Sewer Mining
Wastewater can be sourced directly from pipes in the wastewater transfer system before it reaches the wastewater treatment plant. This is known as sewer mining. Appropriately treated, water from sewer mining can be used in industrial applications and to irrigate public open space.
Sewer mining requires wastewater to be treated in a stand-alone system. It is most economical where use is close to a wastewater treatment main. Care needs to be taken that enough wastewater remains in the main to enable the wastewater system to work.
Historically, groundwater has provided a safer and more cost effective alternative to sewer mining in the metropolitan area. The use of sewer mining in the study area is expected to be limited to areas where groundwater is not available.