Townsville - the latest model for recycled water reuse ...

... an excellent example of reuse for non-drinking purposes.

Excerpt from the Townsville Bulletin:

Water recycle plant turns on

By Jessica Johnston
6 September 2006

Townsville is on track to become regional Australia's greatest water recycler after a multi-million dollar waste water treatment plant was opened on Magnetic Island yesterday.

The $9.5 million Horseshoe Bay plant was the first step in reaching an ambitious council plan – to recycle 90 per cent of Townsville's waste water by 2010.

About $100 million will be spent over three years upgrading the city's waste water infrastructure, which would make Townsville the nation's regional leader in water recycling.

Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney and Townsville MP Mike Reynolds opened the plant yesterday.

"This is the first major project to be completed as part of the council's plan to establish regional Australia's biggest water recycling scheme in Townsville," Cr Mooney said.

"This new facility provides good environmental outcomes by reusing waste water and conserving valuable town water supplies."

The state-of-the art treatment plant, coupled with the Picnic Bay facility, would see island residents preserve 250 megalitres of fresh drinking water every year.

The plant will produce an average of 700 kilolitres of recycled water a day, which will be used to irrigate the Magnetic Island Sports and Recreation Club and a recently planted rainforest park.

The Horseshoe Bay Rural Fire Brigade will also have a dedicated supply of the recycled water linked to the fire station.

The smaller Picnic Bay facility is already used to irrigate the island's golf course.

Cr Mooney said the plant would prevent waste water being discharged into the bay, saving the world heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

See - Townsville - the next model city for recycled water reuse for non-drinking purposes.