Recycled water offset pilot heads to Croydon, first in Australia

A first of its kind recycled water offset scheme will head to Barngeong Reserve in Croydon to offset the use of potable water during a major infrastructure project.

Yarra Valley Water is working with major infrastructure delivery organizations to reduce the impact of potable water use in construction through a new water offset program. A pilot project is underway with a level crossing removal project in Melbourne’s east.

Water is essential for the realization of major infrastructure projects. Yarra Valley Water’s Recycled Water Community Asset Program provides a compensation scheme for major projects that do not have access to recycled water during construction.

The program offsets potable water used in construction through a scheme that allows construction organizations to fund new recycled water infrastructure elsewhere. The recycled water asset balances their drinking water footprint with a sustainable alternative supply and provides an ongoing benefit to communities.

As part of the programme, a level crossing removal project will provide 300m of new recycled water mains to feed Barngeong Reserve, Croydon. This will offset potable water used during the construction phase of the level crossing removal and provide a continuous new supply of recycled water for irrigation of local sports fields.

Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said the recycled water offset program was one of the first of its kind in Australia.

“Water plays a vital role in construction as it is used for dust suppression and irrigation for landscaping,” he said.

“While many businesses use recycled water from nearby hydrants and construction fill points, projects that are more than 10 kilometers away from a recycled water source face challenges. The logistics of transporting water often outweigh the benefits of purchasing recycled water due to increased emissions and costs.

“We offer a way to save drinking water by partnering with large infrastructure projects to invest in recycled water assets. This not only balances the potable water used during construction work, but also means that community spaces such as sports fields can be irrigated with a sustainable water supply on an ongoing basis.”

Recycled water is produced from wastewater treatment. It provides a safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to potable water to water gardens and green spaces, wash clothes and cars and flush toilets.

Maroondah Council Mayor Kylie Spears said the program was expected to save the council three million liters of drinking water a year on an ongoing basis.

“Recycled water keeps our green public spaces looking lovely and lush. Although not suitable for drinking, it is perfect for irrigating grass and trees in areas such as parks, sports facilities and golf courses,” he said.

“This project benefits Maroondah Council as it provides the local community with the use of the drought reserve.”

Steve Brown, program manager for the grade crossing removal project, said the water offset program reflects the grade crossing removal project’s commitment to environmental values.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. This innovative approach used throughout the construction of grade crossing removal projects allows us to reduce the impact on water use,” he said.

“Through this partnership, we are not only helping to offset water use for the Maroondah community, but also setting a water-saving precedent for future large-scale projects in the community.”