Water recycling project a winner

A water recycling facility located in Yarra Park, adjacent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), has won the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award at the Australian Water Association Awards (Victorian Branch).

The $24 million project was funded by Yarra Park manager Melbourne Cricket Club ($18m) and the Victorian Government ($6m) and is a cornerstone of the MCC’s long-term vision for the health and wellbeing of Yarra Park for all users.

More than 180 million litres of recycled water will be produced each year and re-used primarily as irrigation in Yarra Park and at nearby Punt Road Oval, as well as for cleaning and toilet flushing at the MCG. The scheme will reduce the MCC’s use of potable water by approximately 50%.

The water recycling facility re-uses sewage from the local sewer network and is one of the first of its type in Victoria built underground and out of view, ensuring it does not impact the amenity of the park.

“Development of a water recycling facility is a major initiative in our master plan for the long-term health and viability of Yarra Park,” said MCC CEO Stephen Gough. “It will also substantially reduce our reliability on potable water and increase the amenity for all park users.”

Tenix was commissioned to design and build the facility. Tenix developed a number of value-add engineering solutions and used 3D modelling to identify cost-saving opportunities prior to construction.

The judges were particularly impressed with this high-tech plant producing up to 600 kL of recycled water underground daily in such a small space and the novel approach to construction.

“The Yarra Park water recycling facility is a unique, high-profile ‘proof-of-concept’ example that will serve as a benchmark and focus of learning for the water industry, not just in Victoria but across Australia,” said Ross Taylor, Tenix CEO.

The recycled water treatment process consists of screening and grit removal, biological treatment of the sewage and chemical addition for phosphate removal, filtration via membrane bioreactor (MBR) and ultrafiltration membrane systems, and disinfection via ultraviolet and chlorination.

Construction commenced in May 2011 and was completed in October 2012, following a comprehensive testing regime to ensure the water quality meets EPA guidelines.