Ian & Darryl give us the run down on recycling
Recycled water has become a big issue in Australia and just about everywhere else in the world. We all love the idea of using it for our gardens, for flushing toilets, for industry and lots of other uses. But why on earth can it often end up costing more to produce than normal tap water? Here, Ian Hammerton, Recycling Strategist and Darryl Lloyd, Recycled Water Development Manager from Sydney Water give us some straight answers.
Why is recycling a hot topic?
Well to be honest, it’s not a new topic. Sydney Water’s first recycling project – at Richmond Golf Course – happened way back in 1967. The greens are still looking bright, fresh and beautiful! Then in 2003, when the drought began in Sydney, water recycling suddenly became a hot topic. Throughout all this time, we’ve made great progress – and by 2015 about 12% of all water we supply will be recycled. That’s about 70 billion litres a year. And we aim to keep growing this figure.
Where does recycled water come from?
Generally speaking – most is actually ‘mined’ from the existing wastewater system, and then locally treated to the right standard using local recycling plants. Sydney Water runs many of these plants to supply industry and urban irrigators as well as residential housing developments like Rouse Hill. The private sector is also increasingly developing small scale plants for commercial buildings or golf courses.
Can’t we recycle all our water?
A lot of our water is for personal use – drinking and showering, for example. And that requires a far higher ‘grade’ of treatment. What a lot of people don’t know is that recycled water generally costs a lot more to produce. You have to have additional treatment and separate pipe system. A lot of energy is used in treating and pumping.
Who uses all the recycled water?
Industry accounts for 56% of usage. Companies like BlueScope steel, for example are big users of recycled water in the steel manufacturing process. Next comes recycled water for environmental use, which accounts for 28%. Then 8% for irrigation (golf courses, agriculture etc.) and 8% for residential developments.
Who pays for recycled water?
Recycled water users generally pay for the recycled water they use. But in some cases, there are broader community benefits that we all pay in water rates. That said, when the cost to the public and the environmental impact far outweighs the benefits, we generally won’t do it. It simply doesn’t add up in anyone’s favour.
Can’t I just use recycled water for everything?
Don’t forget that recycled water is different from drinking water. You don’t want to mix the two, as they are treated to different levels for different purposes. Newly built homes that do use recycled water have separate pipe systems to keep supplies separate. While the cost of two sets of pipes might stack up for new developments, it can be prohibitively expensive for established homes.
To watch a video of Darryl and Ian discussing recycled water, click here.
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Category: Expert Opinion, Recycled water
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