Improving recycled water quality on the Bellarine
Barwon Water is committed to achieving zero waste by 2030, including recycling 100 percent of the wastewater treated at our water reclamation plants. As part of this commitment, we’re maximising the use of recycled water to support agricultural production, tourism and regional prosperity for the Bellarine.
We’re continuing works to upgrade the Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) on Grassy Point Road.
The upgrade will involve constructing ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis infrastructure to produce fit-for-purpose recycled water at a significantly lower salinity level than the existing high salinity Class C water.
Work on the new treatment plant is scheduled to commence in mid-November 2024 and be completed in mid-2026 (weather dependent).
This new infrastructure will deliver certainty for local farmers and businesses, with a secure high-quality water supply irrespective of seasonal conditions.
The upgrade to the recycled water plant supports the Victorian Government’s Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy, which outlines ways to identify and develop a sustainable supply of water in Victoria's regions.
The project is supported by funding from the Australian and Victorian governments, delivered in partnership with Barwon Water.
Increasing access to recycled water on the Bellarine
We plan to supply 450 million litres of low salinity, fit-for-purpose recycled water per year to new and existing agricultural and horticultural customers, nearly doubling the amount of recycled water used on the Bellarine.
If you’re a farmer or grower on the Bellarine interested in accessing the recycled water to use for non-drinking purposes, we’re keen to hear from you.
Please express your interest by emailing info@barwonwater.vic.gov.au
Recycled water pipeline
We’ve extended the supply of Class C recycled water to additional agricultural and horticultural customers, including vineyards along Portarlington Road, from Scotchmans Road to Church Road.
Construction of the new pipeline was completed in April 2022.
