau Conference. Some USA
Australia’s industrie
d related
for the water an of the topics covered include:
14 - 18 July 2008, Touted as the world’s preeminent confer-
Gold Coast, QLD • Use of recycled water in the produce ence devoted to water reuse and desali-
industry nation.
14 - 18 Ju
ly, 2008 A variety of courses
Gold Coast For more information
are available in- • Toxicology of heavy metals
see www.watereuse.org
COURSE
S IN cluding:
Wastewa
ter Treatm
Water Reu
se
ent
• E.coli 0157:H7 in Australia - is it an
• Water Reuse issue
logy
e Techno
Membran
Carbon Accounting
(2 days) For more information
atment
Water Tre
y
Air Qualit
see www.ferret.com.au
NEW CO
URSES
Master Cla
Potable Reu
se
ss • Potable Reuse
Master class
s for
Guideline
Australian ter
International
Wa
Recycled ources
Water Res
Integrated
Managem
ent
Engineerin
g for (NEW – 5 days)
Chemical ineers
ical Eng
non-Chem
Water Pla
nning
• Membrane IWA Leading Edge Technology
processes for Conference - Water and Wastewater
ort
AWA supp
rses
IWES cou
the Australian Technologies
ww w. iw
es .co m.
au 18 00
00 0 40 4
Water Industry Water Smart Innovations Conference
1 - 4 June 2008, Zurich, Switzerland and Expo
(3 days)
This series on water and wastewater
• Environmental Toxicology and Risk 8 - 10 October 2008, Las Vegas, Nevada,
highlights the most significant advances
Assessment for Water Reuse (2 days) USA
in these fields and covers technologies
• Irrigating with recycled water ranging from those just emerging from As the largest conference of its kind in
(2 days) the laboratory to those just making their the world, the inaugural WaterSmart
way to full commercial applications. Innovations Conference and Exposition
• Carbon accounting for water and
For more information will be the premiere venue for showcas-
wastewater systems (3 days)
see www.eawag.ch/let2008 ing new water-efficiency technology to
• Principles of wastewater microbiol- industry and business from around the
ogy (2 days) AWWA Annual Conference and globe; building and strengthening ef-
Exhibition (ACE). fective, interdisciplinary relationships
• Water planning (NEW – 2 days)
8 - 12 June 2008, Atlanta, Georgia, USA and establishing your company as an
• Principles of wastewater treatment international leader in innovative water
Conference activities include 14 in-depth
(5 days) efficiency technology and services.
workshops, a professional program with
For more information
• Design of biological and advanced 91 sessions, 9 facility tours, and an exhi-
see www.watersmartinnovations.com
wastewater treatment plants bition of over 500 service providers show-
(5 days) casing the latest products and services for
For more information the water industry.
Phone 1800 000 404 or For more information
see www.iwes.com.au see www.awwa.org/ace08/
Winter 08 10 www.recycledwater.com.au
NEWS innovations & information
which is just getting underway, will con- Recycled Water Trials Begin in
National duct experimental studies of households Melbourne
using greywater for landscape irrigation.
Australian Guidelines for Water www.informz.net
A one year trial that will involve approx-
Recycling Phase 2 See Good Reads page 4
imately 100,000 recycled water samples
has begun at Melbourne Waters Eastern
Two draft guidelines have been released,
Treatment Plant. The trial will test the
one focussing on stormwater harvesting South Australia effectiveness of different technologies in
and reuse, the other on managed aquifer
the filtration, advanced treatment and
recharge. Copies of the draft guidelines Beaches In A Spot of Bother disinfection of recycled water. This infor-
are now available.
South Australian Greens MLC Mark mation will be used in the upgrading of
Closing date for submissions is 1 July Parnell has called for the immediate the plant to provide over 100 billion litres
2008. release of the Adelaide Coastal Waters of Class A recycled water for non drink-
www.epch.gov.au Study, commissioned by the Common- ing purposes by 2012.
wealth Scientific and Industrial Research Source: HWI E-news March 08
Abs Reveals Figures on Water Use Organisation (CSIRO) which examines
the state of Adelaide’s beaches. The re- Recycling Boost for Mornington
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Peninsula
port, calls for a radical reduction in the
has released Water Use on Australian
amount of nutrients and other materials
Farms, 2005-06 (13 March 2008), which More than $21 million will be spent
in wastewater and stormwater dumped
shows that irrigation of grazing pasture improving recycled water technology
off Adelaide’s beaches”. He noted that a
accounted for more than a quarter of the through funding of an upgrade of the Bo-
stop must be put to dumping waste water
water used on crops and pastures during neo Treatment Plant on the Mornington
from Bolivar and that it should instead
2005-06. The report revealed a total of Peninsula. The first stage hopes to pro-
be treated as a resource (recycled water).
814,000 hectares of grazing pasture were duce 1650 million litres a year of Class A
Source: Australian Greens
irrigated, using an average rate of 3.5 recycled water by next year to be used by
www.sa.greens.org.au
megalitres per hectare. businesses, golf courses and a school.
Source: ABS Water Research Centre for Adelaide The second stage is expected to produce
www.abs.gov.au
3200 million litres of water by 2012.
The headquarters of SA Water in Adelaide
Future Focus – Industry Strategic Plan Source: The Age (18/4/08)
will be the location of a new national
www.theage.com.au
water research centre – Water Quality Re-
Future Focus is the horticulture industry’s
search Australia – funded by the SA Govt. Ballarat Reclamation Plant Upgrade
strategic plan, which is being developed
The centre will continue the work of The Complete
to improve the profitability of Australian
Cooperative Research Centre for Water
horticulture. The completed first phase of
Quality and Treatment. Research areas Mr Holding has welcomed the comple-
the project identified areas that require
will include the health and acceptability tion of the $30 million upgrade to the
improvement and the industry’s opportu-
aspects of drinking water, management Ballarat North Water Reclamation Plant,
nities and main drivers. The next phase
of toxic algal bloom, improving drink- stating that the completion of the project
of Future Focus is to develop action plans
ing water treatment technologies, water “is an important milestone in developing
in consultation with industry. One of the
recycling and more. a supply of high quality recycled water for
six strategic areas is ‘making effective use
Source: HWI E-news March 08 the Ballarat region”. Mr Holding advised
of scarce resource, such as water’.
that the “new plant is scheduled to be
Source: HWI E-news March 08 Grape Expectations producing recycled water above class A
www.futurefocus.org.au/
standard for the Lake Wendouree Water
Federal Water Minister Penny Wong has
$1.75 Million Skills Investment Supply Project by the end of the year”.
opened a water recycling plant in the
Source: Water Minister’s media release
Barossa Valley that is expected to save 60
The Federal Government will invest (10/1/08)
million litres of Murray River water per
$1.725 million in two new projects to im- www.dpc.vic.gov.au
annum. The plant will recycle waste wa-
prove skills in Australia’s water industry,
ter from wineries to supply seven Barossa Recycling Target Passed
including $1.5 million Graduate Course
vineyards for reuse in irrigation.
in Water Planning, which will be provid-
Source: Federal Water Minister’s media The Age reports that over 22% of Mel-
ed by several universities and $250,000
release (30/4/08) bourne’s waste water is now being re-
National Water Sector Skills Project.
cycled, reaching the state government’s
Source AWA (24/3/08)
Victoria recycling target of “20% by 2010” two
www.environment.gov.au
years early. The recycled water was re-
www.nwc.gov.au
Waratah Bay’s New Sewerage Scheme portedly used by “market gardeners,
Collaboration re Greywater Use Operational industry, sporting grounds, nurseries
and housing developments” as per new
A $3.2 million sewerage and wastewater
WERF and its partners are collaborating figures for recycled water trials at the
treatment scheme that will service the
on a long-term study to investigate the Eastern Treatment Plant at Bangholme.
Waratah Bay township has been opened.
potential impacts to plants, soils, and Source: The Age: Melbourne hits water
The scheme will see approximately 120 lo-
human health from household greywa- recycling targets (28/2/08)
cal properties and a 130-site caravan park
ter used in landscape irrigation. Phase 1 www.theage.com.au
receive new sewerage connections that will
of the project, which is now complete, de-
replace the “old and inefficient septic tank
veloped a literature review and synthesis
systems used by locals in the area”.
report on the current state of the knowl-
Source: Water Minister’s media release
edge on greywater reuse for landscape ir-
(13/1/08)
rigation at the household level. Phase 2,
www.dpc.vic.gov.au
Winter 08 11 www.recycledwater.com.au
NEWS innovations & information
Funding for New Stormwater and The vision is to create a research centre New South Wales
Recycled Water Projects which focuses on new technology and
process development, and seeks to pro- Price Increase Draft Report Released
Minister for Water Tim Holding has an-
vide the Werribee region with water ap-
nounced that $10 million in grants is to The NSW Independent Price Regulator
propriate for specific industry needs.
be made available to “businesses, local (IPART) has released a draft report pro-
Source: Water Minister’s media release
councils and community groups across posing price increases for water, sewer-
(19/2/08)
Victoria” to implement new stormwater age and storm water services provided by
www.dpc.vic.gov.au
and recycled water projects. The first Sydney Water, with new prices to apply
round of funding under the Stormwater $5 Million for Water Saving and from1 July 2008. The typical annual
and Urban Recycling Fund would see $6 Recycling Projects household bill is expected to increase by
million being used to “target large wa- $233 in 2011/12. The increases will allow
ter users to help save billions of litres of $5 million has been allocated to 26 water renewed and expanded water mains,
drinking water”. The first round is open saving and water recycling projects across reduced leakages, and investment in
to all non-residential water customers Victoria. Grants have been awarded to wastewater infrastructure and recycled
that use more than 10 million litres per businesses, sporting clubs, research cen- water schemes.
year, with a subsequent second round to tres and other organisations throughout Source: AWA (31/3/08)
be “available for businesses, community metropolitan and regional Victoria. www.ipart.nsw.gov.au
groups and sporting clubs for smaller, www.smartwater.com.au/mainf.asp
localised projects”. Investing in Recycled Water
Source: Minister for Water; DSE (13/2/08) Fast Tracking Investigation into
Recycled Water Plant Sydney Water is acting now, so by 2015,
Further information from the Department of
70 billion litres of recycled water will be
Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
Barwon Water will fast track an inves- produced each year, about 12 per cent
www.dse.vic.gov.au/
tigation into a new multi-million dollar of the water supply. A new $250 million
State Government to Assist Farmers recycled water plant at Black Rock to recycled water plant at St Marys will
Cope With Change provide low salinity Class A water. The substitute up to 18 billion litres of drink-
Class A water will be suitable for outdoor ing water currently being released each
Agriculture Minister Joe Helper has an-
residential use, industry, community rec- year from Warragamba Dam into the
nounced that the state government will
reational facilities and agriculture. Hawkesbury-Nepean River with highly
fund a new project to assist Victorian
treated recycled water. A further nine
farmers in increasing their ability to adapt The proposed plant will allow Barwon
billion litres of recycled water will be pro-
to climate change. The project would fo- Water to better its current recycled water
gressively provided to homes in line with
cus on ways that farmers could improve target of 25 per cent by 2015.
urban development.
water efficiency, and identify “important Source: Geelong Advertiser (21/4/08)
gaps in science knowledge so that science A new $100 million recycled water plant
investment can be redirected”. Warning over Desal Plant Costs will initially provide up to 4.3 billion litres
Source: Agriculture Minister’s media of recycled water to industrial custom-
Piping recycled sewage to reservoirs in
release (27/3/08) ers in Rosehill, Camellia and Smithfield
Melbourne’s east would be a cheaper and
www.dpc.vic.gov.au from 2011. Work to expand the largest
less environmentally damaging solution
industrial recycling scheme at Wollon-
Recycled Golf Wins Praise to the city’s water crisis than desalina-
gong and the largest residential recycling
tion, the State Government was told two
scheme at Rouse Hill is also underway.
Plans are in place to use recycled water years ago.
Source: Sydney Water media release
to irrigate two golf courses and to supply Source: The Age, (10/5/08)
(27/3/08)
a resort development at 13th Beach Golf
Peterborough Sewerage Scheme www.sydneywater.com.au
Resort in Barwon Heads.
Source: Minister for Water’s media release Complete
Ashfield Recycling Pipeline Finished
(26/2/08) Ahead of Schedule
Water Minister Tim Holding welcomed
www.dpc.vic.gov.au
the completion of construction on the
Sydney Water has announced that a
Water Research at Werribee $5.45 million Peterborough Sewerage
“24-kilometre, $130 million pipeline be-
Scheme, stating that “the project would
tween Liverpool and Ashfield for recycled
The opening of a $4.6 million Centre improve public and environmental
water has been completed three months
for Sustainable Water in Werribee has health in Peterborough and provide re-
ahead of schedule and on budget”. Ac-
been announced. The initiative seeks to cycling opportunities for local industry”.
cording to Sydney Water, the pipeline will
expand the use of recycled water and de- The reticulated sewerage system will pro-
initially be used as a sewer to allow for
velop sustainable water management”. vide EPA Class B standard recycled waste-
maintenance work on the North Georges
The centre will focus on: water for land irrigation or for producing
River Submain, however, from 2010 the
pasture for the dairy industry.
• increasing the use of recycled water pipeline will “transport 6.8 billion litres
Source: Water Minister’s media release
for non-drinking purposes; of recycled water a year to industries in
the Camellia and Smithfield areas and
• improving the efficiency of de-
homes in the Sydney Olympic Park Au-
salination, membrane technologies
thority area”.
and other processes that remove
Source: Sydney Water via Lawlex Newsfeed
total dissolved fluids (TDFs), total
Sydney Water’s media release (21/2/08)
suspended solids (TSS) and other
www.sydneywater.com.au
biological organisms from waste
water; and
• developing cleaner production tech-
nologies for surrounding industry
trade waste water.
Winter 08 12 www.recycledwater.com.au
NEWS innovations & information
Sewer Mining Agreement Announced ness practice and climate resilient water Budget Delivers on Water for Tasmania
supplies including purified recycled wa-
Sydney Water and Kogarah Council have Senator Penny Wong said supporting
ter and desalination schemes.
signed a sewer mining agreement, a proc- sustainable irrigation projects through
Source: AWA
ess which “involves tapping into a sewer an investment of up to $140 million will
www.qwc.qld.gov.au
main and extracting wastewater, which help grow the Tasmanian economy and
is then treated and re-used for purposes Cloud Seeding Research Project gets increase employment in regional areas.
such as irrigation”. Sydney Water’s man- Underway The government will provide $12 mil-
aging director Kerry Schott explained that lion for the Huon Valley water scheme
the project “will see 125 million litres of An innovative scientific project aimed to improve water quality for households
wastewater recycled each year and used at increasing rainfall throughout south- and help secure around 200 jobs in the
for irrigation at Beverly Park Golf Course east Queensland catchments by inject- local aquaculture industry. A further
and all parks in Kogarah”. ing clouds with rainmaking particles $10.5 million will be provided to support
Source: Sydney Water via Lawlex Newsfeed has commenced. This project is funded water recycling and reuse in irrigation in
Sydney Water’s media release (12/2/08) through the Queensland Governmentt South Eastern Tasmania, with the added
www.sydneywater.com.au who is investing $7.6 million over 4 years benefit of reducing wastewater discharge
in the project. Results of the project will into the Derwent River system.
10 Year Recycled Water Agreement determine whether cloud seeding is suit- Source: Minister for Climate Change and
Signed able for SE Queensland. Water media release (13/5/08)
Source: HWI E-news March 08
Kiama Golf Club south of Sydney has
www.climatechange.qld.gov.au
signed a new ten year recycled water Western Australia
agreement with Sydney Water to use 100
million litres of recycled water per year. Tasmania Northampton Pipeline Opened
Source: AWA
Minister for Water Resources John Ko-
www.sydneywater.com.au AWA Comment on Water and belke has officially opened a 44km
Sewerage pipeline between Geraldton and North-
Australian Capital Territory The Australian Water Association (AWA) ampton that will supply approximately
has submitted its response to the Ministe- 1,500 Northampton homes. Mr Kobelke
Greywater Hose Handout rial Water and Sewerage Taskforce’s Fu- advised that the new pipeline will secure
ture Regulation of the Tasmanian Water the regions water supply and allow the
In a bid to curb the use of drinking water
and Sewerage Sector - Part B which aims implementation of “a two-day sprinkler
on gardens, the state government has
to bring about a greater integration of roster, removing the town’s one-day-a
announced that it plans to distribute
the key elements of the planning, policy week-system”.
10,000 free greywater diversion hoses to
and regulatory framework. Source: Minister for Water Resources via
ACT residents. Whilst stocks last, ACT
Source: AWA Lawlex Newsfeed
residents can pick up their free hose from
www.awa.asn.au
any ACT Magnet Mart Home Warehouse. OASIS Treatment Systems Accredited
The state government has provided inter- Model For Water and Sewerage
ested parties with greywater use guide- Reform Approved Oasis Greywater Treatment Systems has
lines and information on frequently been accredited in SA and WA for use of
asked questions on the topic. The Tasmanian Cabinet has approved greywater in above ground irrigation.
ACT Govermant’s media release (22/2/08) reforms to the delivery of water and The accreditation in WA represents a first
Source: ACT Government via Lawlex sewerage services in the state. Under the for the state which so far has only permit-
Newsfeed reforms, water and sewerage services will ted below ground greywater irrigation.
www.thinkwater.act.gov.au be delivered by three regional corpora- AWA (3/3/08)
tions, with councils retaining the ongo-
ing ownership of the service. Two pieces
Queensland of legislation are required, with the new International
business possibly beginning operations
Key Milestone Reached early next year if the legislation is ap- Water Works in China
The Western Corridor Recycled Water proved. Premier John Brumby has been review-
Pipeline, part of Queensland’s $9 billion, Source: HWI E-news March 08 ing business opportunities for Victorian
450 km South East Queensland Water companies in China, with over $300 mil-
Grid has reached a key milestone with Water Funding Announced lion in water and waste management,
completion of 225 km in length (more water technologies and environmental
Tasmanian premier, Paul Lenno, has an-
than 23,000 individual pipes and more engineering projects on offer.
nounced $80 million in funding to help
than 5000 pipe fittings). Premier’s media release (20/2/08)
drought proof the state. This combined
Source: AWA Source: Premier via Lawlex Newsfeed
with the $140 million provided by the
www.qwc.qld.gov.au www.dpc.vic.gov.au
commonwealth for Tasmanian water
Draft Water Strategy Announced projects has meant $220 million is avail-
able for strategic irrigation investment.
The Queensland Water Commission has Five projects will receive a share of the
announced a draft South East Queens- funding including a series of pipelines
land Water Strategy, sets out a new ap- and dams in the midlands, North East,
proach to regional water planning to Central Highlands, Mersey Forth Region
meet the region’s water supply needs for and the Meander Valley.
the next 50 years. The Strategy outlines Source: HWI E-news March 08
permanent resident-usage targets, busi-
Winter 08 13 www.recycledwater.com.au
