Tony Farror Department for Health and Ageing THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN GUIDELINES FOR WATER RECYCLING SOUTH AUSTRALIAN APPROACH Tony Farror Department for Health and Ageing

Wastewater Management Section at DHA tasked with introducing the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling for all Community Wastewater Management Schemes in SA

Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling-Risk Management Approach Summary: Identifying and managing water recycling risks in a proactive way rather than simply reacting when problems arise. Identify hazards (What might happen and how) Estimate the likelihood of an event happening and its consequences ( how likely is it something will happen and how serious will it be if it does?) Identify preventative control measures and establish monitoring programs Verification that the system produces recycled water that is “fit for purpose”

Community Wastewater Management Systems Originally “ common effluent” or STED schemes Collection, treatment and disposal/ recycling of treated wastewater

Effluent lagoons or treatment plant Pump station

systems first installed in 1966 Design life was thought to be 30 years but still going strong Operate throughout the state in all conditions connections to SA Water sewer network in several cities including suburban Adelaide Many systems (>60 %) now incorporate a recycled component. Some cannot due to high salinity levels. Designed using the “CWMS Guidelines” 13/04/2018

SA Health Northern/ outback areas 23 schemes Community Wastewater Management Systems Presently: 175 council operated schemes 10 private schemes >60 % reuse Central / south east areas 162 schemes SA Health

Suburban STEDS Areas

Guideline Implementation Requirement for Department for Health and Ageing. Each entity to produce a risk management plan and operate the system in accordance with that document. 1 per scheme Reporting requirements

Two methodologies for compliance with criteria Treatment systems- Water quality Onsite controls to reduce risks by reducing contact or ingestion

Targets To produce at least 1 log of virus reduction by treatment Lagooning /mechanical treatment Storage To provide another 4 log reduction of virus by means of onsite controls. Setbacks Dry before use Spray drift control

5, 3.5, 4

Treatment systems 1 log virus reduction

Onsite controls = up to 4 log

EHOs and the national Guidelines Be aware of the risks presented by large wastewater systems and measures in place to reduce them Metro and country! Mawson lakes / GAP Apply your existing knowledge

Using your existing knowledge base - wastewater application HACCP – critical limit setting Risk Management plans Ct values Chlorination

5, 3.5, 4

Points to take home If you’re not already involved in this area, think about your community wastewater systems and the risks to public health You already know most of the stuff you require to assess them. It’s just another way of implementing it.

Questions?