Australia applies new technology to treat wastewater

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, has been a pioneer in using treated wastewater for daily use, with an estimated volume accounting for about 20% of the total water supply for the entire region.

The decision was made after local authorities announced the success of a three-year pilot program of the new technology.

Illustration photo. (Source: severntrentservices.com)

The new technology has been piloted at the Beenyup water treatment plant in the northern part of the city. All 62,300 water samples taken during the trial met all strict health and environmental standards.

Western Australia's Minister for Water, Terry Redman, said Perth residents would be provided with 7 billion cubic metres of water each year under the new water supply scheme, ensuring a stable supply in the future.

Perth's wastewater treatment program involves many stages, from the collection and storage of initially treated wastewater to purification and disinfection stages using measures such as ultraviolet light to produce the final product, which is directly drinkable water.

This clean water is then pumped directly into the aquifer and after several decades is naturally pushed back to the surface for people to use through regular taps thanks to the city-wide supply system.

This treatment process ensures that the wastewater is truly clean before being pumped into the groundwater to be recirculated, which can take about 30 years.

The success of the new technology is a step towards Perth's goal of zero shortages in its water supply.

“Groundwater replenishment will help ensure Perth’s water security during periods of low rainfall. It also provides a new water supply option for the city, helping to diversify towards the future, and supporting other measures such as seawater desalination,” Mr. Redman emphasized./.

According to (TTXVN) - VT