By Alesha Capone
A new water recycling plant in Werribee is providing Melbourne with an extra 140 megalitres of water per day – the equivalent of 56 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Construction recently finished on the $150 million nutrient removal plant (also known as a water recycling plant) at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant.
Western Treatment Plant manager Martin Bowles said although the site already has two nutrient removal plants, the new one is more energy efficient.
“The nutrient removal plant has been designed to minimise the carbon and energy consumed in treatment, enabling the Western Treatment Plant to continue to maximise renewable energy generation into the future,” Mr Bowles said.
“This project is an outstanding example of cutting-edge technology and design which will benefit both the community and the environment, helping to mitigate the energy use required to deliver safe water, remove and treat sewage, and manage the drainage and waterways across Melbourne.”
The new nutrient removal plant consists of four large tanks. The water it treats will be used to water parks and sports ovals, and to irrigate land and crops.
Mr Bowles said the new plant would help Melbourne Water meet the needs of the city’s expanding population.
