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The new $10.4 million Alice Springs Water Re-Use Project officially began operating this morning, with up to 600 megalitres of recycled water now flowing to the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) every year.

 

The Minister for Essential Service, Kon Vatskalis, said the project represents the first major recycled water program undertaken in Alice Springs.

 

“This project will reduce discharges from the Alice Springs wastewater stabilisation ponds into Ilparpa swamp, ensuring better conditions for surrounding residents with fewer weeds and mosquitoes in the area,” said Mr Vatskalis.

 

“The Territory Government initiated this project in 2003 to discharge effluent in an environmentally friendly way.

 

“Since then, a number of works have taken place to support the project including the construction of the Water Reclamation Plant and the 6.2 kilometre pipeline to the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI).”

 

The Minister said water stored in the wastewater stabilisation ponds will undergo treatment in a Dissolved Air Floatation plant before it’s pumped to AZRI. The reclaimed water will then be infiltrated through Soil Aquifer Treatment basins and stored in an underground aquifer before being used to irrigate horticultural projects.

 

“Some of the reclaimed water will also be supplied to Blatherskite Park to help irrigate the grounds,” said Mr Vatskalis.

 

“In a time when Australia is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, this is a safe and logical practice to ensure a reliable supply of recycled water for the development of horticultural and other non-potable uses.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact for media queries: Nikola Lekias 0438 323660

 

Related files:
Vatskalis280508WaterReclamationPlant.pdf ( 79.63 kb )