31 March 2006

 

Inman River continues to benefit from new wastewater treatment plant

 

Victor Harbor’s $42 million state of the art wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and reuse scheme is now up and running.

 

Starting this weekend reuse water from the new plant will be used to enhance natural flows in the Inman River.  As agreed with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), this will be part of routine operations during the winter period.

 

SA Water’s Chief Executive Anne Howe said the new scheme not only delivers world class wastewater treatment, but also provides high quality water to improve the environment.

 

With the decommissioning of the old plant, discharge of treated wastewater with high levels of nutrients has now ceased.

 

“We’ve already had reports from local people who have started to see an improvement in the ecology of the Inman River,” Ms Howe said.

 

The new Victor Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant uses the latest membrane filtration technology to produce high quality ‘Class A’ treated wastewater suitable for unrestricted irrigation of agriculture, parks, sportsfields and enhancing environmental flows.

 

“This is good news for the local community and tourists alike, as increasing environmental flows ensures the good condition of the river.  SA Water will continue to monitor the river throughout the year.”

 

The plant has been delivered on behalf of the State Government and SA Water under a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) contract with United Utilities Victor Harbor.