Studying sewage in the community

More than 400 people attended the open day of Australia’s largest wastewater treatment plant on Sunday 18 August 2024, to learn about the science behind sewage.

Melbourne Water hosted the STEMtastic Community Day at Western Treatment Plant (WTP) as part of National Science Week (11-18 August)

Melbourne Water’s Manager of Water Literacy, Mel Cordy, said that people were able to learn about the science of turning wastewater into clean, recycled water, which can then be used for farming and other non-drinking uses.

“Recycled water plays a significant role in dealing with the impacts of a growing population and climate change,” she said. “It reduces pressure on our precious drinking water supplies and supports a range of industries, particularly agriculture.”

Visitors were taken on bus tours of lagoons containing millions of micro-organisms that clean Melbourne’s wastewater and learned how methane is captured and converted to energy to power the plant. A hands-on native grass planting activity allowed people to contribute to improving the grasslands on-site.

Kris Coventry, Head of WTP and a chemical engineer, said National Science Week had been an opportunity to understand scientists’ vital role in managing water in Melbourne and beyond.

“Most people don’t realise we operate the largest water treatment plant in Australia, equivalent to the size of Phillip Island, and that more than half of Melbourne’s sewage ends up there every day,” Dr Coventry said.

Despite popular understanding, sewage refers to all wastewater discharged from showers, kitchens, toilets, and commercial premises.

Dr Coventry said the theme of National Science Week, Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability, was also a chance to talk about how Melbourne Water scientists are working to enhance biodiversity, exemplified by the wetlands at WTP.

“The 550 million litres of water we process daily at the Western Treatment Plant has created a vast wetland that rivals Kakadu for birdwatching.

“The wetland is home to an array of birds and animals, many of them endangered, including the orange-bellied parrot,” he said.

Dr Coventry said scientists are essential in keeping Melbourne’s waterways healthy and preparing for the future.

“From providing clean drinking water, treating sewage, working within our community to reduce flood risk, and keeping all 25,000km of Melbourne’s waterways healthy, we manage all parts of the water cycle,” Dr Coventry said.

Image: Melbourne Water