Glenelg - Adelaide Parklands Recycled Water Project

Adelaide, South Australia

Funding: $74.9 million with a contribution of $30.15 million from the Australian Government, and $44.75 million from the South Australian Government.

About the project

The objective of the project is to achieve sustainable water use by replacing potable water supply sourced from the River Murray and the Adelaide Hills catchment, with 2 gigalitres of recycled water for irrigation of the Adelaide Park Lands. The project will have the capacity to provide up to 5.5 GL of recycled water per year. This will allow for the development of additional recycled water initiatives, including potential use for new dual reticulation systems in the central business district.

Project benefits

The project will:

increase the use of recycled water by 2 gigalitres, and thereby reduce demand on potable water supply
significantly reduce the discharge of nutrients into the marine environment by reducing ocean outfall from the Glenelg Wastewater Treatment Plant
establish the backbone infrastructure for future expansion of the use of recycled water
provide a sustainable water supply for the maintenance of the iconic Adelaide Park Lands
demonstrate the effectiveness of reusing treated water on a large scale

Progress to Date

Significant capital works have commenced and are running to schedule. Project construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2009, with project finalisation due mid 2010.