Rockhampton considers recycling effluent for irrigation
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Rockhampton Regional Council will consider recycling water from its sewage treatment plants for irrigation purposes.
Council gave approval for negotiations to begin for the supply of recycled water from the north and south Rockhampton sewage treatment plants,
It said the decision was an important step towards better environmental outcomes for water and sewerage infrastructure.
Water and Environmental Sustainability Councillor, Donna Kirkland, said the recycled water scheme will help Council meet its new obligations once the upgraded north Rockhampton plant comes online.
“At the moment we are meeting our environmental requirements. But when north Rockhampton expands, there will be new permits and restrictions that Council will need to comply with.
“We are being proactive and working towards meeting these obligations now.
“One of these obligations is the need to maximise effluent re-use rather than it being discharged into waterways. That’s why we are now looking to enter into formal agreements with parties who are interested in receiving recycled water.
“It’s hoped that, in the future, we will move towards allowing more people to access the recycled water scheme, because the more people accessing this, the better the outcome for the community and the environment.”
Mayor Tony Williams said the move to recycling water means upgrading the water and sewerage network is essential.
“It means we can continue to provide essential services for our community and allow our community to grow, but it will also allow us to deliver better results for our community by minimising impacts to the environment.”
Recycling effluent waste and reusing it for irrigation purposes reduces discharge to waterways and lowers demand for treated potable water for irrigation.
