Major upgrade to Bendigo’s Recycled Water Factory to boost climate resilience
Coliban Water has reached a milestone for the upgrade at the Bendigo Recycled Water Factory, awarding the major works contract to Filtec International to design and construct the new facility to increase the production of Class A recycled water.
The upgrade works will include building a larger facility, increasing the filtration capacity, installing improved safety systems, a new feed tank and upgraded chemical dosing systems. Alongside Filtec International, we’ve also engaged a local Bendigo business Waterform and an Australian supplier Aquacorp, who will manufacture and supply filtration equipment for the expanded facility.
Recycled water is a sustainable source of water that can be used for various uses including to keep parks and sporting grounds green all year round. It is produced at our water reclamation plants from the sewage that arrives from our customers. This sewage is 99% water, which then goes through a rigorous treatment and filtration process to become Class A recycled water.
The Recycled Water Factory currently produces around 3 megalitres (ML) per day of Class A recycled water. Once the upgrade is complete, we will increase recycled water production to 10ML per day (10 million litres) which is enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools each day.
By more than tripling our production of high quality Class A recycled water, more water will be available for use across Bendigo’s sporting fields, gardens and public spaces.
Coliban Water Executive Manager Major Projects Ross Campbell said the project represents an important step in adapting to the challenges of a drying climate.
“As our climate becomes hotter and drier, recycled water is more important than ever,” Mr Campbell said.
“Every drop of recycled water we use on our parks and sports grounds is a drop of drinking water saved. This upgrade will help Bendigo stay green while reducing demand on our drinking water supplies.”
Class A recycled water is supplied through a dedicated purple pipe network and is used across Bendigo to irrigate gardens and lawns at locations such as Rosalind Park, the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Bendigo Hospital and Bendigo TAFE. It also supports the maintenance of key sports facilities, including Queen Elizabeth Oval, Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve, Tom Flood Sports Centre, Harry Trott Oval, Ewing Park, Spring Gully Oval and the Bendigo Golf Club.
In addition, Class A recycled water is available via standpipes on Stanley Avenue in Spring Gully and Averys Road in Eaglehawk, where it is commonly accessed by water carters for dust suppression.
“This upgrade is a real win for our community. It strengthens our water security while supporting Victorian and Bendigo based businesses,” Mr Campbell said.
“Before Class A recycled water was available, most public spaces had to rely on drinking water for irrigation,” Mr Campbell said.
“By expanding recycled water use, we’re easing pressure on Bendigo’s water supply and building long term resilience for the community.”
The Recycled Water Factory has played a significant role in Bendigo since it was built during the Millennium Drought in 2009. The upcoming upgrade will ensure it continues to meet community needs in a changing climate.
“This project is about planning ahead and making Bendigo more resilient. By investing in recycled water now, we’re preparing for our future in a changing climate,” Mr Campbell said.
The project is part of Coliban Water’s major investment at the Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and finish in late 2027.