Westernport Water
 

Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme

The Federal Government, through its National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns, awarded a $2.85 million dollar grant to Westernport Water on behalf of the Commonwealth's Water for Future strategy. This grant contribtuion will help fund 50 per cent of the Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme designed specifically for the production of Class A water.

The Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme (PIRWS), is a key component in Westernport Water's integrated water network, designed to manage our water supply more efficiently and help conserve drinking water during high demand periods.

Class A Recycled water has numerous uses being suitable for toilet flushing, garden watering, washing boats and vehicles on grassed areas, fire fighting, as well as irrigating parks, gardens and sporting reserves.

Additionally, there are no capacity restrictions when using Class A recyled water, giving our customers greater flexibility when maintaing their home and property.

Progress Report:

 
  • Construction of the pipeline and tank is well underway with almost 75% of the pipeline completed. The tank at Wimbledon Heights has also been erected
  • The Class A treatment plant at Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pyramid Rock road has been constructed and is now undergoing commissioning
  • Following commissioning trials, the plant will be ready for validation and sign off by EPA and due to commence operations in July 2012.
  • We have undertaken a Land Capability Assessment of prospective commercial and farming customers and the results of the assessment will be available in the second quarter of 2012.
  • Distribution of Class A recycled water to customers connected to the Class A pipeline will begin in July 2012.

We will also be engaging with prospective customers and gathering input from the local community to help us provide product service once the project is near completion.

Class A water is easily identified by the use of purple piping. Shearwater Estate in Cowes and the Phillip Island Whyte Sands development will be the first residential customers to use Westernport Water's Class A dual purple pipe system when it comes online.

'Recycling water for a greener island' (510 KB) - Details of the planned project