The Werribee Irrigation District Recycled Water Scheme supplies millions of litres of Class A recycled water to farmers for irrigating crops such as lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower.

The scheme began in January 2005 and is one of Victoria's largest commercial water recycling schemes. It is expected to reach full capacity by 2010 when it will deliver up to 8,500 million litres of Class A recycled water a year.

What are the benefits?

The scheme's economic, environmental and social benefits include:

• providing Werribee market gardeners with a secure supply of high quality water
• easing pressure on existing water supplies from the Werribee River and the local aquifer
• reducing the amount of treated water discharged into Port Phillip Bay.

What is recycled water?

Recycled water is produced from treated water that would be discharged into our bay. As opportunities are emerging to make practical use of treated water it is no longer regarded as waste but as a valuable resource. A main advantage is that the supply of recycled water is reliable and much less affected by drought.

How does the scheme work?

The water is produced at a new recycled water plant, built by Melbourne Water at its Western Treatment Plant. The new plant uses state of the art technology to meet strict EPA Victoria and Department of Human Services requirements for the safety of Class A recycled water.

Instead of being discharged into the bay, some of the treated water from the Western Treatment Plant is pumped to the recycling plant where it is further treated with ultra violet light and chlorination systems. The recycled water is then pumped to Southern Rural Water's existing distribution system for the Werribee Irrigation District where it is mixed with river water. Water quality is stringently monitored throughout the recycling process.

Why recycled water?

In 2003, drought meant that water supplies for growers in the Werribee Irrigation District were under pressure. A short-term supply of drinking water was made available to ensure that growers did not run out, but a long-term solution was required.

The recycled water scheme will provide a high quality and secure source of water for growers.

The recycled water from the Western Treatment Plant can also be used to support sustainable development in the Werribee area. It could be used in tourist areas, to provide water for gardens and toilet flushing in new housing developments and to provide a secure source of water for industry.

Further information