Currently, only 6% of treated wastewater is recycled in the metropolitan area. By 2030 it is estimated that water recycling in Perth will exceed 30%. In the longer term, most of Perth’s wastewater can be recycled. This will require collaboration between the Water Corporation, State and local governments, business and industry.

Major advances in water recycling can be made through large scale recycling schemes such as:

• groundwater replenishment, where high quality recycled water is stored in groundwater for use in drinking water supplies;
• recycling to industry; and
• providing recycled water to irrigate public parks, gardens and for horticulture.

Recycling water at a household level still has a role to play, although the water savings made through individual recycling systems are relatively small. Water recycling at household and community levels is supported where risks to human or environmental health are carefully managed in accordance with national guidelines and local regulation.

 Continue to

• Work with the private sector and industry to use biosolids for beneficial uses, including agriculture
• Optimise operations of Kwinana Water Recycling Plant to supply recycled water to industry
• Monitor ocean discharges to ensure appropriate water quality to protect the environment

 Commit to

• Expanding the existing Kwinana Water Recycling Plant output by a further 3.6 gigalitres a year
• Working with land planning and development agencies to ensure that the Neerabup and East Rockingham Industrial Estates are reticulated to support the use of recycled water
• Reducing the use of potable scheme water in wastewater treatment plants to less than 10%
• Investing in co-generation to harvest more energy from wastewater treatment plant processes
• Identifying existing or proposed Water Corporation land that could be irrigated with recycled water and used for community, sporting and recreational activities
• Working with local government to irrigate more public parks and ovals with recycled water

 Explore

• Water quality and quantity parameters for returning recycled water to the environment
• Working with the WA Planning Commission and the Department of Planning to incorporate future wastewater infrastructure, recycling plants and pipeline corridors into strategic planning
• Working with the WA Planning Commission, the Department of Planning and the Department of Water to develop streamlined approval processes for alternative water supplies and recycled water
• Working with the Armadale Redevelopment Authority to identify the most appropriate non drinking water to supply the Wungong Urban Waters community (including design standards)