Perth groundwater replenishment project gets go-ahead

Groundwater replenishment is an innovative concept where treated wastewater is further treated to drinking water standards and recharged into groundwater supplies. The water is then stored and taken out some time later for further treatment and supply to a drinking water system.The successful completion of the three-year Groundwater Replenishment Trial at the end of 2012 showed conclusively that it is a highly viable option to boost much needed drinking water supplies in Western Australia. The trial was endorsed by the regulators, Departments of Health, Water and Environmental Regulation (formerly Environment and Conservation).In August 2013, theState Governmentannounced that groundwater replenishment would become the next new climate independent water sourceto securePerth's drinking water supply.Pending approvals, the initial stage of Australia's first full-scale groundwater replenishment scheme will have the capacity to recharge 7 billion litres of recycled water annually, and is planned to begin recharging by mid 2016. The schemewill ultimately deliverup to28 billion litres per year by 2022.Before construction of the large scheme, including a new Advanced Water Recycling Plant can commence, there will be a formal environmental and health approvals process.We have submitted a proposal to the Environmental Protection Authority to determine the level of assessment for the scheme and this is nowopen for public commentto 26 August 2013.During this time, we will continue to operate the Trial's Advanced Water Recycling Plant and monitor the quality of recycled water to ensure it meets the required standards.

As at 19August 2013, 3.179 billion litres of recycled water has been recharged.

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• Groundwater Recharge