Friday 9 March 2007

Alice Springs Water Reuse Project

Completion of Alice Springs’ Soil Aquifer Treatment System (SAT) is expected by September 2007.

The SAT pond construction is nearing completion, however, delays have been experienced in the construction of the Dissolved Air Flotation Unit – a critical component of the system.

Negotiations with the contractor for the project have been underway to determine an agreed finish date.

Given the contractual delays, the Power and Water Corporation has applied for an extension of its Waste Discharge Licence with the Environment Protection Agency.

It is likely that effluent overflows will be experienced during the coming winter months as has previously occurred. To minimise the impacts of these overflows, Power and Water will begin a program of planned releases to take advantage of the present high evaporation rates.

This is expected to reduce the overall quantity of water in Ilparpa Swamp during the winter period as well as address issues relating to mosquitos.

The water reuse project is a $10 million investment that aims to process sewage water in a filtration plant and store it underground.

Contact:
Tracie McPherson,
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
0401 117 599 or 8985 8481