How will our water be recycled?

Toowoomba’s water – A critical situation

Toowoomba’s dams are down to 23%. Without significant rainfall the city will be relying on existing and new bores, plus temporary emergency supplies from late 2008.

Toowoomba currently obtains its water from three sources: bores, dams and rainwater. With our increasing population and unreliable rainfall, these sources will not sustain our city. We need to look at other ways of preserving this precious resource.

What is water recycling?

Water recycling in Toowoomba will involve speeding up the natural water cycle by treating our wastewater to the highest possible standard and then returning it to Cooby Dam.

Is recycled water safe?

Yes. The proposed recycling program in Toowoomba will produce water that is as safe as our current drinking water.

The 7 steps of Toowoomba’s water recycling process

Step 1 Wetalla Water Reclamation Plant - solid particles, biodegradable organic matter and most nitrogen and phosphorus are removed.
Step 2 Ultrafiltration - bacteria, protozoans (cryptosporidium, giardia) and small solid particles are removed.
Step 3 Reverse osmosis – small pollutants such as salts, chemicals, viruses and organic contaminants are removed.
Step 4 Ultraviolet disinfection – bacteria, viruses, micro-organisms are killed and organic chemicals broken down.
Step 5 Advanced oxidation – any remaining organic chemicals or contaminants are destroyed.
Step 6 Blending with Cooby Dam water – this six star purified water is mixed with water already in the dam.
Step 7 The dam’s water is then conventionally treated at Mt Kynoch Treatment Plant and distributed to residents.