ReWater SUMMER 2010 Water recycling in Australia

Reverse osmosis pipe for drip irrigation Page 2

Biogas power Federal funding Recycled Yarra Park water from water for stormwater water key to project plans recycling plant harvesting supply security revealed Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 ReWater Image: http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.a u CONTENTS FEATURES Reverse osmosis pipe for drip irrigation 2 Biogas power fuelled from water recycling plant 4 Stormwater harvesting and reuse schemes receive federal funding 5 Rainwater harvesting replenishes cave network 6 Recycled water key to supply security 6 Yarra Park water project plans revealed 8 Hawkesbury river replenished with $209 million recycled water plant 9 Integrated water management vital for US horticulture 10 ROSDI was found to be suitable for cultivating tomato plants on brackish water.

REGULARS Events diary dates 3 Good Reads and website links 7Reverse osmosis pipe for News innovations & information 10 drip irrigation “The right to food is not negotiable.”

etween now and 2030, the world’s with lower surface water run-off in this area, population is expected to grow by has restricted farmers’ access to surface wa- About ReWater “ B two billion people. Feeding this grow- ter for irrigation. Although brackish ground- ing population and reducing hunger will only water is available, prolonged irrigation with ReWater is a newsletter designed to make information be possible if agricultural yields can be in- 3,500 to 5,000 mg/L TDS water gradually relevant to recycled water use in horticulture more accessible to horticulturalists (growers/farmers), creased significantly – and sustainably. With damages the soil structure. Current technol- primary producers, members of the water industry so much of the Earth’s water being used for ogies used to remove salt from water, such and other interested people. It is part of the service agriculture1, it is clear that an improvement as reverse osmosis, are both capital and provided by the Australian Coordinator for Recycled in the management of agricultural water be- energy intensive and cannot viably be used Water Use in Horticulture, funded by Horticulture Australia Limited. comes key to the achievement of global food in these applications. The research began security.2” with a simple research question; “if a reverse Back issues and instructions for subscribing to receive osmosis membrane could be incorporated ReWater electronically quarterly can be accessed at “Instead of using a high into a drip irrigation line, www.recycledwater.com.au/rewater applied pressure on would the suction in the the saline side of the Water tension on the Your Feedback and Contributions root zone of a plant pro- membrane to “push” soil side “pulls” water We would appreciate your feedback and are always vide sufficient energy to water through the mem- looking for suggestions and contributions. Please through the membrane extract water for plant email [email protected] or contact us on brane, the new system growth while preventing 03 9640 0221. uses a water tension on the soil side of the the movement of salt into the soil?” If so, a www.recycledwater.com.au membrane to “pull” water through the mem- simple irrigation system with these properties brane.” The delivery of research and would allow farmers to use saline water, not development outcomes from In many agricultural precincts there are large only in times of protracted drought, but also this project to the horticultural numbers of existing groundwater bores that as an alternative to increasingly restricted industry is made possible by the Commonwealth Government’s access aquifers containing brackish water fresh water supplies, to produce a crop while 50% investment in all Horticulture containing levels of dissolved salts gener- managing the potentially adverse impacts of Australia’s research and ally in excess of 2000 mg/L total dissolved salt accumulation in the soil. development initiatives. salt (TDS), or 3000 µS/cm when expressed as an electrical conductivity (EC). As a gen- Research DISCLAIMER: Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy eral rule, groundwater bores with salinity in Experiments performed by Greg Leslie of the of all statements and claims made in ReWater. However, excess of 2000 mg/L are unsafe to use for due to the nature of the industry it is impossible for us to University of New South Wales and Bruce sustained irrigation3. A Reverse Osmosis know your precise circumstances. Therefore we disclaim any Sutton of the University of Sydney demon- capable Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (ROSDI) responsibility for any action you take as a result of reading strated that a subsurface drip irrigation line ReWater. issn1449-9800 was developed to allow farmers to use this manufactured from a commercially available brackish water. Edited & compiled by reverse osmosis membrane is capable of Atura Pty Ltd. The idea providing sufficient water for the cultivation Ph: (03) 9640 0221 of tomato plants on brackish water with an www.atura.com.au The development of ROSDI was originally electrical conductivity of 4000 to 5000 µS/cm, s Designed by Arris Pty Ltd inspired by drought conditions in food pro- while preventing the accumulation of salts Ph: (08) 8303 6706 duction areas of south east Australia, where in the soil. These preliminary experiments rri reduced annual average precipitation, along a www.arris.com.au continued page 3 Summer 2010 2 www.recycledwater.com.au from page 2 demonstrated that brackish and saline water of the plant. This avoids the problem of ex- that would normally be unsuitable for use in cessive abstraction from the water source. irrigation systems (e.g. groundwater or some The residual salts stream is about the same water recycled from sewage effluent) for the EC as highly saline water which can be im- cultivation of food crops, can be used to pounded and used for other applications grow plants, such as tomatoes without allow- such as the inland cultivation of bream and ing the build-up of salts in the soil. In normal brine shrimp. operation, transpiration water loss by plants causes a water suction pressure (properly Leslie & Sutton have successfully filed for a referred to as a low water potential) to ap- patent for this technology and are currently pear at the root surface. This acts to draw conducting research on the use of biode- water from the soil to the root. As the soil gradable cellulosic-based membranes for near the root is dried, it too displays a suction the drip irrigation lines. pressure that draws water from further away. Associate Professor Greg Leslie and Professor Source: Greg Leslie, Associate Professor, UNSW, Deputy Typical values of this pressure are within the Director, UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and range -0.1 bar (field capacity) to -15 bars Bruce Sutton receiving the Peter Cullen Eureka Technology. All images courtesy of Greg Leslie. Prize for water research and innovation. (permanent wilting point). So, instead of us- ing a high applied pressure on the saline side of the membrane to “push” water through the between 0.25 L/m2/h and 1.5 L/m2/h as the membrane, the ROSDI system uses a water height and leaf count of the plant changes as tension on the soil side part of the plants growth of the membrane to The rate of water movement pattern. Clearly the rate of “pull” water through the across the membrane into the water movement across membrane. Leslie & the membrane into the Breaking news! Sutton also found that root zone varies according to root zone varies accord- The Groundwater Replenishment Trial in by increasing the water ing to the needs of the the needs of the plant Perth is now fully operational and recycled holding properties of plant. Moreover, unlike water was first recharged into groundwater the soil by varying the amount of loam, sand conventional reverse osmosis, the transport on Wednesday 10 November 2010. and clay it was possible to increase the rate of water across the membrane is not driven of transport of water across the membrane. by a high energy pump that produces water The advanced water recycling plant has at a rate of 20 L/m2/h at pressures of 10-15 at- been operational since late 2009 and has Practicalities mospheres but by the matric potential in the been producing water that meets all the soil as governed by the evaporative losses required standards. The WA Department The ROSDI operates at constant low flow at through the plants’ stomata. of Health gave approval for the Water Cor- low pressure (e.g. with a ring-main approach poration to commence recharge in early to reticulation). The researchers have demon- The irrigation tube diameter is sufficiently November 2010. strated that saline water with an EC of 4000 large (2-5 cm) to allow the flow of water with- µS/cm can be drawn across an RO mem- out the usual problems of internal fouling of In addition, the Water Corporation has also brane in soil with a root water potential of the membrane by silts, clays and suspended completed construction of an interactive less than -2 bar at an initial flux of 1.5 L/m2/h solids that are common in conventional RO Visitor Centre at the advanced water recy- with an average salt rejection of 50%. They systems. The losses from the system are cling plant and public tours of the facility have observed that the flux rises and falls only associated with the water requirements will commence early next year. For more information: 1Seventy to eighty percent of the fresh water harvested by humans is used for agriculture, producing about half the world’s food. 2FAO (2009). Water at a glance. The relationship between water, agriculture, food security and poverty. www.watercorporation.com.au/gwr 3Gill, H.S. and Joseph, S. ( 2001). Quality of Deep Groundwater of the NSW Murray Irrigation Districts. 7th National PUR$L The latest fact sheets are also available at conference. www.watercorporation.com.au 4Reverse Osmosis Irrigation, (2009) PCT P76976.AU EVENTS diary dates

Australia AWA Water Education, Water efficiency and WICD conferences International Conference on 1-3 March 2011, Sebel Hotel Albert Park Mel- Integrated Water Management bourne - Call for papers open OzWater’11 2 - 5 February 2011, Environmental Technol- Following their success in 2008, AWA will 9-11 May 2011. Adelaide SA ogy Centre Murdoch University, Perth WA again run three specialty conferences in Ozwater is an event like no other, organised parallel - 4th National Water Efficiency, 4th The conference will discuss and explore by the industry for the industry where the is- National Water Education, and 2nd Water new and innovative methods of treatment, sues that drive the industry are discussed Industry Capacity Development (WICD). better understanding and assessment of and future directions decided. Ozwater ‘11 This provides excellent opportunities for resources and their supporting ecosys- will address the wide ranging issues that delegates to attend presentations of interest tems, proper management for conservation face the water industry today. These include in their own and other disciplines, to share and approaches to achieve the dual aim major national water reforms, climate change knowledge and network. Full papers are due of economic development and ecological and its impacts, technological advances and by 4 Feb 2011. sustainability. The focus is the necessary the challenges of human resources to name For more information: AWA Events infrastructure to provide good quality water, a few. www.awa.asn.au in sufficient quantity, in the most sustainable For more information: OzWater’11 or download the program flyer manner. www.ozwater11.com.au www.awa.asn.au For more information: www.etc.murdoch.edu.au/pages/conf1.html

Summer 2010 3 www.recycledwater.com.au EVENTS diary dates

The IDA World Congress all areas of system management that could 2011 on Desalination contribute to more efficient and sustainable and Water Reuse use of waste water. This conference will fo- 4-9 September 2011. Perth, cus on techniques for the delivery of the Western Australia - Call for maximum volumes of clean, environmentally papers now open. safe, treated waste water for amenity and 15th Annual Water Reuse & agricultural purposes, using minimal energy Desalination Research Conference The International Desalination Association inputs and having low maintenance require- is pleased to present the Call for Papers for Las Vegas, Nevada May 16-17, 2011 Ab- ments. the IDA World Congress 2011 on Desalina- stracts open until 13 December 2010 For more information: tion and Water Reuse. This biennial event will IWA www.iwawsp11.com The WateReuse Research Foundation’s Re- be held from 4 - 9 September at the Perth search Conference provides an opportunity Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth Aus- for the water reuse and desalination com- tralia. Themed, “Desalination: Sustainable munities to hear and see presentations by Solutions for a Thirsty Planet” the Congress International researchers on the latest results of ongoing is the premier global event on desalination research. The conference provides a forum and water reuse. Printed copies of the Call Nutrient Recovery and for water reuse and desalination research for Papers are being mailed to all current IDA Management 2011: Inside professionals to interact, network, and dis- members. and Outside the Fence cuss current and future research needs and For more information: 9-12 January 2011. Miami, Florida USA trends. This is the conference you need to IDA www.idadesal.org attend to learn about technologies that will The Water Environment Federation and the become mainstream in 5-10 years. 9th IWA Specialist Conference on International Water Association, in coop- For more information: Waste Stabilisation Ponds eration with the Florida Water Environment www.watereuse.org Association and the Water Environment Re- Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg Adelaide search Federation, are pleased to announce 1-3 August 2011 a Conference covering the latest research The aim of this conference on waste water and experience in all the management as- management in rural and urban areas is to pects of nutrient removal. provide a forum for the exchange of the most For more information: recent ideas, techniques and experience in IWA www.iwahq.org

Nan Palmero www.flickr.com Biogas power fuelled from water recycling plant

San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and Ameresco, Inc. have opened their new biogas facility at the Dos Rios Water Recycling Center.

he biogas project is the first sustainable coming into Dos Rios through its “recycling project of its kind in the US, capturing trifecta.” Biosolids are also reused to gener- Tbiogas generated during the sewage ate compost, which is used in landscaping, treatment process and selling it through a gardening and agriculture to improve soil commercial gas pipeline. quality. Finally, the third part of the trifecta is recycled water. About 115 million gallons a “SAWS is constantly improving its operations day of high-quality recycled water are used to become more sustainable, and this project for the Riverwalk, golf courses, parks, and is a sound investment for our environment commercial and industrial customers as and our community,” said Robert R. Puente, well as in the upper San Antonio River and SAWS President/CEO. “By reusing biogas in- Salado Creek. stead of burning it off, we are helping protect the city’s air quality and developing a renew- Source: San Antonio Water System and Market Watch able energy resource.” 19/10/2010 www.marketwatch.com San Antonio’s riverwalk is one of many public With the addition of the biogas facility, SAWS spaces sustained through use of recycled water. is recycling and reusing almost all of the waste

Summer 2010 4 www.recycledwater.com.au Stormwater harvesting and reuse schemes receive federal funding Water sensitive urban design and integrated water management become paramount to the sustainability of our cities

ecent funding announcements see stormwater harvesting and reuse Rschemes getting the go ahead, as water sensitive urban design and integrated water management becomes paramount to m www.flickr.co Brian Yap the sustainability of our cities. The City of Hobsons Bay Water Security Project in Victoria and Apex Oval/East Dub- bo Sporting Complex Stormwater Harvesting Scheme in regional NSW are both projects receiving funding under the final round of the Australian Government’s National Urban Water and Desalination Plan, aiming to help Australia’s cities and towns prepare for a future with less water due to the emerging effects of climate change and drought. The City of Hobsons Bay in western Mel- bourne is set to benefit from $3.1 million in Australian Government funding to help secure future water supplies through five in- novative water efficient stormwater projects.

“Five stormwater harvesting schemes will be Williamstown Cricket Ground is one of several projects set to benefit from the constructed in the City of Hobsons Bay, sup- stormwater reuse scheme. plying an estimated 147 million litres of water a year to irrigate sports grounds across seven reserves in the suburbs of Altona Meadows, “Funding these projects allows communities Farrell said. “It will also reduce the town’s re- Newport, Williamstown and Williamstown to make better use of their sportsgrounds, liance on water from the Macquarie River for North,” MP Member for Gellibrand Ms Nicola gardens, parks and reserves throughout the urban irrigation purposes, helping to protect Roxon said. year as well as benefit local waterways and the river’s health. reduce pollutants flowing into Port Phillip The five schemes are located at Laverton “Captured stormwater will be treated and Bay,” said Senator Farrell, Parliamentary Sec- Recreational Reserve, the Newport Park Pre- stored in an underground modular reservoir retary for Sustainability and Urban Water. cinct, J.T. Gray Reserve, Robertson Reserve to be constructed beneath the playing fields and Williamstown Cricket Ground. The schemes will use a variety of wetland at the sporting complex. and biofiltration treatments and above and “I would like to commend Dubbo City Coun- below-ground storage methods. Construc- cil for initiating this cost-effective stormwater tion is expected to be completed by June harvesting scheme which will benefit their 2013. The project is being developed in part- community and the environment.” nership with City West Water. “These facilities will be Water supplies in the m www.flickr.co Image: Stuart Walsh irrigated with storm- City of Dubbo, NSW will Some of these projects will water that has been also become more sus- also provide water for captured, treated and tainable with the Federal other uses, particularly in stored during high rain- Government committing fall periods for use dur- $4.5 million for an inno- public facilities ing drier months. Some vative and water efficient of these projects will also provide water for stormwater harvesting scheme. Parliamen- other uses, particularly in public facilities.” tary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell announced the Funding for the second round of grants Using treated stormwater in Dubbo will help Apex Oval/East Dubbo Sporting Complex projects finalises the commitment made by protect the health of the Macquarie River. Stormwater Harvesting Scheme in October, the Australian Government in 2009 to invest which will significantly reduce the sporting $200 million in stormwater harvesting and “I would like to commend the City of Hobsons facility’s demand on Dubbo’s potable water reuse projects as part of the National Urban Bay for initiating cost-effective stormwater supplies. Water and Desalination Plan, a key compo- projects to benefit their community and the nent of the Water for the Future initiative. “This stormwater harvesting scheme will sup- environment. These projects will contribute ply about 42 million litres of treated stormwater Sources: Minister for Environment Press Release significantly to reducing demand for potable a year, meeting half of the irrigation demands 11/10/2010, and water supplies through harnessing stormwa- Media Release Senator the Hon Don Farrell Parliamentary of the East Dubbo Sporting Complex, which ter,” Ms Roxon said. Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Nicola Roxon is a major regional sporting facility,” Senator MP Member for Gellibrand 15/10/2010

Summer 2010 5 www.recycledwater.com.au Caves House at Yallingup as well as Caves Rd, the popular scenic drive linking Yallingup Rainwater harvesting with Augusta, were both named after the caves that have formed along the spine of replenishes cave network the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge. “Halting the decline of the water level aims to protect the critically endangered stygofauna Hydrology recovery project ensures survival that inhabit Lake Cave,’’ the tourism bureau’s of rare stygofauna. attractions manager Jayme Hatcher said. “This system will buy us time while further re- fficials in Western Australia have be- But the driest winter on record in the South- search is being undertaken into the reasons gun pumping harvested rainwater West combined with a parched start to spring for the declining water levels.’’ Ms Hatcher into the South-West’s intricate net- has forced the Augusta-Margaret River Tour- O said the project would ensure the preserva- work of caves in a desperate bid to save its ism Association to launch a “hydrology recov- tion of one of the South-West’s most iconic rare inhabitants following the driest winter ery project” for Lake Cave, one of the most tourist attractions. on record. More than 150 caves sit beneath popular underground sites. A rain harvesting the karri forests from Yallingup to Margaret and irrigation system will pump water into She said harvested rainwater would be River and Augusta, some of them accessible the cave to ensure the survival of tiny, cave- streamed into the chamber for an hour a to visitors who come to gaze at the complex dwelling invertebrates called stygofauna. day, and the chemical properties in the water stone formations and intricate stalagmites. have been tested to ensure that they mirror the existing water quality within Lake Cave. “It will be a very slow process with only 150 litres per day trickling into the cave for an initial period of eighteen months’’ Ms Hatcher said. Agriculture Minister Terry Redman said it was the first time the irrigation technology had been used to preserve a cave ecosystem. A State Government grant made the project possible, paying for a team of hydro-geolo- gists, biologists and officers from the Depart- ment of Environment and Conservation. Ms Hatcher said the next stage of the project

Image: Reproduced with permission from Augusta-Margaret River Tourism Association . Image: Reproduced with permission from Augusta-Margaret River Tourism is to install bores to better understand the Lake Cave catchment area and water sources.

Scientists have begun pumping rainwater into the popular Lake Caves in the South-West. Source: Reproduced with permission from the editor. Perth Now 12/10/2011

Recycled water key to sector strongly supports this supply option,” he said in a statement. “The sector has an important role in educat- supply security ing communities and building confidence about recycled water.” Industry survey results 37 per cent said recycling, including the use Current water trading arrangements - a hot of stormwater, was the most important thing topic with the federal government consider- that could be done to help Australia meet its ing buying back up to 4000 gigalitres a year ecycling is the key to Australia meet- future water needs. for the Murray-Darling Basin - didn’t receive a ing its future water needs, according ringing endorsement from the sector. Rto a survey of more than 1000 people The next biggest responses were “raise who work with the increasingly valuable re- the price of water to reflect its scarcity” and Some 42 per cent of respondents said water source. Governments need to lift their game “curb demand through education”. Each markets weren’t functioning well in their state if the country is to secure reliable supplies in answer was nominated by 12 per cent of or territory. the coming decades, the State of the Water respondents. Just 27 per cent of people said they were Sector 2010-15 survey suggests. On the recycling front, the survey found a working while 31 per cent couldn’t say. But Less than 30 per cent of the water sector quarter of people thought community re- the future is brighter. feels sustainability is being well managed, sistance was the main barrier to increased Of those surveyed, 59 per cent think a fully while only 43 per cent believe water scarcity recycling. A similar number thought politics functioning market would reduce over-alloca- is being handled properly. was to blame while a further 21 per cent tion over time. Only 33 per cent disagreed. cited cost. 55 per cent feel water security is being ad- Further, 72 per cent think a fully-functioning dressed well. AWA chief executive Tom Mollenkopf said market will improve the efficiency of water the survey found clear support for adding Overwhelmingly, those who responded to use. recycled water into water supplies and using the survey - conducted by the Australian stormwater as a source of supply. “Recy- Source: Sydney Morning Herald Water Association (AWA) and consultancy cled drinking water is an effective solution http://news.smh.com.au firm Deloitte - said recycling was the way to Australia’s water demands and the water forward.

Summer 2010 6 www.recycledwater.com.au GOOD READS and website links Evolution of water recycling in Water Infrastructure for Sustainable Urban Drainage Australian cities since 2003. Communities: China and the World By David Butler and John Davies Water Science and Technology vol. 62, no4, By Xiaodi Hao, Vladimir Novotny, Valerie Nel- (UK: July 2010) pp. 792-802 son (UK: September 2010) The drainage of rainwater and wastewater Radcliffe, J.C. (2010) A new model for water management is emerg- from areas of human development has both Available from www.iwapoline.com ing worldwide in response to water short- environmental and engineering aspects. ages, polluted waterways, climate change, This book is a useful reference for drainage Environmental Impact Assessment and loss of biodiversity. This book focuses design and operation engineers in the water of Recycled Wastes on Surface on decentralized concepts of potable water, industry and local authorities, and for con- and Ground Waters: Concepts; stormwater, and wastewater management sulting engineers. Methodology and Chemical Analysis that would provide clean water. It results in Available on Fishpond water management systems that would be www.fishpond.com.au Edited by Tarek A. Kassim and Kenneth J. resilient to extreme events such as excessive Williamson (November 2010) flows due to extreme meteorological events, Performance of Various Tree Species as This 3-volume reference presents the latest severe droughts, and deteriorated water and Irrigated by Urban Wastewater findings in impact assessment of recycled urban ecosystem quality. By Dr Muhammad Ayyoub Tanvir, Dr Muham- hazardous waste materials on surface and Available on Fishpond mad T. Siddiqui (USA: September 2010) ground waters. Topics covered include www.fishpond.com.au chemodynamics, toxicology, modeling and The present study was undertaken to observe information systems. The book serves as a Desalination: the effects of domestic as well as municipal practical guide for the monitoring, design, Methods, Costs & effluent on the growth and production of vari- management, or conduct of environmental Technology ous tree species in context of their response impact assessment. to various heavy metals and to assess the Edited by Irena A Available from Amazon www.amazon.com ability of the selected tree species to absorb Urboniene heavy metals from the effluent water. (USA: November Solid Waste Management and Available on Fishpond 2010) Environmental Remediation www.fishpond.com.au This book reviews Edited by By Johann Herzog and Timo Faer- research in the field Treated Wastewater in Agriculture ber (USA: August 2010) of desalination in- Edited by Guy Levy, P. Fine and A. Bart-Tal The authors of this book take a deeper look cluding the growth (For release Dec 2010) at the contaminated soils and waters which of scientific and pose major environmental, agricultural and commercial interest to cogenera- This important new book addresses in detail human health problems world-wide. Alterna- tive and hybrid technologies for desalination the use of treated wastewater in agricultural tives for sewage sludge final disposal from and power generation; Membrane Distillaion situations, its impact on crops and the soil wastewater treatment are also assessed (MD) process as a new membrane technol- environment. Coverage includes the com- from a life cycle assessment (LCA) point of ogy used for desalination and recycling; and, position and treatment of wastewater, health view in order to identify the best environmen- two alternative systems for conventional re- considerations, regulations and economic tal alternative. verse osmosis desalination plants by incor- aspects. Major sections of the book also Available on Fishpond porating the use of gravitational potential concentrate on crop management and the www.fishpond.com.au energy and others. soil environment. Available on Fishpond Available from Amazon www.fishpond.com.au www.amazon.com

New website launched The GreySmart project was funded by the Victorian Smart Water Fund. The Smart Wa- ter Fund is a joint initiative of Melbourne’s water businesses – City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Mel- bourne Water – together with the Victorian Government. Hosted by the savewater!® Alliance this newly launched website pro- vides a range of resources to household- ers to help them make decisions about greywater use, system installation and household cleaning products. It also helps home owners to decide if rainwater could also be considered a useful alternative water supply. www.GreySmart.com.au

Summer 2010 7 www.recycledwater.com.au Melbourne Cricket Ground. Yarra Park water project plans revealed

The long-term environmental future of Melbourne’s iconic Yarra Park – the gateway to the MCG - has received a boost, with proposed plans for a multi-million dollar water recycling facility revealed for the first time today.

remier John Brumby joined MCG Trus- “This is a major project initiative designed to long-term health of public parkland at the tee Pat McNamara, Melbourne Cricket support Yarra Park, especially the trees, and MCG’s doorstep.” Club CEO Stephen Gough and City to ensure that the community continues to P MCG Trust chairman John Wylie declared West Water Managing Director Anne Barker enjoy access to this space under far better the proposed works an excellent outcome to unveil artistic impressions of the facility, conditions than during the recent drought for all users of Yarra Park. which will significantly enhance the health of years.” trees, soil and grass in Yarra Park. “Yarra Park has always been an integral part The $22 million project, comprising $16m of Melbourne’s wonderful parks and gardens “Yarra Park is an icon of Melbourne and this from the MCC and $6m from the Victorian landscape which defines the city,” Mr Wylie important water recycling facility goes a long Government, will include the installation of an said. way to ensure its long term future in the face underground water recycling facility, which of drought for generations to come,” Mr will distribute non-potable water to drought- “It holds a natural and special significance, in Brumby said. proof the trees and reduce the MCG’s pota- particular for community users. It also plays ble water use by almost 50%. an important supporting role for the MCG “The works will ensure it remains a valuable and surrounding sports and entertainment community asset and continues to support The water recycling precinct, as well as pro- major sporting events like the AFL Grand facility will have the ca- viding an attractive and Final, Boxing Day Test and the Australian pacity to produce up to A significant financial peaceful setting for the Open. 180 megalitres of water contribution from a private stadium itself.” per year, of which Yarra club towards improving the Park will require ap- City West Water Man- proximately 110 mega- long-term health of aging Director, Anne litres. The MCG will public parkland at the Barker, said the Yarra utilise approximately 50 MCG’s doorstep Park water recycling megalitres and a further project is an example of 10-12 megalitres will go the capabilities of water to Richmond Football Club Oval. recycling as just one solution to our future water needs. Plans for the park also incorporate re-estab- lishment of avenues of trees and the intro- “With efficiency being the key driver of water duction of tree protection measures, selected use in the future, this project demonstrates tree planting and additional mulching, new the benefits of recycled water to maintain an garden beds, lawn upgrades, playground essential community asset, and importantly, improvements and pedestrian paths. help to conserve our precious drinking wa- ter for the future and reduce the amount of “This project is an important environmental treated effluent being discharged into Port initiative for the MCC as we seek to reduce Phillip Bay,” Ms Barker said. our reliance on potable water,” said MCC President David Meiklejohn. Source: www.mcg.org.au

Parklands surrounding the MCG. “It is also a significant financial contribution from a private club towards improving the Summer 2010 8 www.recycledwater.com.au Hawkesbury river replenished with $209 million recycled water plant Up to 50 million litres of recycled water a day maintaining the river’s flow Image: Sydney Water www.sydneywater.com.au p to 50 million litres of recycled water a day will flow into the Hawkesbury- UNepean River at Penrith – with one of Australia’s largest water recycling projects maintaining the river’s flow. Following the successful commissioning pe- riod of the $209 million St Mary’s plant, sup- plies of up to 18 billion litres of recycled water a year – 3.6 per cent of the needs of Sydney, are able to be provided to the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. The project takes wastewater from three plants at Quakers Hill, St Marys and Penrith and treats it using reverse osmosis, which involves pushing already treated wastewater through extremely fine filters to trap nutrients, minerals and chemicals. The very high quality recycled water – which is similar in quality to distilled water – will be released into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River St Mary’s Water Recycling Plant. to maintain flows in the iconic river. This will both reduce the amount of drinking water re- leased from Warragamba Dam for river flows Background Facts on Operation and Infrastructure Water Recycling at Sydney Water and contribute to the health of the Hawkes- Deerubbin WaterFutures, a consortium including Sydney Water treats recycled water to NSW Health bury-Nepean River system by reducing the United Group Infrastructure, McConnell Dowell standards so that it is suitable and safe for its volume of nutrients entering the river. Constructors (Aust) and GE Water & Process intended use. Technologies, worked with Sydney Water to deliver the St Marys Recycled Water Plant The wastewater that arrives at the St Marys Water “The St Marys Water Recycling Plant is a pio- Recycling Plant has already gone through many neer in its field – nowhere else in the world is Deerubbin WaterFutures will operate and maintain treatment steps. This includes filtering to remove such high quality recycled water being used the plant. nearly all biodegradable organic material and nutrients. It has also been disinfected. for the environment,” NSW Premier, Ms Ke- The project links the Penrith, St Marys and Quakers Hill neally said. water recycling plants to a new water recycling plant The water recycling plant then uses some of the most at St Marys. advanced treatment processes available (ultrafiltration “Recycling is one of four ways the NSW and reverse osmosis) to produce up to 50 million Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan will Fifty-two kilometres of pipelines have been built to litres of very high quality recycled water a day (18 connect the plants and to transport the wastewater, billion litres a year). secure water supply for Sydney, the Illawarra recycled water and waste from the water recycling and the Blue Mountain’s until at least 2025 – plant. This recycled water is pumped to Penrith where it is that’s alongside dams, water efficiency and released into Boundary Creek, which flows into the About 3,500 reverse osmosis filters have been installed Hawkesbury -Nepean River below Penrith Weir. desalination. By 2015, we will recycle 70 by hand at the water recycling plant and they form billion litres a year, or about 12 per cent of the final part of the filtering process to extract any When wastewater is treated, a series of physical, greater Sydney’s water needs.” remaining impurities from the water that has already chemical and biological processes are used to clean undergone biological treatment, sand filtration and it before it can be used again. The level of treatment The project has injected millions of dollars ultrafiltration. depends on how the water will be used. into Western Sydney, creating hundreds of The reverse osmosis filters are able to capture particles Secondary treated wastewater can be used for local jobs. as small as 0.0005 microns. A micron is a millionth of restricted irrigation of golf courses and racecourses. a metre. Since 2008: Tertiary treated wastewater can be used in To put this into perspective, human hair is about 75 manufacturing, for toilet flushing, dust suppression, • 1,840 construction staff have worked microns in diameter, the smallest bacteria is about 0.22 fire fighting and washing cars. Highly treated recycled over 725,000 hours; microns, while a virus is even smaller at 0.001 microns. water is required for specialised uses, like cooling towers, boilers and supporting environmental health. • 27,500 tones of concrete have been some of the technology used in the water re- water efficient taps, showerheads and wash- poured; cycling process,” Member for Londonderry, ing machines, active leak detection and re- • More than 50 kilometres of pipework Mr Shearan said. “The education centre has pair and Water Wise Rules will save up to 24 have been laid; been designed to be a flexible space. When per cent of greater Sydney’s water needs by group tours aren’t booked, the centre can be 2015. Dams will continue to supply most of • 7 pumping stations have been built; used for workshops, meetings, conferences Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra’s and and industry events.” drinking water and the new desalination plant • 3,696 state-of-the-art reverse osmosis can provide up to 15 per cent of Sydney’s NSW Water Minister, Mr Costa said: “Using membrane filters have been installed. water needs.” recycled water is a great way of saving our “Next month, an education centre will be valuable drinking water from everyday use Source: NSW Government Media Release 5/10/2010 opened at the site to enable high school, and making quality water available for peo- http://premier.nsw.gov.au For more information on Sydney Water’s recycling TAFE, university students and industry groups ple and the environment. Improving water projects visit www.sydneywater.com.au to learn more about recycled water and view efficiency through installing devices such as

Summer 2010 9 www.recycledwater.com.au Image: Etienne Boucher www.flickr.co m Though the nursery/landscape industries are high users of the water, some 49 percent, is used for thermoelectric power, Pawlow said. Since 1990, recycled water use has increased by 36 percent in the US and is still rising. This plus conservation, increased effi- ciency and productivity, and new technology have helped partially offset the increasing demand for water. But water needs are expected to increase, especially in areas with the least capacity to handle more, he said. “As we enter the 21st Century, we have tremendous competition between different water users for the same Irrigation is vital for agriculture in the United States mid west. water,” Pawlow said. Because of this, he added, conflicts and disputes over water are cropping up nationwide -- even in the tradi- tionally water-rich East. “Fights about water Integrated water are in great part about economic develop- ment and sustainability,” he said. Pawlow called for more research to find new management vital for US technology and approaches for water sup- ply and use. And, he said, better planning is needed to assure water quality and supply horticulture for the future. The agriculture and horticulture sectors, he said, are likely to be faced with helping maintain water quality by control- Managing the United States’ vital yet increasingly fragile supply of ling or reducing nutrients in the environment high-quality water might be easier with more collaboration across and controlling runoff water from irrigation. jurisdictions, according to Jonathan R. Pawlow, counsel for the He added that increased enforcement or “activism” is expected regarding water and water resources and environment subcommittee of the U.S. House there may be discussion on “federalizing all Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. waters/wet areas in the nation and regulating land use there.” awlow was the recent Distinguished need to establish a more holistic, integrated, Source: Excerpt from Media Newswire 27/10/2010 http:// Lecturer for the eighth Ellison Chair in sustainable planning and management ap- media-newswire.com/release_1131118.html PInternational Floriculture Distinguished proach.” Speaking to an audience of hor- Lecture Series at Texas A&M University. ticulture faculty, students and commercial nursery operators, Pawlow said water is “a “We need to eliminate the current adversarial key component to achieving prosperity and approach to dealing with our nation’s water wealth in our economy.” quantity and quality issues,” he said. “We NEWS innovations & information

National South Australia while South Australia is already a national leader in stormwater harvesting and reuse, Cleaning up our detergent standards Salisbury residents to drink treated the Stormwater Taskforce will provide a col- laborative approach to improving stormwater Fairfax digital has released a news story on stormwater? management and developing a stormwater NSW Australian of the Year, John Dee, who A push to turn Salisbury Council’s recycled master plan. is launching a nationwide campaign calling stormwater into drinking water and pump upon detergent manufacturers to clean up it into homes will be investigated as part “This Government is well on the way to ex- their act and reduce pollutants in detergents. of a new $1 million study. The SA Govern- ceeding its short-term target for Adelaide of They report that, “Australian supermarkets ment approved the three-year study to see if harvesting 20 gigalitres of water a year for are selling laundry powders and dishwasher water from the Adelaide council’s extensive non-drinking purposes by 2013,’’ Mr Caica tablets containing phosphates that are being wetlands could be filtered to safe drinking says. phased out overseas because of their disas- standards on a mass scale. “Our longer-term targets are even more am- trous effects on waterways.” To read the full article visit MWE Environ- bitious with Water for Good setting us the mental Management News Reducing the amount of hazards in deter- task of producing up to 60 GL a year of recy- 5/11/2010 gents not only improves greywater, making cled stormwater for non-drinking purposes in http://environmentalmanagementnews.net it safer for plants and gardens but also re- Greater Adelaide by 2050.” duces the burden on our wastewater treat- Taskforce for SA’s stormwater Source: Water Minister’s News Re- ment plants. recycling schemes lease, Hon Paul Caica, SA Government For more information SMH 7/11/2010 30/9/2010 www.smh.com.au A high-level taskforce has been formed to www.premier.sa.gov.au or visit http://dosomething.net.au help ensure South Australia achieves its am- bitious targets for stormwater harvesting and recycling. Minister for Water Paul Caica said

Summer 2010 10 www.recycledwater.com.au NEWS innovations & information

Victoria Queensland programs and infrastructure investment, no- tably the development of urban wetlands. Source: Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister ACT Bacchus Marsh upgrade Bundamba’s recycled water: good Press Release 20/10/2010 To service the growing population of Bac- enough to drink? www.chiefminister.act.gov.au chus Marsh, upgrade works to the Recycled WaterSecure has released the second Water Water Plant, including a new aerated lagoon Quality Report for the Bundamba Advanced are set to commence in early 2011, the local Water Treatment Plant, with results confirm- International News water corporation Western Water recently an- ing the excellent quality of the purified water nounced. it produces and proving the water is safe to Recycled weather improving Source: Western Water Recycled Water add to the drinking supply. The Independ- Californian soils News September 2010 ent International Expert Scientific Advisory www.westernwater.com.au The use of recycled water has improved the Panel reviewed the results and Panel Chair, salinity of soils on Pajaro Valley’s farmland University of Queensland Vice Chancellor Western Water has Class C available closest to the coast, Pajaro Valley Water Professor Paul Greenfield said the panel had Management Agency (PVWMA) consultant Western Water is seeking applications from “concluded the treatment process barriers Belinda Platts recently told the board of di- property owners who would like to use Class are able to control any water quality hazards rectors. In addition, the use of recycled water C recycled water from the Riddells Creek or and produce purified recycled water suitable has not increased the nitrate levels in soil Woodend Recycled Water Plant; or Class B to augment a drinking water supply”. and the PVWMA’s recycled water is close recycled water from the Gisborne or Sunbury Source: WaterSecure Water Quality Report to the highest standard for agricultural use. schemes. December 2008 to June 2010 Platts discussed the quality of PVWMA’s www.watersecure.com.au Recycled Water Plants. Suitable uses for delivered water and issues surrounding it recycled water include irrigating crops, or- Minimising stormwater pollution, during a presentation on salinity and nutrient chards and sporting grounds. managing urban growth management issues with irrigation water in the Pajaro Valley during the board’s regular For more information, please contact the Re- Climate Change and Sustainability Minister monthly meeting newable Resources Team on 03 9218 5400. Kate Jones has announced Queensland’s Source: Register Pajaronian 21/10/2010 Source: Western Water Recycled Water State Planning Policy for Healthy Waters, stat- www.register-pajaronian.com News September 2010 ing the new planning policy would strategically www.westernwater.com.au help minimise pollution from urban stormwa- Retaining plant nutrients during water ter from population growth. “For instance, treatment it would incorporate water-sensitive urban As fertiliser resources decline and more New South Wales design in larger development projects such treated wastewater is being used for agricul- as installing grassy swales (long ditches) and ture, it seems logical to develop methods of Tweed residents discuss water security artificial wetlands to clean up and slow down retaining nutrients in recycled water during stormwater flows before they are discharged Tweed residents are being asked how they the treatment process. Researchers at the to waterways.” “The main focus of the policy would like their drinking water, reported the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering is to ensure planning schemes contain con- ABC recently. and Biotechnology in Germany are devising sistent approaches and standards for man- alternative methods for recovering the nutri- The Tweed Shire Council says it is time for aging three water-quality issues – stormwater, ents from wastewater for use in agriculture. Tweed residents to take the plunge and say waste water and non-tidal artificial waterways To read the full article, see Creamer what they want before the council makes a such as urban lakes.” Ms Jones said devel- Media’s Engineering News 5/11/2010 final decision. The council has released a opments needed to be planned, designed, www.engineeringnews.co.za report into how the shire should increase constructed and operated in ways that re- its water supply, with recycled water being flected water quality objectives. New water storages for Negev among the options available. Source: Ministerial Media Statement, agriculture Source: ABC News Online 14/10/2010 The Honorable Kate Jones 20/10/2010 www.abc.net.au www.cabinet.qld.gov.au The Sderot Reservoir is situated some two kilometers distant from the border with the Sydney sewer mining projects get the Gaza Strip. This new reservoir established go ahead with the support of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and USA Parsons Water Fund will sup- The government of NSW, has awarded a ACT ply treated sewage water for irrigation use water-recycling licence to Veolia Water Solu- by local farmers and end pollution of the tions & Technologies to build a recycled wa- Thinking about wastewater Nahal Shikma Nature Reserve, the river, the ter plant at the Darling Quarter development. The ACT government aims to increase waste- ground water and the sea. The late Natan “Construction is under way on a recycled water reuse from 5 to 20% by 2013, the Ter- Parsons visited the Sderot region some five water treatment plant in the basement of the ritory’s Minister for the Environment, Climate years ago and immediately understood the new development to treat wastewater for use Change and Water, Simon Corbell recently vital need for a local reservoir for reclaimed in the building’s toilets and cooling towers,” announced. The ‘Think water, act water’ sewage water. “Sderot Reservoir is part of NSW Water Minister Phil Costa said. “This re- strategy, which is the Territory’s guiding water Natan’s vision of helping farmers, improving cycled water plant will use a method known policy, aims to reduce per capita use drinking water quality, enhancing the environment as sewer mining to access wastewater from water by 12 per cent by 2013 and 25 per cent and encouraging tourism in the Negev,” said the main sewer and recycle it onsite, replac- by 2023. A progress report on the strategy Natan’s widow Amy Parsons. ing up to 60,000 m³/year of precious drinking indicates good progress in achieving the Source: The Jerusalem Post 28/10/2010 water.” targets through a combination of household www.jpost.com Source: Desalination Biz 12/10/2010 www.desalination.biz

Summer 2010 11 www.recycledwater.com.au