Ipswich City Council

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Our Recycled Water Services

Ipswich Water is developing a number of supply zones in which our non-residential customers will be able to access reticulated recycled water as a first choice where it is technically and economically feasible.

Details on our proposed recycled water supply zones and the management of reticulated recycled water services will be provided here shortly.

Currently, Ipswich Water offers tankered recycled water supply to approved water carriers from tanker filling stations at Bundamba and Rosewood Wastewater Centres.

Recycled Water Benefits

Given the climate of our great country, we constantly face pressures to ensure a sustainable way of life. Australia is the driest continent on earth, so it is crucial we reduce demand on our precious water reserves.

Apparent climate change and booming economic development in our city have highlighted the limitations of conventional water supplies and the need to diversify our bulk water sources. Recycled water presents an alternative supply option that is abundant, sustainable and relatively untapped within our region.

Recycled water is a vital resource for sustainability.

Maximizing the use of recycled water can:

Reduce dependency on imported water
Provide a means of maintaining our high-value open space
Provide a dependable, drought-proof, locally-controlled water supply
Allow continued economic vitality for the region
Preserve waterways by reducing freshwater discharge to the environment

Our Recycled Water Policy

It is the policy of Ipswich City Council to maximise the use of recycled water where it is ‘fit for purpose'. In embracing the efficient concept of ‘fitness for purpose', Ipswich Water aims to avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment.

Recycled water shall be considered the supply of first choice wherever its use is technically and economically feasible. Where recycled water is available, the use of potable water for purposes suited to recycled water shall be considered contrary to Council policy and will be avoided to the maximum extent possible.

The system of recycled water supply and management (including the assessment of acceptable uses) will be consistent with the requirements of regulatory agencies for the protection of community and environmental health.

All recycled water use within Ipswich must be carried out in accordance with a compliant Recycled Water Management Plan that demonstrates how the user will reduce any recycling risks to community and environmental health to an acceptable level.

The determination of ‘fitness for purpose' and appropriate hazard controls shall be based on a risk assessment methodology and will observe any uses prohibited by regulatory authorities or Ipswich Water.

Where prioritisation of supply is necessary, Ipswich Water will favour industrial, commercial and high-value open space demands over other demands that offer lesser social value and potable offsets.

Recycled Water Uses

Detailed recycled water management information in our
Recycled Water Tankered Supply - Policy, Terms and Conditions (PDF, 206 kb)

Last Updated 1 Jul 2008 |

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