Recycled water proposal for growing Gracetown

West Australian
Wednesday 29/8/2007 Page: 16

WA is the on the verge of having its first town plumbed with recycled water with the State Government today calling for expressions of interest to build and operate such a system in the South-West coastal hideaway of Gracetown. Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said a recycled water system was part of the Government's plan to allow a sustainable expansion of Gracetown.

A range of wind, wave and solar energy options were also being considered to accommodate LandCorp's proposed 140-lot development, which would nearly double the size of the town. "The proposed recycled water system will be the first large-scale residential water system in the State that provides A-plus class recycled water directly into toilets and laundries of individual homes," Ms MacTiernan said.

The proposed system would provide non-drinking water for both the expansion and existing homes, which currently rely on rainwater tanks given there are no reticulated water or sewerage systems in town. Potable supplies would continue to be provided through rainwater tanks. Ms MacTiernan said the plan also involved the provision of a reticulated sewerage system, which would lead to the decommissioning of septic tanks and help restore the quality of groundwater in the area.

It is proposed the planned wastewater treatment plant be powered by a wind turbine. LandCorp estimates the recycled water system and associated wastewater system could cost $11 million to $15 million. Expressions of interest close on October 2.

Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Steve Harrison said the local government was interested in building and operating such a system. Cr Harrison said he believed the water recycling system was the way of the future and it compared favourably economically with the major headworks charges for traditional water and wastewater systems. Cr Harrison said the shire was also working with developer Aspen to introduce a similar water recycling system in Witchcliffe, south-east of Gracetown, which is expected to grow from about 40 homes to 800 in coming years.

Gracetown Progress Association vice-president John James said while some residents were concerned about being wastewater guinea pigs, most were keen to be involved in sustainable technology, particularly given other water options for the town were limited.