Recycled water improves Phillip Island’s water security

The first of its kind in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland region, the Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme will provide a new and renewable source of local water.

Stage one of the plant is capable of producing 340 million litres each year, of Class A recycled water to dual pipe residential housing estates, commercial businesses and agricultural customers along the recycled water pipeline on Phillip Island.

Senator Don Farrell, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, said the project will reduce the demand on local drinking water supplies while enhancing the reputation of the Island’s environmental and tourism assets as well as its economic stability.

“The water treatment process has been upgraded from Class B to Class A, a buffer storage tank installed and 12 kilometres of new and upgraded pipe work has been constructed to expand the distribution network, Senator Farrell said.

“Recreational facilities and sporting grounds will now be maintained with Class A recycled water to ensure continued community use of the amenities.

“The Australian Government provided $2.85 million in funding for the project through the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns program, under the Australian Government’s Water for the Future initiative.”

The National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns program assists communities with fewer than 50,000 people to implement practical water saving infrastructure.

At the official opening of the Recycled Water Plant on Monday 3^rd of September the Chair of Westernport Water, Tony Leonard commented “With a growing community, increasing customer demand for water and risks of climate variability, there is a need to develop alternative solutions and explore every opportunity for water reuse.

“Providing the community with fit for purpose recycled water, helps secure our water requirements into the future by saving valuable drinking water.

“The Corporation aims to connect 1400 residential and commercial customers and reuse wastewater, significantly reducing ocean outfall.”

Forecasts indicate with the expected uptake from stage one the Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme wastewater discharged to ocean will be reduced by 18 per cent.

“To accommodate future growth, the plant has been designed so that it can be easily expanded to deliver up to 680 million litres per year, reducing ocean outfall by 36 per cent.

Overall Westernport Water has to date invested $3.207 million in the Phillip Island Recycled Water Scheme, and with the Federal Government’s contribution the investment totals $6.057 million.

“We are committed to working in partnership with our local communities to deliver sustainable local water solutions and are thankful for the Australian Government’s support” said Mr Leonard.

Bass Coast MP The Hon. Ken Smith also spoke at the opening congratulating Westernport Water on taking the initiative to introduce Class A water to Phillip Island, to reduce demand on drinking water and better protect consumers in drought periods, indicating he will continue to encourage households and industry to connect to the purple pipes.

Above Adam Sincock, Director Cities and Towns On-Farm and Urban Water Programs Branch, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities congratulates Westernport Water’s Commercial Manager Recycled Water on a job well done.

Pictured above from left Bass Coast MP The Hon. Ken Smith and Westernport Water’s Chairman Tony Leonard pour a sample of Class A recycled water from Westernport Water’s new Treatment Plant.

Above Westernport Water’s Commercial Manager Recycled Water receiving a plaque from Westernport Water’s Chairman Tony Leonard commemorating the occasion.