Use of Reclaimed Water

What is reclaimed water? 
Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been treated to a standard that is appropriate for its intended use.
Overview of wastewater treatment processes
Primary treatment - is the removal of large solids, grits and oils from the wastewater entering the treatment plant.
 
Secondary treatment - is a biological process whereby a large population of microorganisms help convert organic material into other forms which can be easily separated into solids and a clear liquid. These solids settle to the bottom of the lagoon.
 
Tertiary treatment - is the use of filters and/or disinfection of the clear liquid to reduce other contaminants as well as pathogens, which are microorganisms that pose a risk to human health.
 
Reclaimed water is grouped into four classes depending on treatment of the wastewater, refer to table below:
 
Class
Treatment processes
Range of uses
A
Tertiary and pathogen reduction
Urban - (non potable) uncontrolled access
Agricultural - eg. human food crops consumed raw
Industrial - open systems with worker exposure potential
B
Secondary and pathogen reduction
Agricultural – eg dairy cattle grazing
Industrial – eg. washdown water
C
Secondary and pathogen reduction
Urban - (non potable) controlled access
Agricultural – eg human food crops cooked/processed, grazing
Industrial – systems with no potential exposure to workers
D
Secondary
Agricultural – non-food crops including instant turf, woodlots, flowers

This table is only an overview of the detailed version, please refer to the detailed version in the Guidelines for Environmental Management – Use of Reclaimed Water (publication 464.2), EPA Victoria.

Gippsland Water supports the use of reclaimed water where it does not pose an environmental risk. Gippsland Water uses reclaimed water at the Maffra, Mirboo North, Drouin, Heyfield and Stratford wastewater treatment plants for pasture and crop irrigation.  Reclaimed water is also supplied by agreement to a number of other parties for irrigation of farm and recreational land. Treatment lagoon
 
The use of reclaimed water offers benefits to:
  • the environment by eliminating direct discharges of nutrients, salt and Blue Green Algae (BGA) to surface waters;
  • the purchaser of the water, by supplementing nutrients and water to land; and
  • Gippsland Water, by providing a beneficial use of the reclaimed water.  
Soil and water quality monitoring
Gippsland Water monitors reclaimed water regularly to ensure that it complies with the Guidelines for Environmental Management-Use of Reclaimed Water (Publication 464.2), Environment Protection Authority of Victoria.  Irrigated soils are also monitored to assist management decisions to maintain the productivity of the land.
 
For further information on Gippsland Water's use of reclaimed water visit www.gippslandwaterfactory.com.au