As water scarcity becomes a growing concern, recycled water and circular economy principles can help us get the most out of our most precious resource.
The circular economy offers many opportunities for the water sector. Adopting these approaches can boost the climate resilience of water supplies by reducing reliance on freshwater sources and minimise environmental impact by promoting resource efficiency and regeneration.
In its Circular economy framing document, the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) outlines three principles upon which the circular economy is based: designing out waste and pollution; keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible; and regenerating natural systems.
When it comes to opportunities to embody these principles through in water, WSAA identified the urban water cycle, secondary resource management, energy and carbon, and environmental outcomes as key focus areas.
Recycled water and resource and recovery facilities maximise the lifecycle of water and allow useful resources to be recovered and returned to the economy, and James Cumming Managing Director, John Cumming, highlighted that sustainable water treatment doesn’t have to come at the expense of performance or cost-effectiveness. Recycled water has the potential for widespread use, including industrial, agricultural and residential applications; but, it’s vital that this water is treated to the highest quality to preserve the environment.
When it comes to water quality, Mr Cumming said your choice of filter medium can make a significant difference in the quality and sustainability of the treatment process.
“[When selecting a filter medium, it’s important to] know the types of contaminants or targets you’re removing to and the regulatory limits you need to meet,” he said.
“Compared to alternatives like sand alone, filter coal enables higher filtration rates, longer filter runs and lower backwash frequencies – meaning less water and energy usage over time through a conventional water treatment plant, or desalination plant pre-treatment process.”
As electricity is responsible for the majority of water and wastewater facilities’ Scope 2 emissions, minimising energy consumption can both reduce the environmental impact and help asset owners cut costs.
“Australian Filter coal offers a low embodied energy product with a long service life – typically lasting 15–20 years in a filter bed if operated correctly,” Mr Cumming said.
“It’s cost-effective over its lifespan because it reduces operational costs in water treatment plants.”
James Cumming is the sole manufacturer of Australian Filter Coal, and sustainability is deeply embedded in its entire operations.
“We are continually investing in plant and equipment that is more energy efficient. We operate our plants almost exclusively at off peak and shoulder times to reduce the load on the grid,” Mr Cumming said.
“As a fourth-generation Australian family-owned and -operated business in Western Sydney, we approach sustainability with a long-term vision and strategy to minimise any negative environmental impact and maximise customer value.
“We manufacture our filter coal through careful selection of raw materials, consistent supply relationships and optimising a drying, crushing, screening and packaging plant in Western Sydney.
“We use is Australian black Coal that is sustainably sourced and mined, and our manufacturing process and inherent coal properties are unique in that there are no by-products created that aren’t used for environmentally friendly applications.”
Mr Cumming explained that in order to meet customers’ specific sizing needs, processing the coal inevitably creates undersized coal, which doesn’t fit within their specification, and “fines” that aren’t suitable for the water industry.
“Typically [that undersize coal] is burned for energy production in power plants because – whereas our coal has many inherent properties suitable for a wide range of industries, and isn’t used in any thermal power generation applications.
“Instead it’s used for glass colourisation and in iron foundries as a casting additive.”Circular economies are most successful when the loops are small and Mr Cumming encouraged utilities to source products locally.
“[Choosing] an Australian-made product minimises supply chain emissions associated with importing filter media from overseas,” he said.
“Customers can trace the origin and processing of the product, ensuring responsible sourcing and compliance with Australian environmental standards – and supporting local manufacturing strengthens regional economies and secures jobs,
“It also secures our water infrastructure that relies on our product. Local suppliers can offer technical advice and shorter lead times in an emergency.”
Mr Cumming said that by choosing Australian Filter Coal, industries can contribute to a more sustainable future.
“Australian-made filter coal offers a proven, high-quality solution that supports environmental goals while delivering reliable results,” he said
“We’re proud to continue our legacy as a local manufacturer contributing to sustainable water infrastructure in Australia and beyond.”
For more information, visit jamescumming.com.au
