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Recycled water FAQ

Recycled water FAQ

Everything you need to know about recycled water. 

Why use recycled water?

Recycled water, used in place of fresh water where appropriate, is a valuable resource. Similar to stormwater recycling, recycled water is supplied as a fit for purpose resource for the irrigation of farm land and green spaces to reduce the reliance of potable water. Typically, it has a higher nutrient concentration level than other water sources providing an added benefit to the growth of crops and pastures. Using recycled water is a sustainable water source allowing for other water sources (raw and groundwater) to be used for other environmental and community benefits.

Is it more difficult to use than fresh water?

Yes and no. Recycled water is still a product of the treatment of sewage and certain controls are required to ensure there are no adverse effects on public health and land management. Livestock and irrigation controls for areas where recycled water irrigation occurs are important measures to ensure there are no adverse effects. In addition, the capacity of plants to take up nutrients and other dissolved substances is limited, so irrigation with recycled water may need to be monitored and managed to prevent build-up of contaminants in the soils. 

Can I use it all the year round?

This depends on system capabilities and the climate of your area. The amount of irrigation is governed by rainfall and evaporation, which together determine the water supply and demand of a pasture or crop. In most of Victoria, evaporation generally exceeds rainfall during the warmer months and recycled water is available for use. In the cooler months there is usually enough rainfall to meet the water requirements of growing plants. The majority of North East Water systems are operated during the warmer months.

Won't the use of recycled water just add to the salinity problem occurring in the area?

Irrigation with recycled water can raise the salt levels around the roots of irrigated plants and needs to be managed to ensure that no adverse effects to the soil, groundwater or plant growth occurs. The keys to ensuring no problems occur are good drainage and no salt build-up prior to commencing irrigation. North East Water manage salinity through water, salt and nutrient balances and soil monitoring to manage any adverse effects.

Is it possible to have a scheme with prolonged sustainability?

With careful management, suitable crops and an appropriate irrigation site it is possible for a recycled water irrigation system to be sustainable in the long-term. The following factors are relevant to ensuring sustainable irrigation practices are undertaken:

  • the application rate is equivalent to the requirements of the crop or pasture
  • water, salt and nutrient balances
  • surface and subsurface drainage
  • a properly sized storage lagoon to ensure that irrigation only occurs when required.

Will the quality of the groundwater be adversely affected?

Well managed and sustainable irrigation practices ensure that groundwater is not affected by the irrigation of recycled water. All recycled water schemes are managed in accordance with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA Victoria) guidelines which ensure risks to land, groundwater and surface waters are controlled.

Won't run-off from the irrigation site contaminate other sites?

The EPA publication "Guidelines for Environmental Management: Use of Recycled Water (pub. 464.2)" defines the arrangements required for containment on-site. Run-off collection systems are sometimes required to collect run-off and recycle it back onto the irrigation area. This prevents any run-off flowing onto neighbouring properties or to waterways. 

Will there be an odour associated with the irrigation?

Odour problems are usually the result of either poorly managed treatment and collection systems or overload of these systems. Properly managed irrigation systems of recycled water should not produce any odour.

Will toxic metals accumulate in the soil?

Trace elements are essential for life. It is therefore not surprising that domestic wastewater usually contains small quantities, but these should not pose a threat to the soil quality. The balance of elements and nutrients does need to be monitored as normally occurs in irrigated agriculture.

What about the possibility of phosphorus accumulating close to the surface?

Long-term application of nutrient-rich water can result in excessive accumulation, especially of phosphorus, in the soil. This can be dealt with in several practical ways: ensuring the input of nutrients always matches the output; ensuring the recycled water is diluted with fresh water during low-growth periods; and ensuring plant matter is removed.

What other environmental factors should be considered?

One of the prime objectives of using recycled water for irrigation is to divert the discharge from the rivers and streams onto the land. This diversion assists in reducing the levels of nutrients in these streams that can otherwise lead to the growth of blue-green algae.

What health considerations need to be incorporated in the scheme?

Recycled water from sewage treatment facilities is required to meet prescribed microbiological health standards. The treatment of recycled water is a very effective method of safeguarding public health. Factors influencing the survival of pathogenic microorganisms in soils include moisture, temperature, pH, nutrients, organic matter and the presence of some organisms and toxins. Micro-organisms remaining on exposed surfaces are destroyed by sunlight and desiccation. For this reason there is a withholding period after irrigation before access is allowed to public recreation areas.

Has there been any disease outbreak attributable to the use of recycled water in Australia?

No. The regulations and safety measures applied in Australia have been effective on preventing disease outbreaks caused by recycled water use. 

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of using recycled water for irrigation?

Advantages:

  • reduced impact of wastewater discharges on the waterways.
  • fewer requirements for commercial fertilisers.
  • ready supply of irrigation water.
  • replaces the use of high quality (drinking) water for irrigation.

Disadvantages:

  • reduction of in-stream environmental flows.
  • requires careful management and monitoring.
     

Want further information?

Call our environment team on 1300 361 622 for further information.