Rouse Hill and Picton Reuse Schemes: innovative approaches to large-scale reuse

Abstract

Driven by concerns centred on the potential impacts of new development on the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, the management of effluent from Sewage Treatment Plants is a growing issue for regulators, communities and Sydney Water Corporation. Conventional users of recycled water such as golf courses, parks and on-site uses are making way for more innovative and sustainable approaches. Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant and the Picton Agricultural Reuse Schemes are two examples where Sydney Water has adopted a different approach to water recycling. With both schemes now in operation, demand for the product has surpassed expectations and has already begun to exceed current availability. Faced with the option of expanding the schemes in the near future, SWC is continuing to look for new ways of providing sustainable water services to the people of Sydney.

The role of satellite and decentralized strategies in water resources management

“…Today, more than 15,000 properties are connected to the reclaimed water system, while 10,000 more are expected to follow soon. This level of connections makes RHDA one of the largest residential areas in the world utilizing reclaimed water (Cooper, 2003).…”

Fluorescence monitoring for cross-connection detection in water reuse systems: Australian case studies

“…Dual distribution (drinking and recycled water) systems within new Australian housing developments are a key component of municipal water management for the redistribution of recycled water back to the home for garden use and toilet flushing (Cooper 2003).…”

Analysis of Sydney’s recycled water schemes

“…However, the end uses of recycled water are limited as most households only utilize it for toilet flushing, garden watering and car washing [16]. Besides, due to no restrictions on the use of recycled water, households in Rouse Hill use significantly greater quantity of water than households without dual reticulation systems so that recycled water use efficiency has been kept low [17].…”