Since 1965 wastewater from Lobethal, Charleston, Woodside and Inverbrackie has been treated at the Bird in Hand wastewater treatment plant using a ten lagoon natural process.

In mid-2006 we committed to a plant upgrade to improve the quality of the treated wastewater. Currently, the plant releases the treated wastewater into Dawesley Creek in line with EPA guidelines. However, algae is a key part of the natural treatment process and consequently the released wastewater can appear green in colour with quantities of suspended algae.

As part of the project, SA Water is working with members of the local community to identify a project scope for the upgrade of the Bird in Hand WWTP. Groups represented in the forum include:

• Adelaide Hills Council
• District Council of Mount Barker
• Ranges to River Natural Resource Management Group
• Bremer-Barker Catchment Group
• Northern Bremer Catchment Group
• Brukunga Mine Site Remediation Board
• Kanmantoo-Callington Landcare Group
• Dawesley Creek Landcare Group and
• Local residents

At initial meetings the forum considered key issues that should drive the upgrade included the environment (including water quality impacts on Dawesley Creek), plant operation, amenity and the potential for reuse.

The forum will work through the following steps to identify the most appropriate solution to upgrade the plant:

• Establishment of environmental values for Dawesley Creek identification of water quality targets
• Wastewater treatment methodologies
• Project scope
• Review of possible upgrade options
• Review of preferred upgrade option
• On-site upgrade construction

A four-year timeframe has been established for project completion to enable the most appropriate solution to be identified and necessary approvals obtained.

It is anticipated the entire upgrade project will be completed by late 2010.

For more information call the SA Water Customer Contact Centre on 1800 812 362.