Increasing Recycling
Recycled water provides a secure rainfall independent supply of water that is fit for a wide range of uses. It is part of the Government’s strategy to diversify water supplies, and to improve environmental health.
About half of Melbourne’s wastewater is treated at the Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP). Recycled water from this plant is able to be delivered to sites nearby for a range of potential uses. The Government is committed to upgrading the ETP to tertiary standard, a level where a wide variety of reuse is possible. The upgrade of the ETP will be completed during 2012. It will produce over 100 billion litres of high-grade recycled water.
The Government’s target of recycling 20 percent of Melbourne’s wastewater has been achieved two years ahead of schedule through agricultural, residential parks and gardens and industrial recycling schemes. These uses of recycled water will be progressively expanded.
The Government is committed to broadening the options under consideration for use of this recycled water. While substitution for Latrobe Valley river water in power system cooling remains an option, other possible uses of recycled water will be investigated. The Government will also work with the power generators to examine ways to reduce water demand.