Gippsland Water has upgraded a key piece of infrastructure at its Morwell wastewater treatment plant, installing a new high-speed aerator to improve treatment performance.
The upgrade also aims to reduce operating costs and increase operational flexibility.
The utility has replaced the plant’s existing 22kW aerator in the south basin with a new 37kW high-speed unit, designed to deliver oxygen more efficiently during the wastewater treatment process.
Aeration is a critical stage of wastewater treatment, supplying dissolved oxygen that enables naturally occurring micro-organisms to break down organic matter and nutrients before treated water is safely returned to the environment.
Gippsland Water Managing Director Sarah Cumming said the upgrade would improve treatment efficiency, particularly during periods of higher wastewater inflows.
“The new high-speed aerator will improve efficiency by delivering oxygen into the treatment process, helping maintain the conditions for micro-organisms that treat the wastewater,” Cumming said.
“The upgrade strengthens the plant’s ability to manage periods of higher inflow, while providing greater operational flexibility during maintenance activities.”
Cumming said the improved aeration system would also reduce reliance on chemical treatment and lower energy consumption, helping decrease operating costs.
“These improvements provide energy savings, which ultimately benefit our customers by putting further downward pressure on customer bills.”
