ReWater WINTER 2011 Water recycling in Australia

Recycled water treatment plant for Page 3

ReWater funding New NSW US buildings The costs to finish, your water recycling unplug from of water feedback required Education Centre water grid restrictions Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 9 ReWater AUTUMN 2011 Water recycling in Australia ReWater ReWater W a t e r r e c y c l i n g i n A u s t r a l i a

CONTENTS SUMMER 2010 FEATURES New recycled water treatment plant

for Melbourne 3 2010 AUTUMN ReWater New NSW water recycling W a t e r r e c y c l i n g i n A u s t r a l i a Water recycling in Australia SPRING 2010 Education Centre 4 ReWaterAustralia’s rst groundwater The future of Golf courses that reuse water replenishment trial integrated water irrigate too much 5 Page 2 supply solutions Page 3 Desal plant The future Recycled Privately owned US urban buildings unplug saves the day of sewerage water for algae micro water Reverse osmosis pipe Page 4 management production utility in Sydney from water grid 6 Page 5 Page 5 Page 8 for drip Multiple benefits of recycling Page 2 Biogas power at Escondido 8 from water Federal funding recycling plant for stormwater Recycled harvesting water key to Yarra Park water Productivity Commission report Page 4 project plans Page 5 supply security Page 6 revealed highlights the costs of water restrictions 9 Page 8 Australian Water Recycling Centre

of Excellence 10 Turning wastewater Greywater reuse in sustainable into a resourcePage 2 Recycled building design Review of urban water Recycling water water for GreySmart – a in your Page 4 China set for Darwin better standard Survey: half quality regulation 11 Stormwater huge recycled backyard Page 5 for greywater Page 12 would pay for Aquifer storage harvest water increase Page 6 recycled water Page 10 and recovery to triple in SA Page 6 in Victoria Page 5 REGULARS Page 4 Good Reads and website links 7 Events diary dates 11 News innovations & information 13 ReWater funding to finish

On the Cover: Degasification towers to remove CO2 September 2011. Can you help? to adjust pH at the Altona Wastewater Treatment Plant. By September 2011 ReWater will have published 30 editions of About ReWater ReWater over 7 and half years. ReWater is a newsletter designed to make information his quarterly publication enables the We are keen to continue ReWater post Au- relevant to recycled water use in horticulture more accessible to horticulturalists (growers/farmers/ sharing of knowledge about reclama- gust 2011, as we have received some very landscapers), primary producers, members of the Ttion and reuse of recycled waters in encouraging feedback over the last 7 years water industry and other interested people. It is part Australian amenity and production horticul- from subscribers. To determine current of the service provided by the Australian Coordinator ture as well as other alternative water sourc- readership interest in continuing ReWater for Recycled Water Use in Horticulture, funded by Horticulture Australia Limited. es used for both industrial, commercial and WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK. residential/domestic applications. Back issues and instructions for subscribing to receive Please take 3 minutes to complete our ReWater electronically on a quarterly basis can be To-date ReWater has been funded as part survey to help us decide if and how accessed here: www.recycledwater.com.au/rewater of a bigger project funded by Horticulture we should continue ReWater. Click Your Feedback and Contributions Australia Limited (Project HG09030, Secur- here for web survey. ing recycled water for the Australian Horti- We would appreciate your feedback and are always We would also like to hear from you if you cultural Industry: Managing climate change). looking for suggestions and contributions. Please have any recommendations or ideas for con- email [email protected] or contact us This project has run for the last tinued funding. on 03 9602 4001. 8 years providing support for To continue www.recycledwater.com.au many horticultural industries ReWater we need Thank you for your support and (rural and urban) to locate, de- contributions to this valuable The delivery of research and velop and commission recycled your feedback industry and publication over development outcomes from this project to the horticultural water schemes across Australia. the last 7 years. ReWater was designed as one component industry is made possible by the Warmest regards on behalf of the ReWater Commonwealth Government’s of the HAL project to make it easier for many team at Atura and Arris. 50% investment in all Horticulture growers/farmers/horticulturists to experience Australia’s research and development initiatives. how recycled water was being used across We appreciate your feedback and are always Australia and the world and provide confi- looking for suggestions and contributions. dence in the use of recycled water should Please email [email protected] DISCLAIMER: Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of all statements and claims made in ReWater. However, the right opportunity arise to use it. The www. or contact us on 03 9602 4001. due to the nature of the industry it is impossible for us to recycledwater.com.au website is also part of Back issues and instructions for subscrib- know your precise circumstances. Therefore we disclaim any this project. responsibility for any action you take as a result of reading ing to receive ReWater electronically on ReWater. issn1449-9800 ReWater has now grown to provide horti- a quarterly basis can be accessed here. culturalists (growers/farmers/landscapers), www.recycledwater.com.au • Edited & compiled by primary producers, members of the water Atura Pty Ltd. Contact: Daryl Stevens, [email protected], industry and other interested people with a Ph: (03) 9602 4001 +61 3 96024001. www.atura.com.au quarterly snap-shot of recycled water uses and innovations in Australia and around the Designed by Arris Pty Ltd world. Ph: (08) 8303 6706 www.arris.com.au Winter 2011 2 www.recycledwater.com.au Production of recycled water for irrigation (the golf clubs and Council open spaces) New recycled water requires demineralisation through a single pass reverse osmosis system, while produc- tion of industrial grade recycled water (for treatment plant for Qenos) requires treatment through a two pass reverse osmosis system. Melbourne The project will deliver: • about 2 billion litres annually to plastics Melbourne’s recycled water treatment plant to save more than manufacturer Qenos for use in its 2500 ML water per year. boilers and cooling towers; • 300 million litres to Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club to irrigate its golf course; new recycled water plant in Altona in The use of recycled water can be a win for Melbourne’s West is set to save more both local communities and the environ- • 200 million litres to Kooringal Golf Club A than 2.5 billion litres of drinking water ment. The plant uses both single-pass to irrigate its golf course; and each year, reducing demand on Melbourne’s and double-pass reverse osmosis to treat • 5 million litres to Hobsons Bay City potable water supplies. The Aus$ 48 mil- effluent from the plant, removing salt and Council to irrigate Altona Green Park lion (US$ 52.6 million) recycled water plant other contaminants. The recycled water is and 6 million litres for HD Graham in Altona, Australia, was commissioned on then pumped via a purpose-built pipeline Reserve. 19 April 2011 by Victoria’s State minister for to plastics manufacturer Qenos for cooling water, Peter Walsh. Mr Walsh said that up to tower and boiler operation, and to two golf- The project involved the construction of the 9,000 m³/d of Class A recycled water would courses and council-owned public space for following infrastructure: be available for manu- irrigation. In addition to • 9ML a day recycled water plant includ- facturing and irrigation providing security for Two qualities of water are ing Ultrafiltration Reverse Osmosis use saving more than these customers, water required making the projects technology; 2.5 million m³ of drink- from the City West Wa- ing water each year, more complex that other ter plant will replace the • two 3ML storage tanks at the Altona reducing demand on recycled water schemes use of potable water, Plant, one for irriga- Melbourne’s potable ease the pressure on tion customers and another for Qenos; water supplies. The project comprises the Melbourne’s dams and reuse millions of li- • pump station at the Altona Sewage planning and construction of an ultrafiltra- tres of treated effluent which would otherwise Treatment Plant; tion and reverse osmosis plant to produce be pumped out to Port Phillip Bay each day. two grades of recycled water from the sec- • 3.7km pipeline to Qenos’ Altona Plant; Mariano Sola, Project Manager at TEDRA, ondary treated wastewater produced at the the Spanish contractor that constructed the • 5km pipeline from the Altona Sewage Altona Treatment Plant, which services just recycled water treatment plant, said the pro- Treatment Plant to a storage pond over 20,000 residential and commercial duction of two grades of recycled water has within Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club; properties. provided an extra layer of complexity. • 0.38km pipeline to Altona Green “The water will be used by a neighbouring “The Altona Recycled Water Project is com- (Council open space) from the Sanctu- chemical manufacturer, two golf courses and plex because of the two qualities of water re- ary Lakes Golf Club primary distribution public parks in Melbourne’s west,” Mr Walsh quired – it is not common practice to have to main; and said. “In addition to providing security for produce multiple qualities of recycled water these customers, water from the City West • 0.74km primary distribution main from out of the one plant,” Mr Sola said. The recy- Water plant is replacing the use of potable the Altona Sewage Treatment Plant to a cled water treatment plant utilises ultrafiltra- water and easing the pressure on Mel- storage pond within the Kooringal Golf tion and reverse osmosis, to remove excess bourne’s dams.” Club. salt from the treated wastewater. continued page 4 Winter 2011 3 www.recycledwater.com.au from page 3

During the project monitoring period, it was observed that the quality of the sewage into the Altona Recycled Water Project could vary significantly in some parameters over short periods of time. This phenomenon was discovered to be the result of discharges into the sewer- age system upstream of the Altona Treatment Plant that pass through the wastewater treatment process and into the plant wastewater. One outcome from these observations was that there would be times during the plant’s operations when the feedwater would be outside normal specification for quality and/or quantity. This essential information was factored into the sys- tem and operational design of the plant to ensure recycled water output was of St Marys Education Centre launch_MD & Chairman. the required quality at all times during the operation of the plant. Heavier than normal spring and summer rainfall has resulted in the two golf club New NSW water recycling customers not yet requiring recycled water for irrigation. Supply to Qenos, which will take the bulk of the recycled Education Centre water produced from the plant, has been delayed by a maintenance upgrade of Sydney Water’s new Water Recycling Education Centre was officially the site. opened by (former) Water Minister Phillip Costa, boosting the Ms Barker, MD of , said the Altona Recycled Water Project will already extensive community education resources of Sydney Water. provide tangible benefits to its custom- ers. “The recycled water being produced r Costa said the Water Recycling The Water Recycling Education Centre is at Altona presents an exciting oppor- Education Centre uses state of the part of the $209 million St Marys Water Recy- tunity for City West Water to replace art education and training technolo- cling Plant. Visitors to the centre will be able M precious drinking water in applications gies to explain the role of water recycling in to observe the operations of the St Marys such as cooling and irrigation. With the securing Sydney’s water supply. “This in- Water Recycling Plant as well as participate climatic variability forecast to impact cludes showing how water is recycled and in a tour of the plant itself. The plant is Syd- traditional water supplies across the then used, and how the latest technology ney Water’s largest water recycling project country, alternative water will continue and techniques in sus- and one of the biggest to emerge as a vital component of the tainable environmental in Australia, providing The plant is Sydney provision of water to the community.” management are deliv- about 18 billion litres Water’s largest water The Victorian Government contributed ering benefits for Syd- of recycled water each $5 million towards the project. ney Water users,” Mr recycling project and one of year which will improve • Costa said. the biggest in Australia the quality of water in Source: Stephanie Ryan 03 9658 4052 the Nepean River. www.pacetoday.com.au “The centre is designed http://vic.nationals.org.au for universities, TAFE colleges and high This latest education centre joins other Syd- www.desalination.biz schools, professional and trade groups, and ney Water education resources including: http://hobsons-bay-leader.whereilive.com.au key community groups. Sydney Water is •Tours of wastewater treatment plants, working with secondary and tertiary teachers water recycling plants and water filtra- to ensure that the material at the centre tar- tion plants. gets and complements existing courses.” •Online virtual tours of a wastewater treatment plant and the desalination plant (due for completion mid 2011). •Museum in a Box® partnership with the Australian Museum for primary aged students. The Freshwater box contains dioramas, replicas, specimens, infor- mation panels, fact sheets and books. •Sponsorship of the Powerhouse Mu- seum’s Ecologic exhibition to include a City West Water MD Anne Barker (L) and Reverse osmosis modules at Sydney Water’s section on water management. • Chariman Alan Seale (R) with Peter Walsh, largest water recycling project and one of the Source: Phil Costa Minister for Water, Media release, Victoria State Minister for water. biggest in Australia. 20 February 2011

Winter 2011 4 www.recycledwater.com.au Golf courses that reuse water irrigate too much

Irrigation is one of the most controversial aspects in the sustainable management of golf courses. Researchers from the Canary Islands have spent 25 years analysing the practices relating to recycled water at one of the oldest golf courses in Spain. The results show that plants on the course receive 83% more water than they need.

xcessive amounts of water are used, and this cannot be justified from any “Eperspective”, María del Pino Palacios Díaz, lead author of the study and a research- er at the Department of Animal Pathology, Photo: Daryl Stevens Animal Production and Food Science and Technology at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Despite the high cost of water (around $0.54 AUD per cubic meter), the amount of water used on golf courses in the Canary Islands continues to be “exces- sive”. On the golf course studied, plants re- ceive over 83% more water than they need, which reduces the risk of substances accu- mulating in the soil, but increases the risk of contaminating the aquifer. The researchers have confirmed this on the basis of a “detailed” analysis of the nutrients and other substances contained in the recy- cled water, and by studying how this is ab- sorbed by the soil and plants, how it travels through the unsaturated area, and the likeli- hood of it reaching the aquifer. The research, which has been published in the Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, also looked at the effect of re-using water recycled from desalinated urban water on soil fertility and the health of the greens between 1982 and 2007 at the Royal Golf Club of Las Palmas, one of the oldest courses in Spain and a Golf courses in Spain have been found to over irrigate with recycled water. “model” club in terms of how it is managed. According to Palacios Díaz, although the quality of the water used that could harm the The study also calls for the amount and study focused on a single golf course, the condition of the soil and the aquifer, but “the frequency of watering to be adjusted to the results could be extrapolated “to others in frequency and amount of the recycled water needs of the plants irrigated in the area in semi-arid or arid areas that are irrigated us- used in irrigation”. question, and for consumption amounts to ing water from urban or marine sources, and be calculated using internationally-accepted “It is assumed that the consequences only with similar soil characteristics”. experimental equations (evapotranspiration depend on the quality of the water, when in equations). “This is the only way of ensuring The Royal Golf Club of Las Palmas is irri- fact the other factors normally have a greater sustainable use of recycled water”, con- gated with water that has been desalinated, influence”, says Palacios Díaz in this study, cludes Palacios Díaz. However, Spanish leg- consumed by the public, treated and once which is part of the TRAGUA project on Wa- islation does not address the sustain­ability again desalinated before being recycled for ter Treatment and Recycling for sustainable criteria for reusing water. “Such criteria are reuse. However, “the combination of water management. poorly understood and, as a result, are gen- with low salinity and a high proportion of In relation to the negative long-term impacts erally not fulfilled”, warns the researcher. exchangeable sodium (which is common • of the excessive use of desalinated recycled in desalinated regenerated water) can have Source: www.eurekalert.org water, the researchers propose “adapting a negative impact on the structural stability the species and varieties watered, instead of soil, which loses fertility over the medium References: Estévez, E.; Cabrera, M.C.; Fernández-Vera, choosing types that are more tolerant to term because of losing its capacity to drain J.R.; Hernández-Moreno, J.M.; Mendoza-Grimón, V.; Palacios- salinity and thereby reducing the cleaning Díaz, M.P. “Twenty-five years using to away water”, the researcher says. requirements. Paradoxically, this adaptation irrigate a golf course in Gran Canaria” Spanish Journal of In addition there may be the possible long- has been implemented at the golf course Agricultural Research 8, edición especial 2(95-101), 2010. term effects of using it for cultivated plants, studied, but the amount of water used has the irrigation system and the water of the not been reduced”, explains the scientist. aquifer. The scientists say it is not only the

Winter 2011 5 www.recycledwater.com.au US urban

buildings Photos: Benjamin Benschneider unplug from water grid Our students are empowered to make a difference by learning, synthesizing, and sharing their newfound knowledge with our local and global community.

hat better way to combine water and biosolids recycling and water edu- Wcation than in a school, where pupils can live and learn the links and connections between our water use and the environment. That’s exactly what a school in one of Seat- tle’s most urban neighbourhoods has done. The Bertschi School is a small elementary school that is aiming to disconnect from the municipal water and sewer system to collect, recycle and reuse water and wastewater on site, a concept often referred to as net zero water in the United States. The school was presented with an excep- The greenwall gets established in the ecohouse. tional opportunity in July 2009 - to be part of a regional team responding to the Living Building Challenge. The purpose of the Liv- building features an ethnobotanical garden well as interact with the building’s water and ing Building Challenge is straightforward – to to grow food; tanks for rainwater harvesting; energy-saving features. define the highest measure of sustainability a green moss-mat roof; a composting toilet; Rainfall is collected from the roof and flows possible in the built environment based on natural ventilation and radiant floor heating; via a visible runnel in the classroom floor to the best current thinking a living wall of tropical a collection tank. The runnel overflows to – recognizing that “true plants to treat grey wa- A place where students can a raingarden and the water in the tanks is sustainability” is not yet ter; and solar panels, literally see, feel and be part used in classroom sinks. The water from the possible. The Living which will produce all sinks is delivered to a four metre high wall Building Challenge is a of sustainable practice of the building’s energy. filled with plants by a drip irrigation system. philosophy, advocacy All of these aspects The classroom toilet composts and treats tool and certification program that addresses will provide students with an active learning waste on site rather than flushing it into city development at all scales, comprising of environment where they’re encouraged to sewer pipes. seven performance areas: Site, Water, Ener- harvest native vegetation in order to gain gy, Health, Materials, Equity and Beauty. The an understanding of urban agriculture, as Plenty of “green” buildings strive to generate Bertschi School board was in the process as much energy as they use, but Bertschi of finalising plans for a new science wing. School’s new science building is one of doz- When they were approached by KMD Archi- ens nationwide taking it a step further. “Water tects and The Restorative Design Collective is a looming issue after energy,” said James (RDC), a group of design professionals on Englehardt, a professor of environmental the leading edge of the sustainable building engineering at the University of Miami who is movement, and asked to join them as part- spearheading the project. “Energy and water ners in creating what could be the first Living are intimately linked. We have plenty of water, Building in the state of Washington, the tim- but it takes a lot of energy to purify it.” ing was perfect. The new science wing could Despite Seattle’s image as the land of plenty be created as a place where students can of rain, water conservation is a concern be- literally see, feel and be part of sustainable cause summer months can typically be dry. practices. As part of this collaboration with Proponents say the Seattle school project RDC, all design services, from the initial con- and others like it recognize water as a pre- cept phase through construction administra- cious resource. Treating waste and runoff tion documents, were provided at no cost. onsite also means reducing the land, infra- Designed to be self-sustaining in the energy, structure, energy and chemicals needed to water and waste use, the school’s new sci- convey water to taps and later to treat what ence building is made up of a classroom, flows down toilets and bathtubs. the ecohouse and toilet facilities. The new Classroom runnel with students continued page 7 Winter 2011 6 www.recycledwater.com.au munity. Our students are counting down the days and hours until they can explore and in- vestigate science in new and innovative ways with the opening of our Science Wing,” says Brigitte Bertschi, Head of Bertschi School. Stan Richardson, a school representative, said composting waste may not work for everyone but it’s a good tool to teach stu- dents that there are different ways of doing things.“For us to do that in the city when you have a perfectly good sewer system, I can’t imagine everybody in the city connecting to the composting toilet, we are doing it as a demonstration. It can be done.” he said. “We were inspired to bring together this crea- tive team to design a Living Building in Seattle after attending the Cascadia Green Building Council’s Living Future conference,” says Stacy Smedley of KMD Architects. “We’re excited to return to Living Future this year to share with others the knowledge and expe- The greywater flows in the Living Science Building. rience of what it takes to construct a Living Building,” adds Chris Hellstern of KMD. “We from page 6 Bertschi School, which opened in February hope the Science Wing will pave the way for could be next and is aiming for living building “People are recognizing the limitations of more green building and net-zero projects, status. the planet and what’s available,” said Eden as well as make sustainability inherent for Brukman, vice president of the International “With the integration of sustainable practices generations of students”. • Living Building Institute, which runs the “Liv- into our curriculum, our students are em- Source: www.dailyastorian.com ing Building Challenge”. In the U.S., two powered to make a difference by learning, www.bertschi.org projects in Eureka, Mo., and Rhinebeck, N.Y., synthesizing, and sharing their newfound Photographs: Benjamin Benschneider have been certified as living buildings. The knowledge with our local and global com- GOOD READS and website links Urban water in Australia: Water by Review of pricing reform in the Future directions Design Australian water sector Guidelines This final report of the The National Water Commission’s Review of National Water Com- Various guide- pricing reform in the Australian water sector missions’ Developing lines are avail- report examines the pricing and institutional Future Directions for the able to assist reforms of the National Water Initiative. It ex- Australian Urban Water in the plan- plains that prices need to reflect the full costs Sector’ project, consid- ning, design and construction of water services (including environmental ers whether the sector’s of Water Sensitive Urban Design elements costs) so there are efficient signals for new underlying institutional Source: http://waterbydesign.com.au investment. and policy settings More information: www.nwc.gov.au need reshaping to Water Footprint Assessment Manual: improve performance Setting the Global Standard National performance reports for now and in the future, urban water utilities and rural water The “Water Footprint Assessment Manual: and sets out the Commission’s find- service providers Setting the Global Standard” is the definitive ings and recommendations. book on the global standard on water foot- Two National Water Commission reports on More information: www.nwc.gov.au print assessment as developed by the Water the performance of Australia’s urban water State of the Water Sector preliminary Footprint Network. The book provides a com- utilities and rural water service providers report prehensive set of methods for water footprint have been released. The National Perform- assessment and shows how water footprints ance Report 2009-2010: urban water utilities The Survey identifies the priority issues for can be calculated for individual processes report includes information from 79 utilities the water sector and gauges its level of and products, as well as for consumers, that supply approximately 18.3 million Aus- preparedness to confront these issues. The nations and businesses. It also contains de- tralians with their urban water. This report was national findings in this ‘preliminary’ report tailed worked examples of how to calculate prepared by the National Water Commission, will be followed by state perspectives and green, blue and grey water footprints, and all state and territory governments, and the other ‘cuts’ through the data to provide ad- how to assess the sustainability of the ag- Water Services Association of Australia. The ditional insight in a final report to be released gregated water footprint within a river basin National Performance Report 2009-10: rural at AWA’s annual national water conference or the water footprint of a specific product. water service providers, which was prepared being held in Adelaide in May 2011. The book includes an extensive library of by the Commission in conjunction with state More information: www.deloitte.com possible measures that can contribute to governments, covers thirteen rural water water footprint reduction. service providers representing 90% of Aus- More information: tralia’s rural network water supply. www.ecosystemmarketplace.com More information: www.nwc.gov.au

Winter 2011 7 www.recycledwater.com.au Multiple benefits of recycling at Escondido The City of Escondido in southern California, USA, could be about to follow neighbour San Diego in setting up an indirect potable water- reuse (IPR) scheme as part of a wastewater facility upgrade costing about US$ 200 million.

he city is facing increased scarcity of would ensure Escondido a reliable water sup- water and dwindling sewer capacity ply that would be less susceptible to drought Tand these two drivers have led Escon- and increasing prices for imported water. dido officials to launch a roughly $200 mil- That reliable supply might also help preserve lion, multipronged effort that could irrigate the city’s large agricultural community, which much of the city with recycled water and po- has been facing extinction because of rap- Gisborne GRoWS tentially provide an indirect potable recycling idly rising water rates. An agreement with scheme. The request to develop a conceptu- Goal Line Energy (Iceoplex) is already close al plan to address wastewater capacity and for recycled water use at the company’s en- with recycled water reliability was approved by council in ergy production plant. Upgrade the HARRF’s February 2011. ocean outfall pipelines water project would cost around US$ Recycling wastewater The city’s next step will be to 400 million and provide Water security in Gisborne eliminates the need to implement recommendations no positive benefit to the South and surrounds spend about $400 mil- city. lion widening the sewer from a reverse-osmosis/ continues to improve with a pipes connecting Es- ultrafiltration pilot study The city’s goal will be $4.27 million recycled water condido to the ocean, to work towards 100% Utilities Director Lori Vereker said last week. reuse of wastewater from HARRF, with ad- project announced which The cost is high, partly because the new ditional users likely to be parks, schools and will pump out 250 million pipes would be laid in some environmentally the Wild Animal Park. Referring to setting up litres of class B recycled water sensitive areas that the city doesn’t control. IPR, the conceptual plan report to the coun- cil describes some of the challenges of the annually. And even if the pipes are widened, the city site, including: no groundwater basins to re- nnounced by Water Minister Pe- charge; small drinking-water reservoirs with ter Walsh at the Pitruzzello Estate limited retention time; and public perception in Sunbury, the Gisborne Recy- about recycled water as a drinking-water A cled Water scheme project (Gisborne source. The city’s 26,000 sewer and water GRoWS) will be a boost for irrigators such customers would potentially face higher as grape, olive and cherry producers. The rates for many years in order to pay for the State Government will contribute $1.27 upgrades, which would take as many as 10 million with another $2.72 million from years to implement. Western Water and a local industry and The project might additionally generate rev- community contribution of $278,000. Mr enue by using the existing outfall pipelines to Walsh said the funding boost would pay the coast as regional brine lines. The city’s for the design and construction of a pipe- next step will be to implement recommenda- line, upgrades to existing pipelines, a new tions from a reverse-osmosis/ultrafiltration booster pump station and an increase to would be facing potential state fines for dis- pilot study which showed that more nutrient an existing pump station to cater for high- charging more sewage into the ocean. “It’s removal was required to meet the conditions er water flows. like building a bigger trash can,” said Vereker, for a wet-weather discharge permit and to noting that her plan would be much better for “After a prolonged period of low rainfall, prove a higher quality recycled water prod- the environment. If the city did nothing, the businesses in Gisborne South resorted uct. state would eventually prohibit any further to expensive measures such as sourcing residential or commercial development until Vereker said a public education campaign water from saline groundwater bores and the sewer capacity was increased, she said. would be required on the safety of drinking trucking recycled water,” Mr Walsh said. In addition, if old water and sewer infrastruc- recycled water, which she said was actu- The minister said extra water security in ture in downtown Escondido isn’t upgraded ally cleaner and more pure than today’s tap the region would boost it as a regional for roughly $10 million, the city will not be water. Vereker said the $200 million price tag food bowl, which would lead to employ- able to achieve its dreams of high-rise con- for her plan is just a guess, and that the city ment and business opportunities such as dominiums and office buildings in that part would have a better idea late this year when tourism and encourage business growth of town. a consultant finishes a utilities master plan and diversification. The project is due to for the city. She also said about half the cost be complete next year. Faced with approaching capacity at the • could be covered by grants. city’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facil- • Source: ity (HARRF), the city, which is 30 miles (48 Source: www.desalination.biz http://macedon-ranges-leader.whereilive.com.au and Western Water Recycled water news km) north-east of San Diego, voted to use David Garrick phone 760-740-5468. www.nctimes.com www.westernwater.com.au the plant’s upgrade to increase the use of re- cycled water for industrial/irrigation purposes and reduce ocean discharge. The scheme

Winter 2011 8 www.recycledwater.com.au • increased damage to buildings, other Productivity Commission structures and pipes through cracking. Because of the social and economic costs, mandatory restrictions should be used only in report highlights the costs the very worst water shortage emergencies, the report suggests, adding that restrictions can in fact result in “perverse incentives” for deliberate excessive use. It suggests a of water restrictions desire to generate extra grey water for lawns Australia’s urban water sector needs major changes to meet the and gardens might lead to the over-use of drinking-quality water in showers, baths and challenges of providing services that minimise costs and maximise tanks. benefits to the community, according to a draft report released by The report also comments that there is suf- the Productivity Commission. ficient evidence available to conclude that much recent investment in supply augmen- he draft report - Australia’s Urban Water The Productivity Commission report details tation using desalination could have been Sector - reports that Government re- the costs to the community of mandatory smaller in scale and from a source other Tsponses to the recent water shortages restrictions, including: than desalination, e.g. recycled water, while have resulted in large costs to water consum- maintaining security of supply. Lower cost • loss of amenity from the deterioration ers and the community generally. Nationally, sources of water supply, such as urban-rural of lawns and gardens water restrictions are estimated to have cost trade and aquifers, have been available in in excess of $1 billion per annum from the • purchasing and installing new watering several jurisdictions, but large investments in lost value of consumption alone, and some systems as changes occur in allowed desalination have been preferred. large supply augmentations could cost the methods of watering, such as installing Another component of the urban water sector community up to $5 billion or more over the ‘greywater’ systems and rainwater discussed in the report is that of planned in- next decade or two. tanks direct potable use of recycled water. This has Presiding Commissioner, Dr Wendy Craik • the need to so far been ruled out said “There is a strong case for reforming the adopt labour-in- by governments in re- sector. There are some fundamental weak- tensive methods sponse to opposition nesses, with conflicting objectives, unclear of watering “Mandatory restrictions should by communities, even roles and responsibilities, and deficient when watering be used only in the very worst though the National governance arrangements, across policy is permitted, a water shortage emergencies” Water Commission making, regulatory and service delivery insti- tax in kind on has stated there are tutions.” watering no public health bar- riers. In such circumstances, it is important The Commission affirmed that it is the role • carrying ‘greywater’ in buckets from that the community and decision makers are of State and Territory Governments to create showers to outdoor plants properly informed about the costs, benefits the incentives and frameworks for institu- • loss of sleep and/or leisure as a result and risks to water consumers, so that the tions undertaking policy making, regulatory of setting alarms to arise and water best choices can be made. Community con- and service delivery functions to operate gardens in permitted time periods sultation needs to be a component of any efficiently. Its proposed reform package decisions on supply augmentation. includes: clarifying the overarching objec- • having to water in the dark tives for policy in the sector; ensuring that The Commission is seeking public feedback • cancelling or rearranging other supply augmentation, pricing and regula- on its draft proposals through submissions activities in order to water gardens at tion are aligned with it and assigned to the and attendance at its public hearings in May/ permitted times appropriate organisation; putting in place June. The final report will be delivered to the best practice governance arrangements for • inability of children to play under Government at the end of August 2011. • institutions; and monitoring the performance garden sprinklers and to use water toys Source: Australian Government Productivity Commission of utilities and reviewing progress on imple- • the need to drive cars to a car wash media release. For a draft copy of report see: www.pc.gov.au menting reform. and paying to clean them

The report acknowledges that the circum- Photo: Daryl Stevens stances of urban regions vary and there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution with respect to industry structure. The Commission has identified a number of different options for structural reforms that could be beneficial in large cities and smaller regional urban areas. Dr Craik said “The reform package would provide benefits to the community. Water consumers would get more choice about price, reliability and security of supply while holding water utilities responsible and ac- countable for delivering their services effi- ciently. It’s also timely to undertake reform, with security of supply unlikely to be an issue in most jurisdictions in the near future.”

The Productivity Commission report details of the costs to the community of mandatory water restrictions.

Winter 2011 9 www.recycledwater.com.au Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence The Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence aims to enhance the management and use of water recycling by investing in research into practical solutions for securing Australia’s future water supply, while at the same time building awareness and understanding in the community about this precious resource. aunched in March 2010 by then Federal Led by Water Quality Research Australia, the typically not R&D providers themselves but Climate Change Minister, Penny Wong, project is being undertaken by a consortium engage industry and researchers to identify Lthe Centre has undertaken extensive of more than 20 organisations including the and negotiate research priorities, and then consultation with industry, researchers and CSIRO, leading universities, state regulators, commission and manage R&D project in- regulators across the country to develop utilities and manufacturers involved in water vestments to achieve a set of objectives. The its Strategic Research Plan, which sets out recycling across the country. forum is exploring the opportunity to design its goals and investment priorities. The plan and implement a more cooperative and ef- The second round of funding, expected to identifies four industry-relevant goals which ficient national approach to urban water be awarded in the coming months, focuses will guide the Centre’s research and invest- research investment on the goal of reclaimed ment priorities for the next few years: and management. It water being seen as an A more cooperative and provides a mechanism •The social/economic/environmental acceptable alternative efficient national approach for the CEOs and direc- value of water recycling is demon- water source for aug- to urban water research tors of these entities to strated and enhanced menting drinking water understand and share supplies. investment and management •A national validation framework for information on their water recycling is established Funding in this round will be awarded to respective business models, discuss and projects covering three streams: agree core areas of interest, and discuss •Recycled water is seen as an accept- opportunities for alignment of effort and joint able ‘alternative water’ for augmenting •Demonstration of water production funding initiatives. drinking water supplies performance and operational reliability The broader urban water community had •A national knowledge, training and •Evaluation of social, economic and the opportunity to hear more about the R&D education program for water recycling governance challenges Brokers Forum at OzWater 2011, where is established. •Design and implementation of a forum participants organised a workshop The Centre has already released three national demonstration and engage- to discuss the concept of Urban Water Bro- rounds of funding calls, with the first project ment program. kers and explore the broader communities’ funded in March this year – the development views on a range of initiatives. Workshop of a National Validation Framework for water participants strongly supported the initiative, recycling. and the R&D Brokers agreed to continue to work towards a more effective delivery of Centre of Excellence CEO Dr Mark their collective $150 million investment over O’Donohue said that during the initial en- the next 5 years. The Australian Government gagement period it was clear that having a has committed $20 million in funding over national framework was a high priority for the five years to the Australian Water Recycling water industry. Centre of Excellence, through the Water for “Developing a National Validation Framework the Future initiative. is a key component of the Centre’s research For more information on the Australian Water Recycling agenda, which is why it was the first project Centre of Excellence or the Urban Water R&D Broker Forum, to be funded,” Dr O’Donohue said.“Australia visit www.australianwaterrecycling.com.au has national guidelines that set water quality or contact CEO Mark O’Donohue at requirements. However, each State and Ter- mark.o’[email protected] ritory has its own validation approach, often with different criteria and testing require- ments.” Full proposals for the Centre’s third funding The framework will provide a consistent round were submitted in late April and are fo- and efficient approach to validation which cused on demonstrating and enhancing the does not compromise the safety of the social, economic and environmental value of water recycling process. The first stage of water recycling. The Centre expects to run at the project, which began in April, will result least two more funding rounds over the next in a Roadmap Report that identifies priority 12 months. investment required to fill gaps in knowledge about validation, sets out mechanisms for In addition to rolling out its own research industry, regulators and researchers to jointly program, the Centre is also beginning to deliver a framework, and identifies any ad- work with other Urban Water research and ditional resources required. Once this report development Brokers to better coordinate is accepted, the Centre will allocate up to $3 research investment in Australia. The R&D million in further funding for establishment of Broker forum was initiated following Ozwater the National Validation Framework. 2010 and is a group of organisations who are

Winter 2011 10 www.recycledwater.com.au Review of urban water quality regulation Waterlines report 47 - May 2011 use of more diverse water The report was de- sources. veloped following he Review of urban water quality regu- consultation with peak These developments de- lation in Australia report is part of a suite industry groups, gov- mand more adaptive and of work undertaken by the Commission ernment agencies, the T collaborative water qual- to support its keystone project, Urban water private sector and aca- ity management and in Australia: future directions. demic experts. It offers regulatory approaches. an important contribution It sets out three reform options to ensure This review examines the institutional and to improving Australia’s Australia’s water sector maintains its strong governance arrangements for urban water regulatory systems for water quality. record in delivering safe drinking water to our quality in Australia. It outlines options for im- towns and cities. This report is supported by three techni- proving regulation, focusing on institutional cal reports: A national approach to the risk The report finds that Australia’s urban water and regulatory settings. assessment, risk communication and man- sector is changing and must continue to do The Commission supports the second of agement of chemicals in recycled water, so to meet the supply challenges posed by the options set out in the report, to establish Identifying data gaps and refining estimates climate variability and population growth. greater cross-jurisdictional coordination, as of pathogen health risks for alternate water Water managers are facing a broader range a starting point for the urban water sector to sources and Talking about water. • of water quality risks as a result of new scien- consider. For more information: www.nwc.gov.au tific and technological developments and the EVENTS diary dates Australia 9th IWA Specialist The IDA World Congress 2011 on Conference on Waste Desalination and Water Reuse Stabilisation Ponds 36th Annual Queensland Water September 4-9, Perth Convention and Exhi- Industry Operation Workshop and August 1-3, Stamford Grand Adelaide, bition Centre, Western Australia Exhibition Glenelg Adelaide, Call for papers now open! June 1-2, Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, The aim of this conference on waste water The International Desalination Association is University of Southern Queensland, Baker management in rural and urban areas is to pleased to present the Call for Papers for the St, Darling heights (Toowoomba), provide a forum for the exchange of the most IDA World Congress 2011 on Desalination recent ideas, techniques and experience in A trade exhibition and conference showcas- and Water Reuse. This biennial event themed, all areas of system management that could ing advances, case studies and reviews of “Desalination: Sustainable Solutions for a contribute to more efficient and sustainable projects, technologies and training opportu- Thirsty Planet” is the premier global event use of waste water. This conference will fo- nities from the Queensland Water Industry. on desalination and water reuse. Extended cus on techniques for the delivery of the More information: http://wioa.org.au abstracts will be accepted online beginning maximum volumes of clean, environmentally July 15 and ending October 1, 2010. safe, treated waste water for amenity and IWES Gold Coast More information: www.idadesal.org agricultural purposes, using minimal energy inputs and having low maintenance require- 74th Annual WIOA Victorian Water ments. Industry Engineers and Operators For more information: www.iwawsp11.com Conference and Exhibitions 18-22 July, Surfers Paradise, QLD September 7-8, Bendigo Exhibition Centre, Bendigo Now in its 32nd year, IWES is the largest and most successful continuing education pro- Water industry operations staff, profession- gram in Australia for professionals responsi- Irrigation Australia 2011 Regional als and consultants, along with representa- ble for industry environmental performance. Conference & Exhibition tives from any companies supplying goods IWES courses are designed to keep busy or services to the water industry are invited August 22-25, Hotel Grand Chancellor, professionals abreast of the latest environ- to meet at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre to Launceston, Tasmania mental management trends. The Gold Coast discuss the latest in water industry develop- training week is an extensive program of 19 Registrations are now open for Irrigation ments and see state-of-the-art technology courses in water, wastewater, environmental Australia’s 2011 Regional Conference & on display. Papers are invited on a variety of management and air quality. Exhibition. Come and experience the latest subjects including: new or innovative tech- More information: www.iwes.com.au irrigation and water management industry nology, water resource management, trade information and analysis whilst at the same or industrial waste, biosolids or reclaimed time enjoying a number of exciting social and water re-use practices, control of algae in networking activities. Up to date information water or wastewater and process manage- on the program and speakers is available on ment or monitoring. the conference website. Early bird registra- More information: http://wioa.org.au tion closes midnight Thursday 4 July 2011. More information: www.irrigation.org.au

Winter 2011 11 www.recycledwater.com.au EVENTS diary dates 4th International Urban Design International IWA Water Convention 2011 – Conference - Resilience in Urban Sustainable water solutions for a Design changing urban environment 15th Annual Water Reuse & September 22-23, Gold Coast Desalination Research Conference July 4-8, Singapore The theme for the 4th International Urban May 16-17, Las Vegas, Nevada The Water Convention is a platform for indus- Design Conference is Resilience in Urban try experts, regulators, academics to interact The WateReuse Research Foundation’s Re- Design through measures such as sup- and share ideas on a wide range of water search Conference provides an opportunity ported interconnectivity, appropriate densifi- challenges. The 2011 Water Convention fo- for the water reuse and desalination com- cation within urban footprints, multiple transit cuses on a wide range of topics along four munities to hear and see presentations by modes and walkability, socially inclusive de- main themes of: researchers on the latest results of ongoing sign, economic resilience, and adaptive built research. The conference provides a forum 1. Solutions for Water Systems Efficiency & environments. Resilience in Urban Design for water reuse and desalination research Effectiveness is a chance to reinforce and highlight these professionals to interact, network, and dis- resilient solutions for our citywide planning, 2. Planning for Sustainable Water Solutions cuss current and future research needs and design and infrastructure - to be able to trends. This is the conference you need to 3. Water Quality & Health successfully address emerging challenges attend to learn about technologies that will brought about by climate change, peak oil 4. Governance & Finance become mainstream in 5-10 years. crisis, population growth, social disengage- More information: www.watereuse.org The Water Convention will explore practi- ment, technological disparity, rising pollution cal applications of technological solutions, and waste, demands on food production, 8th IWA Leading- management strategies and planning and rising carbon emissions, and diminishing Edge Conference financial models to solve water problems habitat and biodiversity. on Water and specifically in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle More information: Wastewater East regions. www.urbandesignaustralia.com.au Technologies More information: www.siww.com.sg June 6-10, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 12th International Conference on The annual leading- Urban Drainage edge conference on water and wastewater technologies is focused specifically on ad- September 11-15, Porto Alegre, Brazil vances and development in water and waste- The 12th International Conference on Urban water technologies. To keep the programme Drainage will bring together academics, targeted and discussions meaningful, the industry and regulators to discuss the most conference consists of a single plenary recent advances in urban hydrologic and 14th International Riversymposium session of invited speakers on the first day, hydraulic processes and technological, insti- September 26-29, Brisbane followed by two parallel sessions (one for tutional, managerial and legal issues relating drinking water and the other for wastewater) The International Riversymposium is the to urban drainage. on days two and three. This year’s drinking preeminent international river management More information: www.acquacon.com water track focuses on technology develop- conference. Attended by leading scientists, ments that relate to water scarcity and im- community groups, government agencies proved efficiency. The wastewater track will and corporate leaders from over 25 na- focus on the primary drivers for technology The 26th Annual WateReuse tions, the Riversymposium is the ultimate development: better economy and perform- Symposium river and water management conference ance of systems, and adaptation or mitiga- where the latest thinking and proven solu- September 11-14, 2011 at the Sheraton Wild tion of climate change effects. tions are explored and debated. Horse Pass Resort in Phoenix, AZ. More information: www.let2011.org The 14th International Riversymposium will Presented by the WateReuse Association explore the multiple reasons that rivers are Risk Assessment Study of PPCPs in and cosponsored by the American Water valuable, ranging from economics through Recycled Water to Support Public Works Association and the Water Environ- to cultural and spiritual values. There will be Acceptance (WRF-09-07) ment Federation, the Symposium will fea- a prominent focus throughout the confer- ture more than 100 technical presentations, June 23, Webcast. ence on natural disasters and their value technical tours, a national legislative and to rivers and waterways, due to the recent What chemicals remain in recycled water water policy outlook session, receptions, an events that are being felt across the globe after treatment? Can they harm landscapers, awards luncheon, and the ever-popular exhi- and specifically in Queensland. golfers, agricultural workers or children that bition component. More information: www.riversymposium.com come into contact with turf, crops or land- We invite you to join us for the world’s pre- scaping irrigated with recycled or reclaimed mier conference devoted to water reuse and water? How do we effectively communicate desalination. the risk? What can this level of risk be com- To view the digital brochure for the Sympo- pared to that can be easily understood by sium, click here. members of a community contemplating To register for the Symposium: using recycled water? These questions and www.watereuse.org more will be addressed on this webcast. More information: www.watereuse.org

Winter 2011 12 www.recycledwater.com.au EVENTS diary dates

Cities of the Future 2011 Chair. Prof. Rafael Mujeriego and Mr. Lluís Sala have been involved in the IWA Specialist September 15-18, Xi’an, China Group on Water Reuse for many years, and Sustainable water and wastewater manage- have an internationally recognized experience ment is a hot topic for urban water environ- in water reclamation and reuse practice. ment improvement nowadays and toward the More information: www.waterbcn2011.org future development. In China, as well as oth- 8th International Conference on Water er developed and developing regions in the Reclamation & Reuse: “a dependable world, there has been increasing demand of water resource under the uncertainties water supply for domestic, municipal, indus- of climate change” trial and environmental uses in the expanded September 26-29, Barcelona, Spain and/or newly developed urban areas. Many efforts have to be made to overcome water For the last 20 years Spain has made a major Potable Reuse Conference: A Reliable shortage and environmental deterioration. In effort in developing water and wastewater in- Source for our Future China, a series of national projects are un- frastructure. About 90% of Spanish municipal November 13-15, Florida, USA derway for this purpose. The IWA conference wastewater is treated to European Directive’s The WateReuse Association will be holding “Cities of the Future Xi’an: Technologies standards; this has stimulated the gradual its second specialty conference on Potable for Integrated Urban Water Management”, emergence of numerous water reclamation Reuse, a specialty conference bringing lead- will provide a good opportunity for Chinese and reuse projects that account for about the ing experts in the field together to discuss scientists, engineers, and environmental de- 13% of treated effluent flows. From the regu- critical factors in the success of potable cision makers to seat together with profes- latory standpoint, Spain has led development reuse projects, including addressing regu- sionals from all over the world to exchange and implementation of water reclamation and latory issues, demonstrating environmental their opinions and experiences in the related reuse regulations at regional and national and economic viability, and enhancing public fields. level. The Conference will be chaired by Prof. understanding and acceptance. More information: www.cof-xian2011.com Rafael Mujeriego and Mr. Lluís Sala as Vice More information: www.watereuse.org NEWS innovations & information Queensland Victoria

Total water cycle management A popular drop for Wonga Park planning tools and resources is considering piping re- A range of resources are available to assist cycled water to houses and businesses in in undertaking total water cycle management Wonga Park. The scheme, which has strong (TWCM) planning, as required in Queensland community support, would be the first in under the Environmental Protection (Water) New Ecosciences Precinct launched in Victoria to hook up recycled water into a de- Policy 2009. This includes Total Water Cycle Brisbane veloped area. It would use excess water from Management Planning Guideline for South the nearby Brushy Creek Treatment Plant. The East Queensland –Version 1, prepared by The $270 million Ecosciences Precinct at water authority has been quoted $9.5 million Water by Design and just released by the the Boggo Road Urban Village, Dutton Park, to install the system while it connects houses Department of Environment and Resource Brisbane, is dedicated to solving some of in the area to reticulated sewerage. Management. Local governments in South Australia’s biggest environmental problems. A survey of residents showed 85 per cent East Queensland are to use this guideline Climate change, water issues and balanc- would use the recycled water, estimated to when preparing their TWCM plans. Version 1 ing the needs of our environment with the equate to a demand of about 70 million litres supersedes the Consultation Draft. growth of our industries are the priority re- each year. Yarra Valley Water’s general man- search areas. In addition, the National Water Commission ager of infrastructure services, Sam Austin, has been working on a collaborative project The Ecosciences Precinct will enable world- said the project’s viability depended on how to develop tools and resources for inte- class collaboration between Queensland many irrigators expressed interest. He said grated supply-demand planning. The range and Australian Government researchers and the project also needed external funding and includes resource papers, case studies, a provide future opportunities for working with $500,000 had been requested from Manning- Guide to Demand Management and Inte- researchers from universities and industry. ham Council. grated Resource Planning and a web-based The precinct will bring together over 1,000 For more information please visit water supply-demand model. These tools researchers and staff from the following may be relevant when undertaking detailed leading research organisations: Source: http://manningham-leader.whereilive.com.au TWCM planning. • Department of Employment, Economic Source: www.urbanwaterirp.net.au Development and Innovation • Department of Environment and Resource Management • Commonwealth Scientific and Indus- trial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Source: www.science.qld.gov.au

Winter 2011 13 www.recycledwater.com.au NEWS innovations & information

Stormwater reuse in Fitzroy gardens, enabling it to produce 7.2 million litres of the recycled water.” Mr Mann said. “The club Melbourne recycled water a day. The upgrade involves looks forward to the challenge of managing the installation of a new dissolved air flotation a different set of problems such as increased The City of Melbourne has outlined a new and filtration system that was designed and growth rates and a different range of pests stormwater plan in its draft 2011-12 Budget constructed by Water Treatment Australia and diseases in the turf,” that aims to save and reuse almost 120 mil- Pty Ltd. The recycled water scheme at Touk- lion litres of water annually. A stormwater Source: www.margaretrivermail.com.au ley services Toukley golf course, Magenta tank to be installed at the Fitzroy Gardens Shores golf course and its associated devel- will be one of the city’s largest underground opment, and a number of open space areas Mining industry wastewater reuse tanks with a storage capacity of five million including sports fields and schools. litres. The tank will provide 69 million litres Some mining by-products that are currently of recycled water every year, which is 59 per This is the council’s first application of a dis- unused can be effective in preventing nu- cent of the annual irrigation demand in Fit- solved air flotation and filtration system for trients from entering river systems, thereby zroy gardens. The water harvesting projects treated effluent for irrigation purposes, and reducing the potential for algal blooms. A seek to preserve Melbourne’s heritage-listed it will assist with meeting increased demand joint project between CSIRO and the WA parks, gardens and trees. for recycled water in the area. There are five Department of Water investigated a range sewage treatment plants - Toukley, Wyong, of mining industry by-product materials to Source: City of Melbourne www.melbourne.vic.gov.au Charmhaven, Gwandalan and Mannering determine their ability to filter nutrients from Park - that feed the recycled water plant natural waters or to treat wastewater. with effluent for treatment. The new plant will Source: WME Volume 22 No.3 April 2011 www.emn.net.au South Australia comply with the new Australian guidelines for recycled water, and includes advanced treat- Council wins award for halving ment combined with disinfection using UV water use light to ensure the treated water meets strict International health requirements. The guidelines also im- Tea Tree Gully Council in Adelaide has won pose limits on various nutrients and metals in a Federal Government award for halving its the treated water to protect the environment Napa to design pipeline to deliver total water use over the past six years. The and soils that are irrigated with the recycled recycled water for land irrigation use scheme includes eight wetlands, 10 aquifers water. After many years of discussion and negotia- and installed 33 kilometres of pipes to dis- tion, Napa County and the Napa Sanitation For more information please visit tribute recycled water. Council manager of District (NSD) partnered recently to extend environmental sustainability Brenton Curtis is Source: NSD’s recycled water pipeline to the Millik- keen to work with other councils on similar http://express-advocate-gosford.whereilive.com.au en-Sarco-Tulocay area. This project will be measures. completed in two phases. NSD has begun Phase 1, which will extend its recycled water “We’re looking at adjoining councils as well pipeline. Phase 2, which would further ex- as other users within the City of Tea Tree Western Australia tend the pipeline is in the survey and design Gully. All the initiatives that we’ve put in place phase, and is expected to be completed by are easily transferable to other sites,” he Recycled water tees off for golf club October 2011. said. “It’s an integrated approach so people could take small activities and then gradually STAGE Two of Margaret River Golf Club’s The county’s water-short Milliken-Sarco- implement them in stages.” recycled water project has been officially Tulocay area gets no water or wastewater opened. The project pipes recycled water services. The proposed pipeline would Source: www.abc.net.au Wetlands, aquifers and recycling water win Tea Tree Gully from Gloucester Park to the golf club and deliver recycled water for irrigation use by an award (file photo) South West MLC. Golf club president Ray large-volume water users who have voluntar- Mann said: “The golf club can now be as- ily agreed to participate. Past U.S. Geologi- sured of an adequate water supply for the cal Society groundwater resources studies summer months without needing to deplete in the area showed groundwater levels have underground aquifers. It is a win–win result declined over the past 60 years, rendering for the club, the community and the environ- some wells less productive or unusable and ment.” causing some landowners to dig deeper wells. Recycled water is already used locally The club’s existing bore water supply was to irrigate vineyards, golf courses, pasture- inadequate in volume to irrigate fairways land, parks and landscaping. throughout summer and the water quality was very acidic and high in iron salts. In sum- Source: Times-Herald online www.timesheraldonline.com mer the grass on the fairways was usually extremely dry and brown. The new reliable Also: http://napavalleyregister.com water source will guarantee that the course can be kept in prime condition over summer Free, recycled water a hit in Port New South Wales when many visitors use the course. It will also Elizabeth as drought won’t let up ?? allow the club to reconsider holding open New recycling system helps to double events over the summer months when the The Fishwater Flats sewage treatment works, water outflow weather is more conducive to playing golf. in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has been of- fering residents recycled water since late last More recycled water is now available for use “To recycle water means an easing of the year and the facility has proven so popular on Wyong shire’s sporting grounds and golf load on the river and stream systems and that management has had to do an upgrade courses, easing the pressure on the town also that underground aquifers that can be water supply. The council has doubled the left untapped. Fertiliser application will also capacity of its Toukley recycled water plant be reduced thanks to the nutrient supply in

Winter 2011 14 www.recycledwater.com.au NEWS innovations & information to cope with the demand. Mike Clinghan, the litre per day (MLD) of potable water supply Taiwanese industries prepared for superintendent at the facility, said the idea for its residents, an increase of 7 per cent. water rationing to offer recycled water was never planned. Presently, Surat`s average water supply is Faced with the growing likelihood of a “The idea to offer water was very sudden. 700-750 MLD and the demand is projected second-stage water rationing to be imple- When the water restrictions were first put into to rise to 1,300 MLD by 2026. Nearly 50 MLD mented in Hsinchu, two electronic industry effect, people wanted to know where they of this potable water is supplied to industries wafer foundries, Taiwan United Microelec- were going to get water and the idea of offer- which could be using recycled water. tronics Corp. (UMC) and Taiwan Semicon- ing recycled water came about.” The facility Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com ductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), said they has been upgraded and bigger pumps have are prepared for the upcoming water supply been put in so that more trucks can be han- shortage. According to UMC, the company dled and the facility still runs smoothly. City adopts policy to reduce salt in recycled water has standard procedure to cope with the wa- Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI ter shortage and will buy water from external At Palo Alto’s recommendation, the Los Altos suppliers. TSMC said the company will use Source: Sonwabile Antonie, The Herald (South Africa), Copyright 2011 AVUSA Media LTDAll Rights Reserved City Council adopted a salinity reduction pol- recycled water to cover the shortfall. Accord- www.waste-management-world.com icy for recycled water to keep within accept- ing to the manufacturer, it started to reduce able standards. According to a report by Los water consumption in early April and 85 Societies with over 80 flats may have Altos Associate Civil Engineer Aida Fairman, percent of water consumed since then has to set up STPs Palo Alto operates the Regional Water Quality been recycled for further use. AU Optronics Control Plant, which treats wastewater from Corp and Chimei Innolux Corp, the nation’s A proposal has been sent to the General nearby partner cities, including Los Altos, two largest flat-panel makers, are also using Body meeting of the Pune Municipal Corpo- Mountain View, Los Altos Hills and Stanford, recycled wastewater. They said they already ration (PMC), India which suggests, housing and the East Palo Alto Sanitary District. recycle an average of 85 percent of the societies which have 80 or more flats should wastewater they generate, and Chimei Inno- With a goal of lowering the Total Dissolved have their own sewage treatment plants lux said the recycling rate was as high as 91 Solids (TDS) in the recycled water to less (STPs) and use of recycled water should percent at some of its factories. than 600 mg/L, Palo Alto city officials recom- be made compulsory. This applies to both mend that cities take steps to prevent the AUO said its Water Inter-use System, a water industrial and business establishments. The unnecessary addition of salts to the sewer saving system connecting different pieces existing housing societies which have no system. During testing, Los Altos’ source of equipment, enables it to save 335,000 room to set up STPs will be given exemption, water TDS before use measured 326 mg/L, tonnes of water a year, enough to fill 160 however, those with room will have to submit the highest among the partner cities. Such standard swimming pools. a detailed plan to the PMC for approval. The a level could be the result of blending well PMC will give tax concessions to the socie- A second-stage of water rationing was an- water with Santa Clara Valley Water District ties having STPs. The societies will have a nounced by Minister of Economic Affairs Shih water in the city’s water supply, Fairman said. right to make use of recycled water for non Yen-shiang in May and the supply of water to Los Altos’ wastewater TDS following use by drinking purposes and could also sell recy- industrial users will be cut by 5 percent and residents measured 655 mg/L, according to cled water and sludge. fountains and other non-essential users will a water analysis study conducted last year. have their supplies cut off. The areas affected Source: TNN, Mar 18, 2011, 12.06am IST Source: Written by Jana Seshadri - Staff Writer by the measure are Hsinchu, Taoyuan, Miaoli Email: [email protected] and Changhua counties, Greater Taichung, www.losaltosonline.com New Water supply source for and Banciao and Sinjhuang districts in New Californian water district Taipei City. ‘Recycled Water Advocate of the Year’ Helix Water District in California is pursuing in California announced Source www.chinapost.com.tw a new, permanent water supply source by and Taipei Times www.taipeitimes.com augmenting the water in the El Monte Valley Robb Whitaker, General Manager for the Wa- underground basin with highly purified, recy- ter Replenishment District (WRD) of Southern cled water, which will supply about 15 percent California , has been tapped as this year’s of the district’s total demand. The El Monte recipient of the ‘Recycled Water Advocate of Valley Mining, Reclamation, and Groundwa- the Year’ award from the California Section ter Recharge Project will use recycled water of the WateReuse Association. The award that has gone through standard tertiary treat- recognizes an individual who has made ment, plus additional microfiltration, reverse “significant contributions to the advance- osmosis, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet ment of water reuse through active support treatment. Additionally, this new water source and promotion of recycled water.” Whitaker will support habitat restoration along two- conceived the District’s signature Water In- miles of the San Diego riverbed. dependence Now (WIN) program. The WIN program is a nationally recognized model of Source: www.elmontevalley.com local water supply development that includes the Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Civic chief pushes for wastewater Treatment Plant in Long Beach, California recycling plant and the Groundwater Reliability Improve- ment Program (GRIP) in conjunction with the The municipal commissioner of Surat, Gu- County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles jarat province, India has revived a plan for County. These efforts replace imported water a water recycling plant as the city`s water with highly purified wastewater for the protec- requirement is likely to double in the next 15 tion and replenishment of the groundwater years. It is proposed that industries in the city basins. use recycled sewage water, freeing 50 million Source: www.prnewswire.com

Winter 2011 15 www.recycledwater.com.au