Recycled Water
The supply of recycled water for suitable applications in the Cairns area is an exciting new initiative of Cairns Regional Council. Recycled water is a largely untapped resource in our region that can be used in place of drinking water for a range of specific uses.
Recycled water is treated wastewater sourced from a wastewater treatment plant. The source of recycled water is wastewater that has already been used in homes and businesses for showers, toilets, laundry, kitchen and industrial uses.
The Cleaner Seas initiative is a $188 million project that will involve the upgrade of 4 major wastewater treatment plants in Cairns, bringing significant benefits to the local environment and the Great Barrier Reef. The upgraded treatment plants will produce recycled water treated to the highest level for non-drinking purposes (Class A+ quality) in accordance with State and National water quality guidelines.
Recycling our water offers many benefits including:
- Reducing demand on supplies of drinking quality water by providing alternative water supplies;
- Improving the reliability of our water supplies;
- Reducing nutrient and contaminant loads entering our oceans and rivers.
Recycled water will be suppled to suitable customers for non-drinking uses such as water gardens, toilet flushing, washing of cars and boats and external surfaces.
Fact Sheets
If you live in a recycled water suburb, or are about to move into one, the following fact sheet is all about how to use it.
Links
Some websites with information on water recycling include:
Are you interested in using recycled water?
If you are interested in using recycled water or would simply like more information please contact Cairns Regional Council on (07) 4044 3044 or email council@cairns.qld.gov.au.
Future Recycled Water Projects
Cairns Regional Council is actively pursuing recycled water projects where it is practical and affordable.
Smithfield Village, Trinity Park
As part of the Smithfield Village residential development, a major new recycling project will provide Class A+ recycled water via dual reticulation to approximately 1000 new homes. The Smithfield Village recycled water scheme will provide recycled water for non potable uses such as toilet flushing and outdoor purposes. When the scheme is completed, recycled water is expected to reduce consumption of potable water by 130 million litres each year.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
The opportunity to supply recycled water to the Cairns Botanic Gardens has been identified as part of the planned upgrade of the Northern WWTP and redevelopment of the Gardens and surrounding precinct. The project will provide a sustainable, long term solution for irrigation and other non-potable water needs in the Gardens precinct. Cairns Regional Council Water & Waste is currently proceeding with the concept design phase for the Cairns Botanic Gardens recycled water scheme.
