Seqwater, Queensland, Australia – Reservoir augmentation scheme available for use under drought plan

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme is located in South East Queensland, Australia. The scheme is managed by Seqwater and was constructed in response to the Millennium Drought to support population growth, climate change and severe drought and is a part of the SEQ Water Grid.

Maintaining a diverse mix of bulk water sources, inclusive of climate-independent sources, is key to addressing water security challenges. In addition to the Gold Coast Desalination Plant, the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme is an important climate-resilient drought response measure and can be considered should SEQ Water Grid storage levels fall below 40%.

The scheme includes three advanced water treatment plants at Bundamba, Luggage Point and Gibson Island, which draw water from six existing wastewater treatment plants in the region. When fully operational the scheme can produce up to 162 million litres (42 million gallons) per day, representing up to 10% of the current South East Queensland water supply system capability.

The purified recycled water can be used to replenish Lake Wivenhoe, blending it with rainwater already captured in the lake before it is once again treated at the Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plant. To date, it has not been used for drinking water. Seqwater currently supplies purified recycled water to industrial customers, mostly to support electricity production, and is examining further opportunities to utilise purified recycled water to supply to industry and agricultural customers to offset some drinking water demand.

To build customer and community understanding and acceptance of purified recycled water, Seqwater hosts site tours of their Luggage Point advanced water treatment plant to demonstrate the treatment process and importance of having climate-independent water sources, and has a range of educational resources on its website.

Purified Recycled Water | Seqwater

Seqwater explains: Purified Recycled Water – a water source option