Recycled wastewater up for grabs

COLIBAN Water is looking for expressions of interest from landowners and business operators who would like to use recycled water from the Heathcote Water Reclamation Plant.

Heathcote’s growing population has led to an increase in wastewater, and this in turn has led to higher output from the plant.

Chief officer assets and operations Danny McLean said new options were being considered to keep pace with the growth in recycled water production.

“We are committed to finding further sustainable end-use options to help meet long-term water needs,” Mr McLean said. “Recycled water will play a key role in this.

“This is an exciting opportunity for potential re-use customers, as recycled water is safe for many uses, often more reliable than other water sources, and rich in nutrients.”

The Heathcote plant treats wastewater from almost 900 residential, business, and industrial customers using lagoon-based biological treatment processes.

The recycled water is Class C and is suitable for use on food crops.

It can also be used for agriculture, or to irrigate public spaces such as sporting grounds and golf courses.

Heathcote Golf Club secretary Kent Davies said greenskeepers had been using recycled water from the local plant since 1989 and would continue to do so.

“You can see the benefits,” he said. “There are 45 acres of beautiful grass, it’s just sensational.

“We’re also helping to get rid of 80 megs of wastewater every year.”

Anyone within 10 kilometres of Heathcote interested in using recycled water can apply before 5pm on Monday 14 August.

For more information visit the Coliban Water website.