Two innovative projects from South East Water are highlighting different ways we can use recycled water to keep things thriving, from our local parks through to farmland.
The Dingley Recycled Water Scheme will deliver recycled water to around 40 sites in the Bayside, Kingston, Greater Dandenong and Monash Local Government Areas. Supplying local parks, sporting ovals and market gardens the scheme will help preserve our precious drinking water supply.
The Victorian Government announced part funding for the scheme as part of the delivery of the Central and Gippsland Regional Sustainable Water strategy, which aims to improve water security, liveability and waterway health for the next 40 years.
While this project will be keeping local footy fields and cricket pitches green, the Western Port Recycled Water Scheme will see recycled water being used to help the grow vegetables on the doorstep of Melbourne.
Thanks to the project, land available to irrigated agriculture is expected to cover approximately 2,900 hectares, which is the equivalent to around 1,500 MCG’s worth.
The project will include a new pump station and 49 km of recycled water pipeline from South East Water’s Pakenham Water Recycling Plant to local farms in Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles regions.
The new recycled water pipeline will unlock 4,000 megalitres a year of Class A recycled water. With greater access to water supplies, farmers will be able to grow more high value fresh produce without putting pressure on precious drinking water supplies.
Within 5 years, Western Port Recycled Water Scheme will provide long-term community, environmental and economic benefits. An estimated $104 million will be added to the regional economy and combined with construction works create more than 100 jobs.
The Western Port Recycled Water Scheme has been made possible thanks to a $46.6 million contribution from the Commonwealth’s National Water Grid Fund in addition to $66.6 million from South East Water.
Page last updated: 07/11/24