- Published:
- Sunday 20 March 2016
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville has marked the completion of the Water Reclamation Plant upgrade at Colac, which will help the town attract more industries – supporting economic growth and job creation in the region.
The $9.75 million upgrade will see the place produce Class C recycled water that will help reduce demand on Colac’s water supplies.
Class C recycled water can be used for a range of purposes such as irrigating crops, watering sporting grounds, open public spaces and golf courses, and for some industrial uses.
The upgrade included the construction of two covered 12 million litre lagoons, a pump station and pipeline.
Biogas is given off during the treatment process and trapped in the covered lagoons. Barwon Water is investigating beneficial reuse options for this resource once the lagoons are producing consistent gas volumes.
The Reclamation Plant upgrade will be complemented by the connection of Colac to Geelong’s water supply system by mid next year.
This connection will improve security of supply for Colac, which is currently reliant on rainfall in its storage catchments and is therefore susceptible to drops in water storage levels.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change & Water Lisa Neville
“It’s great to see the upgrade of the Colac Reclamation Plant, another water project that supports local and regional economic growth and jobs.”
“The upgrade is also a plus for the local environment as it provides opportunities for using recycled water to reduce demand on potable supplies and also produces a biogas resource that could be put to use in the future.”
“We are providing investment in Colac’s water supplies and treatment that will serve the community well and also connect Colac to the Victorian water grid – which includes the Melbourne-Geelong interconnector and the Victorian desalination plant.”
Quotes attributable to Barwon Water Managing Director Joe Adamski
“The upgrade will ensure Barwon Water can continue to provide safe and effective sewage treatment as Colac continues to grow.”
“It will support the growth of existing industries and encourage new development in the city. Barwon Water looks forward to working with industry to support new opportunities within the Colac district.”