Aquarevo, one of Australia’s leading water-efficient communities, is set to become even greener with the recent awarding of a contract for a new water recycling facility in Lyndhurst, aimed at decreasing dependence on valuable drinking water.
Sonya Kilkenny, the Victorian Government Minister for Planning and Member for Carrum, officially announced that Hydroflux has secured the contract to design, construct, and operate the new Aquarevo Water Recycling Plant.
Utilizing innovative Australian technology, this plant will treat around 52 million liters of water annually to Class A standards for non-potable uses in each home within the Aquarevo estate, including toilet flushing, garden watering, and laundry.
The facility’s design will feature an organica food chain reactor, resembling a natural garden, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the residential area.
This energy-efficient treatment center will also house a greenhouse and offer the aesthetic and odor benefits of the organica process, with the capability to treat 207 kiloliters of wastewater daily—equivalent to the volume of an Olympic swimming pool in just 12 days.
Lara Olsen, Managing Director of South East Water, stated that Aquarevo exemplifies an effective integrated water management strategy that enhances water services while mitigating urbanization’s impact on water resources and local ecosystems.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Hydroflux to provide groundbreaking water treatment services to our customers, reducing reliance on traditional drinking water in Melbourne’s southeast,” Ms. Olsen remarked.
Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with the plant expected to be operational by late 2026.
Enhancing recycled water infrastructure and diversifying water sources is crucial for securing future water supplies, a primary goal outlined in the Government’s $56.6 million investment in the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
Aquarevo represents a partnership between South East Water and Villawood Properties to develop an urban housing project focused on water and energy efficiency.
Residents of Aquarevo benefit from three types of water delivered directly to their homes (drinking water, rainwater, and Class A recycled water), allowing them to reduce their reliance on drinking water by as much as 70%.
On average, homes in the Aquarevo estate consume 40% less drinking water than typical residences in the South East Water network, with some achieving reductions of around 60%.
Residents are also leveraging advanced digital solutions to better manage their water usage and bills, enabling them to decrease their reliance on drinking water through the effective use of recycled and rainwater.
The Aquarevo Water Recycling Plant will establish a new national standard, enhancing community engagement within the estate to promote beneficial water reuse practices.
Source :South East Water
