Water supply to Perth’s reservoirs (Taken from the Water Corporation’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme Source Development Plan for 2005 - 2050).
Click here to enlarge imageThe Western Corridor Recycled Water Project is a $1.7 billion effort that involves construction of three new advanced water treatment facilities with a combined capacity of over 200 megaliters per day (MLD) and 200 kilometers of pipeline to provide water to end users. The initial purpose of the project is to replace potable water with reuse water for industrial use at two large power plants (Swanbank and Tarong). At project build-out, reuse water will also supplement the water supply to Wivenhoe Dam, which is one of Queensland’s main drinking water reservoirs.
Effluent from six existing wastewater treatment plants will be conveyed to three new advanced water treatment plants for purification prior to use. Advanced technology is being incorporated into the design of these water treatment facilities to ensure good water quality. For example, the new 102 MLD plant located at Luggage Point is being designed by the Nandah Alliance (CH2M Hill, Laing O’Rourke, Hatch and Connell Wagner) to include microfiltration membranes, reverse osmosis membranes, and advanced oxidation with ultraviolet/hydrogen peroxide disinfection.
These treatment processes are state-of-the art for water reuse projects and provide multiple barriers to pathogens, organics and other contaminants commonly found in wastewater effluent. The processes also effectively reduce the water’s salt concentration to allow use in power plants, which demand lower dissolved solids for boiler feed and cooling water applications.
Recycled water will be supplied to the Swanbank Power Station in 2007 and to the Tarong Power Station and Wivenhoe Dam in 2008.
Gippsland Water Factory
The Gippsland Region is located in southeast Australia in the state of Victoria. Gippsland Water currently provides water to 130,000 people as well as numerous industries that use approximately 70% of the potable water produced. One of the largest industrial users in the region is Australian Paper. Gippsland Water, in alliance with CH2M Hill, Parsons Brinkerhoff and Transfield Services, is constructing the Gippsland Water Factory to reuse wastewater effluent at Australian Paper. When completed in 2008, this project will deliver 8 MLD of high-quality water to Australian Paper to offset potable demand.
Like the Western Corridor Recycle Project, the Gippsland Water Factory will incorporate advanced water treatment processes to ensure high-quality water for Australian Paper. Advanced treatment processes such as ultrafiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membranes will be provided in series to meet water quality goals.
An innovative visitor center will also be constructed at the treatment plant. Components of the visitor center will include displays on the water cycle, the advanced treatment processes provided at the plant and the benefits of sustainable water resources.
Author’s Note:
Larry Schimmoller is a professional engineer and senior project manager in CH2M Hill’s Denver, Colorado, USA, office. He also serves as its Global Technology Leader for Water Reuse. Contact: www.ch2mhill.com/ess