Barwon Water is committed to achieving zero waste, including recycling more of the wastewater treated at our water reclamation plants. As part of this commitment, Barwon Water is maximising the use of recycled water to support agricultural production, tourism and regional prosperity for the Bellarine.
Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant upgrade
Barwon Water is upgrading its Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), allowing us to nearly double the amount of recycled water used on the Bellarine.
The project is funded by the Australian Government ($5.53m) through the National Water Grid Fund, the Victorian Government ($1.97m) and delivered in partnership with Barwon Water who will contribute the remainder of the funding. It will deliver certainty for local farmers and businesses, with a guaranteed high-quality water supply irrespective of seasonal conditions.
The funding means Barwon Water can build a reverse osmosis plant at the site to produce higher quality, fit-for-purpose recycled water.
The lower salinity recycled water can be used for a wider range of productive uses, which will unlock new agricultural, horticultural and tourism opportunities on the Bellarine; create additional jobs; help preserve the Bellarine Peninsula’s unique landscape and liveability; and reduce the reliance on using drinking water for agriculture.
The Recycled Water on the Bellarine project is helping us achieve our Strategy 2030 aim of recycling all the wastewater treated at our water reclamation plants.
It includes multiple stages:
- Stage 1 refers to the existing recycled water scheme on the Bellarine, which supplies on average 175 megalitres per year of Class C recycled water, for non-drinking purposes to agricultural customers, vineyards and a golf course.
- Stage 2 refers to the $2 million expansion of the existing recycled water scheme to reach agricultural and horticultural customers, including vineyards customers along Portarlington Road. Construction was completed in April 2022.
- Stage 3 refers to upgrading the Portarlington Water Reclamation Plant to provide 450 megalitres per year of higher quality, lower salinity, fit-for-purpose recycled water for high value agriculture and horticulture on the Bellarine.
See also:
Major works contract awarded for Bellarine recycled water project - Barwon Water
Recycled water to boost farming on Bellarine Peninsula (9 November 2021)
We are here to help. If you wish to discuss accessing recycled water in and around the Bellarine for your enterprise or property, please contact us.
