Coliban Water is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from landowners, farmers, vineyard operators and businesses with high water usage to access a sustainable recycled water supply from the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant.
The EOI period will run from Thursday 1 February to Thursday 29 February for those interested.
Coliban Water General Manager Operations, Julian Bull, said those within ten kilometres of the plant who are interested in a long-term recycled water supply should apply.
“This EOI will identify options for new partnerships within the community. We are committed to finding further sustainable end-use options to help meet the community’s long-term water needs.
“This is an exciting opportunity to connect to recycled water.”
Mr Bull said that recycled water is wastewater that is treated so it is safe to be sustainably re-used for many different purposes and is a highly reliable water source in a changing climate.
The Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant produces Class B and C recycled water, which can be used for irrigating farms, vineyards, golf courses, sports grounds and many other types of agricultural irrigation as outlined in the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victorian guideline for water recycling.
The expanded recycled water program is part of a suite of upgrades earmarked for the Castlemaine plant over the next five years, which include the construction of a new water reclamation facility and a new biosolids handling treatment facility at the site.
Mr Bull said the upgrades will ensure the plant can support the continued growth in population and help contribute to a circular economy.
“The aim of the EOI is to determine interest from prospective customers in accessing recycled water and to seek input from them on their requirements, including intended use, estimated volumes and quality.
“An increase in population means an increase in the volume of wastewater received by our plant. This means as we treat the wastewater, there will be more recycled water available in the future.”
Approximately 50mL of recycled water is already supplied to the Castlemaine Golf Club. Recycled water is also released into Campbells Creek as part of the plant’s EPA operating licence and this supports a platypus population in the waterway as well as other flora and fauna.
“We look forward to forming new partnerships with customers, and building on existing successful partnerships within the community,” Mr Bull said.