Recycled water treatment plant in just 16 weeks from concept design to production

The extreme drought that Greater Melbourne is experiencing is quite unprecedented in its duration and severity. For the past 10 years, stream flows to the reservoirs have been below average. The water storage level in August 2007, according to Melbourne Water, was 35%. This is the lowest level recorded in the past 10 years.

Stage 3A water restrictions were applied in Melbourne from 1 April 2007. When water storage in the Greater Melbourne area continued to drop, the Victorian Government was preparing to change water restrictions to Stage 4. The main differences between these water restrictions are that in Stage 4 there is a complete restriction in irrigation of sporting grounds, residential, public, commercial gardens and lawns. That means “All outside watering is BANNED. No watering at any time, by any means”.

Several city councils in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs asked the Victorian Government to provide alternative water supplies, like recycling water, for the irrigation of open public places. The Municipal Water Association of Victoria and leading sports bodies called on the Government to provide $80 million funding over eight years to save state ovals.

To allow unrestricted irrigation on open public places would require recycled water of Class A water quality. Class A recycled water is the highest quality of recycled water available at the present time in Australia . The Class A water is needed to be produced in accordance with strict standards and guidelines developed by the Department of Human Services and the Environment Protection Authority.

One of the most suitable locations to recycle water in these areas was the Brushy Creek STP. The plant is situated on Maroondah Highway in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and geographically suitable to most of the councils.