Other Recycling Initiatives
We are working with Government, industry and community partners to develop a range of future opportunities for water recycling schemes in greater Melbourne.
Onsite water recycling
Onsite water recycling, also known as sewer or water mining, involves the removal and treatment of effluent from sewer mains to produce high quality recycled water, while returning waste to the sewerage system.
Melbourne Water has trialled onsite water recycling plants in parks around Melbourne, demonstrating that water from sewers can be successfully recycled and used to keep parks and gardens green. This technology could eventually be used to irrigate significant parkland and community recreation areas.
It is envisaged that up to 2500 million litres or 1% of the flows that would otherwise go to our treatment plants could be used to irrigate Melbourne's parks and gardens. Melbourne Water is working with City West Water and the City of Melbourne on key projects.
These include the Melbourne Zoo, Royal Park, Princes Park, Melbourne University open space and the Fitzroy Gardens.
Technologies used in onsite water recycling include conventional filtration, activated carbon treatment and membrane systems/micro-filtration processes.
Aquifer storage and recharge
Aquifer storage and recovery involves storing water underground that can be drawn out at a later time. It can also be used to restore natural underground water reservoirs that may have declining yields and water quality, with recycled water. Recharging aquifers is also an alternative when surface storage is impractical because of limited space and high evaporation rates.
Melbourne Water is investigating opportunities for aquifer storage and recovery and, if appropriate, will use the findings to develop strategies to store recycled water underground to benefit the environment and/or for future use.
Domestic water recycling
Domestic water recycling, such as the recycling of greywater from baths, showers, basins or washing machines, can help save precious drinking water. The retail water companies are responsible for domestic water recycling. Information about greywater uses and the EPA Victoria's Dual Pipe Guidelines can be found at EPA Victoria's website.
Education and communication
Melbourne Water is working with the Government and other stakeholders in developing greater understanding and awareness of the value of recycled water. In June 2004, the Victorian Government released Our Water Our Future, a plan that outlines the Government's approach to water resources in Victoria, including recycled water. It is available at www.dse.vic.gov.au.
As the use of recycled water becomes more widespread, we will introduce broader education and communication programs through our website, publications and education programs.