Lower Hunter Recycled Water Initiative
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Project location: Lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Funding recipients: Hunter Water Corporation
Total Australian Government funding: $8,850,000 (GST exclusive)
Water savings: up to 3.7 GL/yr
About the project:
This project is comprised of several sub-projects. The Australian Government is providing funding for:
- the Kooragang Industrial Water Scheme
- a renewable energy component (including Cessnock Wastewater Treatment Works Cogeneration Plant)
- the provision of an educational facility to showcase recycled water and water-related sustainability initiatives
- the Branxton Irrigation Water Scheme.
One other sub-project, the Gillieston Heights Phase 2 residential dual reticulation, has been halted due to a slow down in development of residential lots.
Two other sub-projects have been added to replace Gillieston Heights. These are:
- Shortland Wastewater Treatment Works Sludge Management Upgrade
- Cessnock Wastewater Treatment Works Recycled Water Reuse Scheme.
Project benefits/objectives:
- Develop recycling initiatives that maximise potable water substitution.
- Improve the reliability of supply for all customers.
- Improve water quality in the Hunter River and its tributaries through reducing the amount of pollutants currently discharged.
- Provide a water infrastructure base that can be further expanded to meet the community's future needs.
- Provide a focal point for community education in the Hunter to assist demand management; a key part of the overall strategy for water security in the region.
- Assist residential customers to meet NSW Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) requirements.
Project Progress:
The sub-projects are progressing well as part of the renewable energy/carbon offsets program; contracts have been signed for tree planting and the solar panel installation, and the construction of the Cessnock co-generation plant has commenced. A consortium has been chosen for the detailed design of the Kooragang Industrial Water Plant.
Links:
Details of the Lower Hunter Recycled Water Initiative can be located at www.hunterwater.com.au
National Urban Water and Desalination Plan projects are funded under the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative.
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