Media Release

02 Feb 2007

Australia’s Largest Residential Recycled Water Plant To Be Expanded

Work has begun on a $52 million expansion of Australia’s largest residential recycled water plant at Rouse Hill.

The project will see the existing Sewage Treatment Plant and Recycled Water Plant more than double in size to produce 4.7 billion litres of recycled water each year for residential use, saving even more drinking water.

The Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant began operating in 2001. The recycled water is treated to a very high standard, which includes UV disinfection and chlorination.

More than 16,000 homes are now receiving 1.7 billion litres of high quality recycled water each year to water gardens, wash cars and flush toilets.

Demand for drinking water in these homes has reduced on average by about 40 per cent.

The upgrade is required to keep pace with development and allow new homes in the area to receive recycled water.

Recycled water pipelines for 4,400 future homes in Second Ponds Creek were laid in 2005 and for a further 5,600 homes at Balmoral Road in December last year.

Ultimately 36,000 new homes in Acacia Gardens, Beaumont Hills, Castle Hill, Glenwood, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Quakers Hill, Parklea, Stanhope Gardens and Rouse Hill will receive 4.7 billion litres of recycled water each year.

The recycled water plant will also service planned commercial and industrial businesses.

As part of the expansion, additional sewage processing structures will be constructed and the capacity of the recycled water plant will be increased.

Excavation work for the processing facilities will be undertaken over the next three months and construction of major concrete structures will begin towards the middle of the year.

The project is expected to be complete in early 2009.

Sydney Water will continue to keep the community informed throughout the project.

Recycling is a key component of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan.

Sydney already recycles around 15 billion litres of water each year and that figure will rise to 70 billion litres by 2015.

New developments are the most efficient way to provide recycled water to homes.

Additional pipes for recycled water can be laid at the same time as other water pipes, as well as electricity and telephone lines.

John Holland Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to expand the plant.

 

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