High-water using landowners, farmers, vineyard operators and businesses have a new opportunity to receive a sustainable recycled water supply from the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant.
An Expressions of Interest (EOI) period will run from Thursday 1 February to Thursday 29 February for those interested.
Coliban Water General Manager Operations Julian Bull said those within 10km of the plant who are interested in a long-term recycled water supply should apply.
“This EOI will identify options for new partnerships within the community. We are committed to finding further sustainable end-use options to help meet the community’s long-term water needs.
“This is an exciting opportunity to connect to recycled water.
“Recycled water is wastewater that is treated so it is safe to be sustainably re-used for many different purposes and is a highly reliable water source in a changing climate,” Mr Bull said.
The Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant produces Class B and C recycled water, which can be used for irrigating farms, vineyards, golf courses, sports grounds and many other types of agricultural irrigation as outlined in the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victorian guideline for water recycling.
The expanded recycled water program is part of a suite of upgrades earmarked for the Castlemaine plant over the next five years, which include the construction of a new water reclamation facility and a new biosolids handling treatment facility at the site.
“This will ensure the plant can support the continued growth in population and help us contribute to a circular economy,” Mr Bull said.
“The aim of the EOI is to determine interest from prospective customers in accessing recycled water and to seek input from them on their requirements, including intended use, estimated volumes and quality.”
“An increase in population means an increase in the volume of wastewater received by our plant. This means as we treat the wastewater, there will be more recycled water available in the future.
Approximately 50 ML of recycled water is already supplied to the Castlemaine Golf Club. Recycled water is also released into Campbells Creek as part of the plant’s EPA operating licence and this supports a platypus population in the waterway as well as other flora and fauna.
“We look forward to forming new partnerships with customers, and building on existing successful partnerships within the community,” Mr Bull said.
Apply or learn more at connect.coliban.com.au/castlemaine-recycled-water-initiative