Parkes Shire Council's new Recycled Water Scheme (RWS) is now complete, connecting irrigated open spaces around Parkes with high quality recycled water.
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The RWS strengthens Parkes' water security by providing an additional source of water for non-potable (non-drinking) use, while addressing recurring water shortages and building drought resilience.
Parkes Shire Council's Director of Infrastructure Andrew Francis spoke of the huge benefits the RWS has brought the Shire.
"The RWS reclaims 250 megalitres of wastewater a year, avoiding the release of the same volume of effluent to the environment, and saving 185ML drinking water that would otherwise be used for municipal irrigation.
"By implementing the RWS, Council is ensuring public green spaces can be maintained in prime condition - including during dry times - preserving amenity for residents and visitors," said Mr Francis.
The RWS now comprises 16 end user sites, 12 kilometres of pipeline, three pump stations, a reservoir and is fed by a resource-efficient, fit-for-purpose water recycling facility.
A list of the connected sites can be viewed via Council's website which include sporting ovals, recreational and green spaces.
While recycled water is safe for irrigation, it is not suitable for human consumption and residents are advised to avoid direct contact with sprinkler sprays.
Residents are reminded to take note of watering times identified on signage at these locations.
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Parkes Shire Council Infrastructure Technical Manager Julian Fyfe said sustainability was a key consideration from the project's conception, and Council have ensured that stringent targets were set and communicated with construction partners and contractors.
"The RWS achieves significant water and energy savings; substituting potable supply for public open space irrigation reduces demand on our potable supply, and by incorporating solar PV and operational scheduling we have kept energy consumption as low as possible," said Mr Fyfe.
"This new water source provides a local, climate resilient water source that is resource efficient and cheaper to operate.
"The new control system provides means that we can track and manage water consumption easily through the web portal.
"It also provides an easy way to identify leaks, as we can see water use remotely and in real time and compare it with scheduled access."
"Construction impacts on the natural environment were minimal. No habitat trees have had to be removed to enable any of the work.
"There was minimal creek disturbance and immediate revegetation of disturbed riparian areas," Fyfe continued.
The Recycled Water Rising Main (RWRM) project diverted over 90% of waste from landfill and beneficially reused 2480 tonnes of spoil generated from excavation works.
One of the main reuse destinations was a new garden at the Eastern town entrance, which is now irrigated with recycled water.
"We have also planted screening vegetation around the reservoir to preserve visual amenity for residents, as well as built a unique aboriginal cultural garden at Bushman's Hill as a project value-add," Mr Fyfe concluded.
The RWS formed part of on a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul of Council's urban water supply and wastewater schemes including a $100 million multi award-winning Integrated Water Infrastructure.