Barwon Water is trialling an innovative new technology to treat and recycle greywater inside buildings, reducing the need to use drinking water.
Victorian Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney, visited Gordon TAFE’s new demonstration installation to launch the $220,000 collaborative research project, which trials an advanced water saving technology never seen before in Victoria.
The demonstration installation at the Gordon TAFE in East Geelong features a greywater recycling unit operating in a purpose-built bathroom and laundry, allowing trade students to access the set-up for training, development and testing.
The technology, developed in the Netherlands by Hydraloop, can reduce water use by up to 40 per cent by taking greywater from showers and taps and treating it for use in toilets, washing machines, and gardens without ever leaving the building.
Hydraloop turns wastewater into a useful resource. It’s the first advanced greywater system available in Australia, designed to help homes and businesses save water and reduce bills.
Barwon Water is coordinating the trial that will see seven mixed-sized Hydraloop greywater recycling units used in a range of situations to determine its effectiveness, with three units to be installed at caravan parks along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road, including Australia’s first large-sized unit at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.
The project will be delivered by Intelligent Water Networks (IWN) project in partnership with Barwon Water, the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA), South East Water, and Greater Western Water – with the latter installing Victoria’s first in-home system to assess its viability in residential settings. Barwon Asset Solutions is also playing a key role, overseeing the installation, commissioning and maintenance of the Hydraloop units.
Barwon Water said that climate change, declining rainfall and population growth are putting increasing pressure on Victoria’s drinking water supplies.
In response, the Victorian Government and the state’s water authorities are joining forces to increase the use of alternative sources, such as recycled water and stormwater, to reduce pressure on drinking water supplies and waterways.
Victorian Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney, said that this trial shows Victoria’s water sector embracing new ideas and working with our TAFEs to build the technology needed for the future.”
“New ways to reuse the water from our sinks and showers will have positive impacts for all Victorians – every litre of water we can recycle is one less litre of water coming out of our waterways.”
All Victorians can play their part through water-saving habits at home, such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, washing with full loads, and not watering gardens in the heat of the day.
