The facts about Water Reuse in the Alice

Is Recycled water safe?

Yes, when used appropriately. Recycled water is treated and purified wastewater. It is monitored to ensure it meets strict guidelines, which have been developed to protect public health and the environment.

Recycled water can be used in horticulture, agriculture, irrigation of playing fields and other open areas, and even non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and garden watering, depending on the class of water supplied.

The Alice Springs waste stabilisation ponds currently produces recycled water which is only suitable for restricted use. Through the Water Reuse in the Alice project, the treatment process will produce recycled water suitable for irrigation.

Does recycled water cause environmental problems?

All water reuse schemes and sites must have management plans that include ongoing monitoring systems and incident response procedures to ensure using recycled water has no adverse environmental effects.

Will the recycled water produce an odour?

The recycled water produced in Water Reuse in the Alice will have no odour after treatment. It will be difficult to see the difference between the recycled water and other water.

How will ‘Water Reuse in the Alice’ reduce mosquito breeding?

‘Water Reuse in the Alice’ will reduce flows into Ilparpa Swamp and St Mary’s Creek, and therefore reduce mosquito breeding areas.

Recycled water will be transported underground in a pipeline from the waste stabilisation ponds to the Arid Zone Research Institute. The soil aquifer treatment basins will undergo wetting and drying cycles so mosquitos won’t have sufficient time to complete a breeding cycle. The recycled water at the Arid Zone Research Institute will be stored underground, where mosquitoes will be unable to breed.

What are the benefits of Water Reuse in the Alice?

Water Reuse in the Alice will stop all dry weather overflows into Ilparpa Swamp that will help reduce mosquito numbers. It will also benefit the environment of the Ilparpa swamp by allowing it to revert to its natural state as an ephemeral swamp. It also means wise use of precious water resources in Alice Springs and paves the way for developing horticulture projects at the Arid Zone Research Institute.