Rouse Hill and Picton Reuse Schemes: innovative approaches to large-scale reuse

Driven by concerns centred on the potential impacts of new development on the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, the management of effluent from Sewage Treatment Plants is a growing issue for regulators, communities and Sydney Water Corporation. Conventional users of recycled water such as golf courses, parks and on-site uses are making way for more innovative and sustainable approaches. Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant and the Picton Agricultural Reuse Schemes are two examples where Sydney Water has adopted a different approach to water recycling. With both schemes now in operation, demand for the product has surpassed expectations and has already begun to exceed current availability. Faced with the option of expanding the schemes in the near future, SWC is continuing to look for new ways of providing sustainable water services to the people of Sydney.