The new $48 million recycled water plant in Altona is set to save more than 2.5 billion litres of drinking water each year, reducing demand on Melbourne’s potable water supplies.
Up to nine million litres of Class A recycled water would be available for manufacturing and irrigation use each day.The water will be used by a neighbouring chemical manufacturer, two golf courses and public parks in Melbourne’s west.
In addition to providing security for these customers, water from the City West Water plant will replace the use of potable water and easing the pressure on Melbourne’s dams.
The Victoria State Government is keen on driving the uptake of more recycling and stormwater projects to reduce demand for potable water.
The plant uses membrane technology to treat effluent from the plant, removing salt and other contaminants.The recycled water is then pumped via a purpose-built pipeline to plastics manufacturer Qenos for cooling tower and boiler operation, and to two golf courses and council-owned public space for irrigation.
City West Water managing director Anne Barker said the plant would begin supplying recycled water to customers immediately, with more customers being investigated for supply in the future.
The project will reduce the amount of wastewater discharged from the Altona Treatment Plant into Port Phillip Bay. It will deliver:
* about 2 billion litres annually to plastics manufacturer Qenos for use in its boilers and cooling towers;
* 300 million litres to Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club to irrigate its golf course;
* 200 million litres to Kooringal Golf Club to irrigate its golf course; and
* 5 million litres to Hobsons Bay City Council to irrigate Altona Green Park and 6 million litres for HD Graham Reserve. Water will also be used for urban streetscape watering and dust suppression.
The Victorian Government contributed $5 million towards the project.