Water resource recovery facilities

Wastewater doesn't have to go to waste

Learn more about our water resource recovery facilities, and how they treat wastewater before it's recovered, recycled, reused or discharged to waterways.

How we treat wastewater

What we do at each facility

How we treat wastewater

Treated wastewater from bathrooms, laundries and kitchens is a valuable resource that can be safely used again in many ways. We use multiple steps to treat wastewater and remove impurities to produce recycled water. How much we treat the wastewater depends on how the recycled water will be used.

There are 4 main types of treatment, plus disinfection:

  • Primary treatment involves screening and sedimentation of the wastewater to remove large solids and grit.
  • Secondary treatment includes biological treatment using microorganisms to reduce nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous.
  • Tertiary treatment removes nearly all biodegradable and suspended matter to further improve quality.
  • Advanced tertiary treatment uses ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis processes. Microfiltration or ultrafiltration uses hollow fibres to remove some fine particles, bacteria and viruses. Reverse osmosis further improves the quality of the water by removing viruses, nutrients and dissolved salts at high pressure (using fine barrier membranes). Reverse osmosis filters are so fine they can trap particles smaller than one 10 millionth of a millimetre.
  • Disinfection is the last step for all types of recycled water. The water is disinfected by chlorination, ultraviolet light, or both processes.

Our facilities treat wastewater to a standard that is suitable and safe for its intended use, and to ensure it meets the required water quality level for discharge to the environment – including creeks, rivers and the ocean.

The treatment level needed depends on:

  • the location of the facility
  • where the treated wastewater will be discharged or reused
  • the nature of the facility's catchment area, including wastewater quality.

We follow strict Environment Protection Licence (EPL) conditions issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA monitors the effect of treated wastewater and recycled water discharges on water quality and aquatic life.

See where our wastewater systems are located using our wastewater systems map (1 MB).

What we do at each facility

All of our facilities recycle water, reuse by-products, or generate some of the energy they need to do their job. There are lots of ways we recover, recycle and reuse wastewater. Details in the table below are current for 2024–2025.

ML = megalitres, or million litres

Facility Wastewater treatment level Recovered resources Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway EPL waterways discharge volume limit1 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location
Facility:

Bellambi2,3

 Wastewater treatment level:

Primary

 Recovered resources:

N/A

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

Refer to Wollongong

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Bellambi Point during wet weather.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Bingara Gorge (Wilton)

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

3 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Occasional discharge to Stringybark Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to homes and businesses in Bingara Gorge estate for non‑drinking use.

Also supplied to and used at Bingara Gorge Golf Course, as well as parks and green space within the estate.

Excess occasionally discharged to Stringybark Creek.
Facility:

Bombo

 Wastewater treatment level:

Secondary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

4 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

45 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Bombo Point as ocean outfall.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to and used at Kiama Golf Club.
Facility:

Bondi

 Wastewater treatment level:

Primary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

112.76 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

680 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

As deepwater ocean outfall 2.2 km from the shoreline with 63 m maximum water depth and 512 m diffuser zone.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Brooklyn

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

N/A

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0.3 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

2.14 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Hawkesbury-Nepean River at 14 m depth – located on second pylon of the old road bridge, adjacent to Kangaroo Point.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Castle Hill

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

 

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

5.7 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

80 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Cattai Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to and used at Castle Hill Country Club.
Facility: Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

55.3 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

432 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Potter Point, Kurnell, as ocean outfall.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used locally on-site for industrial purposes.
Facility:

Fairfield2,4

 Wastewater treatment level:

Primary
(stormwater treatment)

 Recovered resources:

N/A

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

Refer to Malabar

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Occasional discharge to Georges River via Orphan School Creek during wet weather.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Gerringong-Gerroa

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

0.8 ML/day (sand dunes)

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Sand dune systems. When the discharge volume limit to sand dunes reaches capacity, discharges go to Crooked River.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used for agricultural irrigation at Aorangi Farm.

Excess discharged to sand dunes. When the discharge volume limit to sand dunes reaches capacity, discharges go to Crooked River.
Facility:

Glenfield4

 Wastewater treatment level:

Secondary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

Refer to Malabar

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Transported to Malabar. Occasional discharge to Georges River in wet weather.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Hornsby Heights

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

6 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

85 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Berowra Creek via Calna Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Liverpool4

 Wastewater treatment level:

Secondary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

Refer to Malabar

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Transported to Malabar. Also supplied to Fairfield (operated by Aquanet and Veolia Water) under Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme.

Occasional discharge to Georges River in wet weather.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to and used at Liverpool Golf Club and Warwick Farm Racecourse.
Facility:

Malabar

 Wastewater treatment level:

Primary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

Biogas

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

493 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

1,199 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

As deepwater ocean outfall 3.6 km from shoreline – with 82 m maximum water depth and 720 m diffuser zone.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility: Wastewater treatment level:

Primary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

345 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

1,400 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

As deepwater ocean outfall 3.8 km from shoreline – with 60 m approximate water depth and 763 m diffuser zone.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used locally on-site for industrial purposes.
Facility:

North Richmond

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

N/A

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

1.2 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

11.2 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Hawkesbury-Nepean River via Redbank Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility: Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

24.7 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

238 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess designed to be discharged via Boundary Creek to Hawkesbury-Nepean River.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used locally on-site for industrial purposes. Also supplied to and used at Penrith City Council parks and sports fields.

Remaining recycled water transferred to St Marys Advanced Water Treatment Plant.
Facility:

Picton

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

2.5 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

15 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Precautionary treated wastewater and wet weather overflows discharged to Stonequarry Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used on-site for agricultural irrigation.
Facility:

Port Kembla2,3

 Wastewater treatment level:

Primary

 Recovered resources:

N/A

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

Refer to Wollongong

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Red Point headland during wet weather.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Quakers Hill

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

41.26 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

281.2 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess discharged via Breakfast Creek to Eastern Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to and used at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.
Facility:

Richmond

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

1.5 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

20.1 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess discharged to Rickabys Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to and used at University of Western Sydney (Hawkesbury Campus) and Richmond Golf Club.

Also used to irrigate our Eucalyptus plantation next to the facility (used by Taronga Zoo).
Facility:

Riverstone

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

15.4 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

104 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

South Creek via Eastern Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility: Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

19.83 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

151 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess discharged to Second Ponds Creek via wetlands to Cattai Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used locally on-site for industrial purposes. 

Also supplied to homes and businesses in Rouse Hill area for non‑drinking use.
Facility:

Shellharbour

 Wastewater treatment level:

Secondary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

19.64 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

170 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Discharged via an offshore outfall 130 m from Barrack Point with a diffuser zone.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility: Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

29.56 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

250 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess discharged to South Creek via an unnamed creek.

 

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used locally on-site for industrial purposes.

Also supplied to and used at Dunheved Golf Club.

Any remaining recycled water transferred to St Marys Advanced Water Treatment Plant.
Facility:

St Marys Advanced Water Treatment Plant5

 Wastewater treatment level:

Advanced tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

50 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

55 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Environmental flows discharged to Boundary Creek under the Western Sydney Replacement Flows Recycled Water Scheme.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Facility receives tertiary treated recycled water from St Marys, Quakers Hill and Penrith to produce highly treated advanced tertiary recycled water.
Facility:

Wallacia

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

1 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

15 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Discharged to Hawkesbury-Nepean River via Warragamba River.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Warriewood

 Wastewater treatment level:

Secondary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

Renewable energy

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

17.43 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

125 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Discharged at Turimetta Head via ocean outfall.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

West Camden

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

21.82 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

120 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess discharged to Hawkesbury-Nepean River via Matahill Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Supplied to and used at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Glendon Brae Pastoral Company and A Smart Farmer.

Also supplied to and used at Camden Council sports fields.
Facility:

West Hornsby

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

12.0 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

154.3 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Berowra Creek via Waitara Creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility:

Winmalee

 Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

18 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

330 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Hawkesbury-Nepean River via an unnamed creek.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

N/A
Facility: Wastewater treatment level:

Tertiary and Advanced tertiary

 Recovered resources:

Recycled water

Biosolids

 Avg. dry weather discharge of treated wastewater to waterway:

36.27 ML/day

 EPL waterways discharge volume limit1:

320 ML/day

 Treated wastewater – waterway discharge location:

Excess discharged at Coniston Beach as offshore ocean outfall.

 Recycled water – type of use, supply location, waterway discharge location:

Used locally on-site for industrial purposes.

Tertiary treated recycled water supplied to and used at Port Kembla Coal Terminal, Wollongong Golf Club and Wollongong City Council sports fields.

Advanced tertiary treated recycled water supplied to and used at BlueScope Steel.

Less than 1% of Sydney's wastewater is discharged to the ocean untreated, at Vaucluse, Diamond Bay and Diamond Bay South. The Refresh Vaucluse Diamond Bay project will ensure that all wastewater is treated at Bondi Water Resource Recovery Facility in the future.

  1. Discharge volume limit is specified in environment protection licence issued by NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
  2. Bellambi, Port Kembla and Fairfield facilities only receive flow during storm events.
  3. Port Kembla and Bellambi facilities are part of the Wollongong system.
  4. Fairfield, Glenfield and Liverpool facilities are part of the Malabar system.
  5. St Marys Advanced Water Treatment Plant is not in use while restoration work is being completed at Boundary Creek. Treated wastewater discharged during dry weather from Penrith and St Marys facilities is being diverted to an unnamed creek that flows to South Creek.