Recycled water in pipeline

A new water recycling facility and pipeline will soon be constructed in Bunbury in an effort to alleviate demand on the city’s groundwater supplies.

Water Minister Dave Kelly announced an $11.9 million investment by the State Government into Bunbury’s water infrastructure yesterday.

The Bunbury Water Resource Recovery Scheme will see the construction of a new water recycling facility and pipeline alongside the Bunbury Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dalyellup, to supply water for use on major infrastructure projects and irrigation of public open spaces.

“This initiative helps to address the impact climate change is having on our water supplies by ensuring the sustainability of the Yarragadee Aquifer and the future supply of potable water to homes in Bunbury,” Mr Kelly said.

“The fit-for-purpose, recycled water generated will provide a much needed water resource for industry and irrigation. It will deliver far-reaching benefits to the City of Bunbury community by greening the environment and improving liveability.”

The use of treated recycled water to meet Bunbury’s non-potable water requirements for infrastructure projects and irrigation will alleviate the need to use high quality potable water from the Yarragadee Aquifer, while reducing the amount of treated wastewater discharged out to sea.

The project is an initiative led by Aqwest, which will build and operate the new facility, and source water for the scheme from Water Corporation’s Bunbury Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This facility will join more than 80 other water recycling schemes in WA providing climate resilient, fit-for-purpose water to communities and industry.

“Already our local water supply is constrained, with a number of local parks going without reticulation,” Bunbury MLA Don Punch said. “So a project that will recycle water, protect our environment and allow for the watering of public open space to improve our suburbs is a fantastic outcome.”