NSW using recycled water for playing fields ...

Excerpt from the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader:

Funds to recycle sewage

7 February 2008

The State Government has offered Sutherland Shire Council $881,000 to pipe recycled sewage from the Cronulla treatment plant to sporting facilities, where it would be used for irrigation.

The Cronulla Woolooware Wastewater Project would use the "treated recycled sewerage effluent" to water playing fields at Cronulla High School and golf course, Woolooware High School and golf course, Toyota Park, Solander playing fields, Jenola hockey fields, John Dwyer and Woolooware ovals and other sites.

Early estimates put the cost of the project at more than $1.5 million.

A report to the council's finance committee said council staff would report to council on options to fund the $630,000 shortfall.

A council spokeswoman said land suitability studies were under way on the areas earmarked to receive recycled water.

"We have also called a tender for the design of the infrastructure," she said.

"Until this design is finalised the total cost of the project and the predicted shortfall cannot be determined.

"Council is currently completing the business case for the project which will require that organisations using the water contribute to the cost.

"The project will be structured to ensure that ratepayers do not subsidise water usage by other organisations."

The report said the project was expected to reduce water usage and costs and make playing fields safer by improving the turf coverage.

The money was allocated under the second round of the government's water savings fund.

See - NSW - recycled water for playing fields.