When fully developed in 2010, Mawson Lakes - a new suburb in Adelaide's north - will cater for approximately 10,000 residents.  A major feature of the Mawson Lakes development is the innovative $16 million water recycling system which complements the normal mains water supply. Recycled water is water derived from sewerage systems and treated to a standard which is satisfactory for its intended use.

 

Eventually, recycled water will be delivered to about 4000 homes in the area and save about 800 megalitres of mains water being drawn from the River Murray each year.

 

The system distributes a mixture of highly treated wastewater from SA Water's Bolivar wastewater treatment plant and stormwater harvested in Salisbury that has been cleansed and treated through a series of engineered wetlands.

 

Residents are now using recycled water for toilet flushing, watering the garden and washing the car. The recycled water is also being used for irrigation of public parks and reserves. Recyled water is delivered via clearly distinguishable purple coloured pipes, mains, meters and taps.

 

The project consists of a below ground pumping station at Bolivar, a gas chlorination station, approximately 12 km of pumping mains, a 2.6 megalitre concrete tank and a pump station at Greenfields to transfer the recycled water to the Mawson Lakes reticulation network. 

 

The project is  benefiting the environment by helping to reduce the load of stormwater and wastewater pollutants going to the local marine environment.

 

If you are a Mawson Lakes resident, please click here to find out more about recycled water.