OzWater 2014 AWRCoE workshop – National recycling snapshot Greg Claydon Executive Director, Science & Planning Department of Water Perth, Western Australia 30 April 2014

1. State-wide water recycling in Western Australia Source: Water Corporation, 2014 Uses of recycled water (public supplies) 21 GL/yr recycled from public water supply in 2013 (13.6% of wastewater inflows) Source: Water Corporation, 2014 PLUS Substantial recycling from mine dewatering Figures within irrigation and industry (private supply) currently unknown.

2a Proposed actions to increase recycling by 2030 Reducing red tape Streamlined approvals process across agencies for proponents (Guideline for the approval of non-drinking water systems 2013). Partner researchers and industry to increase water recycling Eg. Investigating opportunities for MAR or direct use of recycled water in Kwinana Industrial area (CSIRO/AWRCoE/DoW/Industry research project); Work with developers and local councils through the land planning process to consider non-drinking water supply in urban areas; Consider cumulative impacts of mine dewatering. Target of 30% public water supply recycling by 2030 State Water Plan 2007, State Water Recycling Strategy Water Corporation: Water Forever – Towards climate resilience (2009); Water Forever – Whatever the weather (Recycling & Efficiency, 2013). Increased MAR and Groundwater Replenishment with recycled water - The next climate independent drinking water source for Perth.

2b Associated key drivers Drying/variable climate in the South-West of WA with reduced average rainfall (12% decline since 1990) Increased water demand –Growing population and increasing urbanisation –Growing resources sector (mining) –Groundwater becoming fully allocated in some areas Increased public awareness of the need to conserve our drinking water resources Improved public & private water sector competence

3. What are the 3 most significant gaps and barriers? (WA specific) Economic viability of recycled water schemes – lack of transparency/methodology on evaluation of costs, cost sharing, pricing and benefits Environmental & resource impacts of water recycling – lack of understanding, particularly for MAR and stormwater reuse, and cumulative impacts of mine dewatering Lack of other champions - like alternative water services providers and demonstration projects.

4. What aspects might benefit from national consistency? Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling (2006 and 2009) are too cumbersome for proponents? Methodologies to assess and evaluate viability of a recycled water scheme Consistent terminology related to recycled water Technical and operational requirements?

5. What would represent a likely staged process for optimal use of water recycling? Refresh national and state/territory policies for water recycling Increase collaboration across agencies and industry involved in the regulation of recycled water systems to provide consistent policy and guidance for an efficient approvals process Review the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling? Investigate and document opportunities (volumes, locations, suitable aquifers & resources, uses) for recycled water systems Build the business case and address the economic constraints (including methodologies for evaluation of costs, pricing, governance, etc) Encourage and support champions including alternative water service providers and demonstration projects.