Australia's Wastewater Technology Is Changing: What Could It Mean for Water Reuse?
A new advanced wastewater treatment plant in regional NSW is putting an Australian-first water recycling technology into operation.
The Dubbo facility can process up to 700 megalitres of effluent each year that would otherwise be discarded.
The technology's developer says the system can break down difficult pollutants more efficiently than conventional approaches.
The treatment process is designed to destroy contaminants rather than simply capture them and create another concentrated waste stream.
Why is this significant?
Australia faces increasing pressure to make better use of existing water resources.
For regional communities and industry, wastewater can represent a significant potential water source.
The Dubbo project is particularly interesting because the recycled water is being used to support major infrastructure development while reducing demand on local water supplies.
Reuse doesn't mean every application needs drinking water
One of the most important principles in water management is understanding what quality a particular application actually requires.
Treated water may potentially be reused for applications such as:
- Construction
- Irrigation
- Industrial processes
- Cooling
- Washdown
- Other non-potable applications
The appropriate treatment process depends on the source water and the intended use.
From wastewater to water resource
The future of water management isn't necessarily about finding more fresh water.
It is increasingly about getting more value from the water we already have.
For industry, that can mean reducing freshwater consumption, reducing wastewater discharge and improving long-term water security.
Integra Water works with businesses to develop practical water-treatment, wastewater and reuse solutions.
👉 Talk to Integra Water about your wastewater and water-reuse opportunities.
News source: ABC News – Australian-first water recycling technology