Groundwater replenishment project
Craigie (suburb of Perth), Western Australia
Total funding: $19.4 million from the Australian Government and $31.5 million from the Western Australian Government (over three year trial period).
About the project
Groundwater replenishment is an innovative concept where recycled water is treated to drinking water standards and recharged into groundwater supplies. The project will trial further treatment of water from the Beenyup Wastewater Treatment plant, by ultra filtration, reverse osmosis and ultra-violet (UV) disinfection to produce very high quality water. The water will then be injected into the Leederville aquifer at a location remote from existing drinking water bores where it will be further cleansed by natural groundwater processes. Detailed monitoring of the water produced by the plant and in the groundwater will be undertaken in partnership with regulators, independent parties and researchers to demonstrate that the approach is safe.
Project benefits
The aim of the project is to provide the basis for building community confidence, gaining regulatory approval and demonstrating technical feasibility to deliver groundwater replenishment using recycled water as a new, sustainable water source option for Australia. The plant has the capacity to recycle 1.5 billion litres a year but if a full scheme was to go ahead, as much as 25 to 35 billion litres a year could be recycled from the Beenyup facility. The project will advance the NWI objective to encourage reuse and recycling.
Progress to Date
The Groundwater Replenishment Trial and Visitor Centre were officially launched on 30 November 2010 following a rigorous commissioning and proving period and approval to recharge from the Western Australian Department of Health.
Water Smart Australia projects are funded by the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative.
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